Planning to visit India but worried about the visa process? Worry no more, as India has introduced visa on arrival for citizens of certain countries. This facility has made traveling to India hassle-free and convenient. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about India visa on arrival countries.
What is Visa on Arrival?
Visa on arrival is a facility that allows travelers to obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival in the country. It eliminates the need to go through the lengthy and tedious process of obtaining a visa from the Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.
The visa on arrival facility is available for tourists who are visiting India for sightseeing, meeting friends or relatives, leisure, and short duration medical treatment.
Visa on arrival is not available for business purposes. Business travelers need to apply for a business visa from the Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.
India Visa on Arrival Countries
The visa on arrival facility is available for citizens of the following countries:
- Japan
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates
- Finland
- Luxembourg
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Vietnam
It is important to note that visa on arrival is only available at designated airports in India. The airports where this facility is available are as follows:
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- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Goa
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- Thiruvananthapuram
Eligibility Criteria for Visa on Arrival
To be eligible for visa on arrival, travelers must meet the following criteria:
- The traveler must be a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above.
- The traveler must have a return ticket or an onward journey ticket.
- The traveler must have adequate money to support their stay in India.
- The traveler must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
If a traveler does not meet these criteria, they will not be eligible for the visa on arrival facility, and they must obtain a visa from the Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
The following documents are required for visa on arrival:
- Passport with at least two blank pages
- Photocopy of passport
- Return or onward journey ticket
- Proof of adequate funds
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Visa fee in cash
The visa fee for visa on arrival is USD 10, and it is valid for a maximum stay of 60 days. The visa can be extended for another 30 days by applying to the Ministry of Home Affairs in India.
Advantages of Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival has several advantages, which are as follows:
- It is a quicker and more convenient way to obtain a visa for India.
- It eliminates the need to go through the lengthy and tedious process of obtaining a visa from the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- It allows travelers to plan their trip more spontaneously, as they do not need to apply for a visa in advance.
Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival also has some disadvantages, which are as follows:
- The visa on arrival facility is only available at designated airports in India.
- The visa on arrival facility is not available for business purposes.
- Travelers who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be granted a visa on arrival.
Conclusion
If you are a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above and are planning to visit India for tourism or short duration medical treatment, the visa on arrival facility is a convenient and hassle-free way to obtain a visa. Make sure to check if you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents before you arrive in India.
