India has always been a sought out vacation spot for its diverse cultures, enticing landscapes, and exciting experiences. To make the entire experience of visiting India safer and more enjoyable, the country has put a few entry requirements in place. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Indian visa information for tourists.
Every traveler visiting India needs a valid visa. There are different types of visas available, depending on the purpose and duration of your trip.
What are tourist visas for India?
The most commonly applied for visa is the e-Tourist Visa (e-TV). It is generally used for short-term visits, including recreational, sightseeing, and casual business. This visa is available to citizens of certain countries, who must apply and pay fees at least four days prior to their intended arrival in India.
The e-Visa is valid for 30 days and can be easily extended or converted to a different type of visa, such as a student or work visa. There are several conditions to apply, including submitting your passport, passport photograph, and travel itinerary. Indian Visa Information for Tourists
How do I get a tourist visa for India?
The visa on arrival (VOA) is another popular option. It is available to citizens of certain countries who must apply and pay a fee at least two days prior to their intended arrival in India. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended. However, it cannot be converted to another type of visa.
For those staying for more than 30 days, the Tourist Visa (SV) is a better option. This visa can be applied for up to 180-days prior to arrival. There is no need to leave before the visa expires, as it can be easily extended up to three months before it expires. The applicant is required to upload a recent photograph, passport copy, proof of permanent address, and other supporting documents with the application.
What are the requirements for a tourist visa for India?
The visa process for travelers from certain countries have also been simplified due to bilateral agreements between India and those countries. Nationals of Japan, Singapore, Finland, and Luxembourg, for example, do not need a Visa to travel to India for any purpose for up to 90 days.
No matter the visa applied for, all travelers visiting India must meet a few basic requirements—having a valid passport for at least six months, a confirmed return ticket and proof of adequate funds for their stay. Staying safe during a visit to India is also important, meaning travelers should always pay attention to their personal safety, local laws, and any specific regulations that may be in place.
One of the most common issues with Indian visas, especially for those traveling for leisure and business, is extending them. There is no need to worry as the Government of India offers several options for travelers who are in need of an extension. Therefore, the following article will help explain in detail how to extend an Indian visa. How to extend Indian Visa
What are the benefits of a tourist visa for India?
The most common reasons why one needs to extend their stay in India is if they’ve stayed beyond the expiry date of their visa, are still awaiting the completion of their documentation to obtain a residence permit, or need to obtain an extension for an official or social visit. Therefore, the first step in extending one’s Indian visa is to contact the local FRRO or FRO office. These offices are responsible for handling all visa-related issues, including visa extensions. The regional office may then advise the applicate to mention the reason for the request and whereabouts they would like to extend their visa. It is important to note that the extension can only be issued if the request falls under the categories mentioned.
Once the application for extension has been received, the FRRO/FRO officer will initiate the paperwork for the application and then proceed with the extension process. Depending on the reason for the visa extension, there may or may not be a fee associated with the process. The Indian visa extension fee will depend on the duration of the extension and whether the traveler is an Indian passport holder or a foreign passport holder. It is advisable to obtain all relevant documents needed for the process as soon as possible, as the visa extension process may take up to 3-4 weeks.
What should you do if your tourist visa is denied or you cannot enter India?
In some cases, the Indian government may require for a medical report to be submitted for medical-related visa extension. This medical report needs to be filled out by a qualified medical professional, who will then submit the form to the local FRRO or FRO office. Once this is done, the visa extension process may be completed.
It is important to note that the visa may not be extended if the maximum permitted stay in India, as per rules of the Government of India, exceeds 180 days. In such cases, applicants will be required to leave India before the expiry of the visa. Additionally, the FRRO/FRO office reserves the right to to reject the request for visa extension without providing any reasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a visa extension in India is a straightforward process, provided all the necessary documents are presented in a timely manner. The FRRO/FRO offices are the best point of contact when needing an extension, as they will provide all the necessary advice and instructions. With that said, it is advised to plan ahead and obtain any supporting documents as soon as possible to ensure the process is completed without any delays.