Who is Eligible for the India Emergency Visa?

An emergency visa is a special visa issued by the Government of India to foreign nationals who need to travel to the country due to an emergency. It could be due to a close family member’s death or serious illness.

Read on to learn more about the Indian emergency visa services in the guide below.

Types of Emergency Visas

There are two types of emergency visas for India:

1. e Emergency X Misc Visa: It is available to Afghan nationals only on the e-Visa portal of the Government of India.
2. Emergency Visa: It can be applied by nationals of visa-eligible countries at the authorized India visa center in cases of genuine family emergencies.

Applicants are advised to contact the Indian embassy to learn about the emergency documents that will be required.

India e-Emergency X-Misc Visa: Why was it Implemented?

Due to the ongoing military conflict in Afghanistan, the Indian government has implemented a new visa category specifically for Afghan citizens seeking to enter India. This visa, known as the India e-Emergency X-Misc visa, is a special entry permit for Afghan travelers needing to evacuate their country urgently.

It grants holders a maximum stay of six months within India. While this visa does not authorize employment or confer Indian citizenship, it provides a viable option for Afghan citizens seeking temporary refuge amidst the current crisis.

Who is Eligible for the Emergency X Misc e-Visa?

It is only available to Afghan nationals on the India e-Visa portal. Afghan applicants must pay attention to the following:

1) Reason: Emergency Travel to India

2) Photo: Applicant’s recent colored photograph (dimensions 2in X 2in) size less than 1MB

2) Passport: Copy of Passport page containing personal particulars

3) Proof of Identity: National ID Card (Tazkira)

4) Residence: Any Proof of Residence in Afghanistan

5) Employment details: Any Proof of Occupation

6) Duration: 6 months

7) Entry: Double

Please note that each application requires the name, phone number, and address of one reference person in India and one in Afghanistan.

Photo Specifications

Applicants must provide the image in the following format:

• Format: JPEG
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB. The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height). A recent front-facing photograph with a white background is to be uploaded by the applicant.
• Do not crop the passport image to use it as your recent photograph. Upload a clear front-facing photograph with preferably a white/light-colored background.

Remember, the application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded photographs are unclear and per specification.

Important Information for Afghan Nationals

1. Cancellation of Physical Visas: All physical (regular)visas issued to Afghan nationals who have not yet traveled to India are now invalid. They can only apply for the e-Visa for emergency purposes.
2. Registration Requirements: Afghan nationals traveling to India on the new e-Emergency X-Misc Visa must register with the FRRO/FRO within seven days of arrival. If they relocate from their registered address, they must also register with the FRRO/FRO at their new location.
3. Boarding Restrictions: Only Afghan nationals holding Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for e-Emergency X-Misc visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) are permitted to board flights bound for India.
4. Exemption for Certain Visa Holders: Afghan nationals who were granted Long Term Visas (LTVs) in India and subsequently traveled to Afghanistan or another country on the basis of a return visa issued by FRRO are exempt from the new visa requirement.

Regular Emergency Visa

A regular emergency visa (not the Emergency X-Misc visa) is granted to citizens of visa-eligible countries in cases of emergencies. Applicants must provide supporting documentation. They must also pay an emergency service fee.

 Emergency Criteria

 It’s given only for urgent situations like:

• a family member’s death 
• a serious illness

Emergency Proof

Applicants will need to show proof like:

• death certificate 
• hospital certificate

Who is not Eligible

People from Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Iraq cannot apply for an emergency visa to India.

Application Process

Applicants from the visa-eligible countries can call an emergency helpline number of their local Indian embassy (weekends included). They can also email the nearest Indian embassy to set an appointment. They can apply on any day, including weekends and public holidays. 

The processing time may range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the clearance of the urgent visa documents.

Documents Required

An emergency visa to India is processed at the designated visa center for different countries. The following documents are required:

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
• Two photos (50x50 mm).
• Completed online application form (printed). Sign it twice( below the photo and at the end). For kids, a parent can sign.

Minor’s Application

On behalf of child applicants, parents need to sign a "Consent Letter." If the child is under 16, then applicants must also bring:

• the parents’ marriage certificate
• the child’s birth certificate
• parents’ passport copies
• a custody order if parents are separated
• Proof of the emergency (death certificate or hospital certificate).
• The fee must only be paid in cash (varies from country to country). Applicants must check with the nearest embassy and must bring the exact amount.

Visa Refusal

Hiding facts or giving false information can lead to visa refusal. The Visa officer’s decision is final.  An emergency visa is granted for 6 months. An in-person visit to the Indian embassy is required to apply for an emergency visa.

Restrictions

For emergency visa applications, applicants must provide the necessary documents, but be aware that the embassy might ask for more paperwork. It’s best not to finalize travel plans until the visa is issued. 

e Emergency X-Misc Visa versus Emergency Visa

e Emergency X-Misc Visa is an electronic visa available only to Afghan nationals who need to travel to India due to an emergency. The emergency visa, on the other hand, is available to nationals of visa-eligible countries in cases of genuine family emergencies. 

Both are valid for 6 months. As India offers visa-on-arrival to only a few countries, the emergency visa is the only viable option in cases of a crisis.

Comparison between Emergency and Urgent e-Visa for India

An emergency e-visa for India is needed when unexpected events like death, sudden illness, or an urgent situation require an applicant’s immediate presence in the country. 

In contrast, an urgent e-Visa is used for quick travel to India for tourism, business, or medical reasons when an applicant can’t wait long for a visa.

Note: Natvisa.com doesn’t process emergency visas but will expedite India e-Visas for urgent needs.

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Conclusion

To apply for an e Emergency X Misc visa Afghan applicants must upload supporting documentation, and wait for the e-Visa to be processed.

Overall, India emergency visas are specifically designed to facilitate urgent travel to India for foreign nationals facing unforeseen circumstances, such as the critical illness or demise of a close family member. These visas are typically processed within 2-3 days and with a maximum stay of six months.