Traveling to India has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the introduction of the India visa on arrival program. This program allows travelers from over 160 eligible countries to apply for a visa upon arrival at select airports in India. In this article, we will explore the India visa on arrival program, its eligibility criteria, application process, and other important details that travelers need to know before planning their trip to India.
What is India Visa on Arrival?
The India visa on arrival program is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. This program was introduced in 2010 to promote tourism and make traveling to India more convenient for foreign nationals.
The India visa on arrival is valid for a maximum of 60 days and is issued at select airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram. Travelers must apply for the visa online before their trip and provide the necessary documents at the airport upon arrival.
With the India visa on arrival program, travelers no longer need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. This saves time and effort and makes traveling to India more accessible.
Who is Eligible for India Visa on Arrival?
Travelers from over 160 eligible countries are eligible for the India visa on arrival program. To be eligible, travelers must have a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in India. The visa on arrival is not available to travelers who are of Pakistani origin or hold a Pakistani passport.
It is important to note that the India visa on arrival is not a guarantee of entry into India. The immigration officer at the airport has the right to deny entry to any traveler who does not meet the eligibility criteria or poses a security risk.
How to Apply for India Visa on Arrival?
Travelers can apply for the India visa on arrival online through the Indian government’s official website. The application process is simple and can be completed in a few minutes. Travelers need to provide their personal and passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit, and pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
After submitting the application, travelers receive an electronic travel authorization (ETA) by email within 72 hours. The ETA contains important information such as the visa validity, conditions of entry, and instructions for presenting the ETA at the airport.
Documents Required for India Visa on Arrival
Travelers must have the following documents to apply for the India visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India.
- A return or onward ticket.
- Sufficient funds to cover their stay in India.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- A copy of the ETA.
- Proof of accommodation in India (optional).
Travelers must also provide their biometric information, including fingerprints and facial recognition, at the immigration counter at the airport upon arrival.
India Visa on Arrival Fees
The India visa on arrival fee varies depending on the traveler’s nationality and duration of stay in India. The fee ranges from $10 to $80 and can be paid online using a credit or debit card. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.
Benefits of India Visa on Arrival
The India visa on arrival program offers several benefits to travelers:
- Convenience: Travelers no longer need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.
- Time-saving: The online application process is quick and easy and saves time and effort.
- Cost-effective: The visa fee is lower than the traditional visa fee and eliminates the need for additional expenses such as transportation and accommodation to visit an Indian embassy or consulate.
- Flexibility: Travelers can apply for the visa on arrival up to four days before their arrival in India, giving them more flexibility in planning their trip.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before applying for India visa on arrival, travelers should keep the following things in mind:
- The visa on arrival is not a guarantee of entry into India. The immigration officer at the airport has the right to deny entry to any traveler who does not meet the eligibility criteria or poses a security risk.
- The visa is valid for a maximum of 60 days and cannot be extended or converted into another visa category.
- Travelers must maintain their registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if their stay in India exceeds 180 days.
- Travelers must respect Indian customs and laws and comply with the visa conditions.
Conclusion
The India visa on arrival program has made traveling to India more accessible and convenient for foreign nationals. Travelers from over 160 eligible countries can apply for the visa online and receive it upon arrival at select airports in India. However, travelers must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents to be granted the visa. It is important to keep in mind the visa conditions and respect Indian customs and laws while in India. With these things in mind, travelers can enjoy their trip to India without any hassle.
