The location of the United Arab Emirates is a great advantage to its residents and citizens. You can reach almost all popular Asian countries within a few hours from the UAE. India is only three hours away from the UAE, making it one of the best places for a quick getaway. There is also no dearth of flights from the UAE to India and back. Apart from the shorter travel time, what makes India fascinating is its diversity. There is so much to see and experience in India. The culture, history, architecture, food, clothing, languages, and festivals of India are intriguing. The country has also become popular for medical tourism. This is because of its advancement in modern medicine and alternative treatment options, like Ayurveda. But before you visit, getting an Indian tourist visa is imperative.
What is an Indian tourist visa?
The Indian tourist visa is a travel document for short-term travel to India. You can visit India for tourism and recreation purposes. You can also visit family and friends in India with this visa. You can get your medical treatment done with this visa, too. You can also take up a short yoga program or a short-term course (not exceeding six months) with this visa. You can indulge in volunteer work (not more than one month) with a tourist visa.
The Indian tourist visa is available in two forms: a regular visa and an e-visa. The regular Indian tourist visa involves paperwork requiring you to visit the Indian embassy or visa application center to submit your documents. An e-visa is an electronic document that is equivalent to a paper visa. You can apply for it online. India e-visas are preferred more than the regular ones. This is because the application process for the former is quicker and easier. It also does not require you to take out time to visit the embassy or visa application center.
Types of India Tourist E-Visa
There are three types of India tourist e-visas, depending on their validity.
- 30-Day Visa: This is a perfect for 30-day stay in India. The 30 days are counted from the date you enter the country. It is a double-entry visa. You can enter the country two times with the same visa until the expiry date.
- 1-year visa: It is a multiple-entry visa valid for a year. You can enter the country as many times as you want till the visa expires.
- 5-year visa: It is also a multiple-entry visa but valid for five years. You can enter the country as many times as you want until its validity expires.
Even with 1-year and 5-year e-visas, you cannot stay for more than 180 days at a time. It means six months in one calendar year.
Who is not eligible for an India E-Visa?
Nationals of most countries are eligible for an India e-visa. But you will find exceptions.
- India e-visa is not for Pakistani passport holders. They must apply for a regular Indian tourist visa. They cannot apply for an e-visa.
- People who have diplomatic or official passports also cannot apply for an e-visa. The same goes for Laissez-Passer travel document holders.
- People who only have an international travel document and not a passport also cannot apply for an e-visa.
- People endorsed on their spouse’s or parent’s passport are also not eligible for e-visas.
Documents Required for an Indian Tourist Visa
Here are the Indian tourist visa requirements. You need to submit scanned copies for e-visa:
- Your passport is the most important document. It should have at least six months’ validity. You must submit a copy of the passport page with details like name, address, nationality, date of birth, and expiry date. The passport should also have two blank pages.
- You must provide a correct and working email id. This is crucial, as you will receive your e-visa via email.
- A recent color passport-size photo with a white background needs to be uploaded.
- Your confirmed return or onward flight ticket, confirming your exit from India before the visa expires, should be part of the documents.
- Copies of your bank statements are necessary. This will prove you have enough financial resources to support your stay in India.
- The visa fee is mandatory with the application. It is not refundable under any circumstances (including rejection of a visa application).
How to apply for an India E-Visa?
The steps for applying for an India e-visa are quite straightforward.
- The first step is to contact an experienced visa service provider in the UAE, who will efficiently guide you through the documentation procedures.
- Compile all relevant documents, including your passport information page and passport-size photograph. You must submit additional documents (as required by the Indian government or consulate).
- Pay the visa fee after submitting the documents. You can use a debit card, credit card, or payment wallet.
- If all the documents are in order, your e-visa or electronic travel authorization will arrive in your email.
- Print the e-visa and present it at the immigration check. The visa will be stamped on your passport during immigration.
How to apply for a regular Indian tourist visa?
If you are not eligible for an e-visa, you can apply for an India visa from Dubai through an Indian consulate, embassy, or preferably a visa center in the UAE.
- Download the application form and fill it out completely and correctly. Take a printout of the application form.
- Book an appointment at the Indian consulate, embassy, or visa center.
- Reach the venue on the appointment date with your original passport and other supporting documents.
- Submit your passport along with your application form and other documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- You may have to provide your biometrics during your appointment.
- Receive your passport with the Indian tourist visa stamp once your visa application is approved.
An Indian e-tourist visa is not extendable. If you wish to visit India for reasons other than tourism, you can apply for a business e-visa or a medical e-visa, depending on the purpose of your visit.
World Visa Information 