E Tourist Visa India: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Travellers

Introduction

India, the land of diversity, attracts tourists from all around the world. It is a country blessed with rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty. However, visiting India requires a valid visa, and the process can be overwhelming for first-time travellers. This is where the E Tourist Visa India comes in. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about E Tourist Visa India.

What is E Tourist Visa India?

E Tourist Visa India is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign travellers to visit India for tourism purposes. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be availed twice a year. The visa is issued through an online portal and is linked to the traveller’s passport.

Eligibility Criteria for E Tourist Visa India

Foreign travellers who wish to apply for E Tourist Visa India must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

• The traveller’s primary purpose of visit should be tourism or recreation.
• The traveller’s passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
• The traveller should have a return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during their stay in India.
• The traveller should not have a residence or occupation in India.
• The traveller should not be of Pakistani origin or hold a Pakistani passport.

How to Apply for E Tourist Visa India?

Applying for E Tourist Visa India is a simple and hassle-free process. The following steps will guide you through the application process:

1. Visit the official Indian e-Visa website.
2. Select “Apply Online” and fill in the required details.
3. Upload a recent passport size photograph and a scanned copy of the passport’s first page.
4. Make the payment through a debit/credit card or internet banking.
5. Once the application is approved, the E Tourist Visa India will be sent to the email provided during the application process.

Documents Required for E Tourist Visa India

The following documents are required to apply for E Tourist Visa India:

• A scanned copy of the passport’s first page.
• A recent passport size photograph with white background.
• A return ticket or onward journey ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay in India.

Validity and Extension of E Tourist Visa India

E Tourist Visa India is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. The visa can be availed twice a year. However, the visa cannot be extended or converted into any other type of visa. In case the traveller wishes to stay in India for a longer duration, they need to apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy or consulate.

Benefits of E Tourist Visa India

E Tourist Visa India has various benefits for the foreign travellers visiting India, such as:

• Easy and hassle-free application process.
• Quick processing time, with the visa being issued within 72 hours of application.
• Cost-effective, as the visa fee is lower than the regular visa.
• The visa is linked to the traveller’s passport, eliminating the need for a physical stamp on the passport.

Restrictions of E Tourist Visa India

There are certain restrictions associated with E Tourist Visa India, such as:

• The visa is only valid for tourism or recreation purposes.
• The visa cannot be extended or converted into any other type of visa.
• The traveller cannot seek employment, participate in any business activities, or pursue any academic courses during their stay in India.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about E Tourist Visa India:

1. Can I apply for E Tourist Visa India if I have a Pakistani origin?

No, individuals of Pakistani origin or holding a Pakistani passport are not eligible for E Tourist Visa India. They need to apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy or consulate.

2. Can I apply for E Tourist Visa India if I have a criminal record?

The decision of granting E Tourist Visa India to individuals with a criminal record lies solely in the hands of the Indian authorities. It is recommended to disclose any criminal record during the application process.

3. Can I visit India for medical purposes on E Tourist Visa India?

No, E Tourist Visa India is only valid for tourism or recreation purposes. For medical purposes, the traveller needs to apply for a medical visa through the Indian embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

E Tourist Visa India is a convenient and cost-effective way for foreign travellers to visit India for tourism purposes. With a simple and hassle-free application process, the visa provides quick processing time and eliminates the need for a physical stamp on the passport. However, it is essential to fulfil the eligibility criteria and follow the restrictions associated with the visa to avoid any legal issues during the stay in India.