What is Indian Visa On Arrival?
With a view to promote tourism in India, the Government of India has dubbed the new Indian Visa as TVOA (Travel Visa On Arrival). This Visa allows citizen of 180 countries to apply only for the Visa to India. This visa was initially started for tourists and later extended to business visitors and medical visitors to India. Indian travel application is changed frequently and can be tricky, so the most trusted way is to apply online at Online Indian Visa.
If you are planning a visit to India, then you need to be aware of all the India Visa Eligibility Requirements that apply to you and Indian Immigration policy changes that apply to you. There were major changes made to the Immigration and Visa Policy of India in 2019. India Visa on Arrival was in place until 2019 for the citizens of 75 countries. The recent changes made by the Indian Immigration now have made the India Visa On Arrival redundant. This has been superseded by electronic Online Indian Visa or Indian e-Visa. We will use the words “new India Visa On Arrival” in this post to provide guidance on this matter.
It was difficult of travellers to India to visit local embassy, sending physical courier of your passport and waiting for stamping on your passport. This old process is now replaced with Indian Visa Online which can be filed online using your smart phone, tablet or desktop using the Indian Visa Application Form. This new system is called E-Visa India which has sub-categories like eTourist India Visa, eBusiness India Visa and eMedical India Visa.
Who can take advantage of new India Visa On Arrival?
Those travellers to India who are planning to come for no longer than 180 days per trip can take advantage of this. Also, the intention of travel must be either for tourism, recreation, business or medical related. If you planning to come for longer than 180 days / 6 months, or for work/employment then you should apply for a different India Visa. You can refer to the different Indian Visa Types for more details.
How to Apply for the new Indian Visa On Arrival?
The process to Apply for Indian Visa is completely online. The applicants need to file an online application form, make payment using card, wallet, Paypal or other methods available depending on your country of residence. Based on the type of your visa and duration of visa requested you have to upload additional documents. This process is described in the Indian Visa Application Process.
What are the preconditions of the new India Visa On Arrival?
The following are the pre-conditions of applying for an Indian Online Visa (eVisa India).
- Passport validity for 6 months. The date on which you land in India, from that date, your passport should be valid for 6 months. For example, if you land India on the 1st of January 2021, your passport should be valid until 1st July 2020. It should not expire prior to 1st July 2020.
- Photograph of your face.
- Photo or Scan Copy of your Passport
- A reference in India and a reference your home country
- A valid email address
- A payment method like paypal, debit card or credit card.
How long does it take to get Indian Visa On Arrival?
India Visa On Arrival, or the eVisa India is available for most circumstances within 72-96 hours or 4 days. It can take up to 7 days in certain circumstances.
Can I get India Visa On Arrival at the Airport?
No, you have to apply for Indian Visa Online using the India Visa Application Form. There is no paper equivalent for this Indian eVisa.
What does this mean for Travellers to India?
For travellers to India, this India Visa Online presents extreme comfort because:
- There is no requirement to get any documents attested
- Or notarised
- No need to visit Indian embassy or Indian high commission in person
- No need to courier passport
- No requirement to get physical paper stamp
- No in person interview for Visa
- Process is completed in 3 to 4 business days
- Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) is delivered by Email.
Can I Enter from anywhere on this new India Visa On Arrival?
No, there are standard set of airports and seaport from where the entry is allowed on eVisa India (India Visa Online). These entry ports are mentioned in the list of Indian eVisa Authorised Ports of Entry.
If I am not leaving airport, do I still need an Indian Visa On Arrival?
No, if you are planning to stay on the airport for transfer or layover, then you do not require an Indian Visa Online or eVisa India.
How long in advance can I apply for an Indian Visa?
You can apply for an Indian Visa if you journey is within the next 365 days.
I have more questions regarding Indian Visa, how can I get the answers to them?
If you have more doubts and questions regarding your visit to India and other questions, then you can use the Contact Us form and get in touch with our help desk.
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your India eVisa.
United States citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Spanish citizens, French citizens, German citizens, Israeli citizens and Australian citizens can apply online for India eVisa.
Please apply for a India Visa 4-7 days in advance of your flight.