Types of Indian e-Visas
India, the land of rich history and home to many historical monuments, including the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders in the world. However, to visit India, many countries need visas and based upon the purpose of your visit different types of Indian e-Visas are available.
When talking about the visa process, the first thing that comes to mind is standing in the long queue and completing complicated paperwork at the embassy to get a visa. However, to support tourism in India and to make visits to India convenient for foreign passport holders, India introduced e-tourist visa (ETV) in 2014.
Initially, India introduced the e-tourist visa scheme to 43 countries from 9 designated Indian airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Trivandrum.
However, India expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and made e-Visa services accessible to 171 countries.
Make a smart move and apply for an Indian e-visa online when planning to visit the country. However, there might be different reasons for your visit to India. Take a look at these Indian e-visas below.
Tourist e-Visa
If you're coming to India to see the sights and soak up the culture, you can apply for an e-tourist visa (ETV). There are three options:
30-Day Tourist e-Visa: Good for a quick trip. You can enter India twice within a month.
1-Year Tourist e-Visa (365 days): It offers multiple visits to India. However, tourists' continuous stay in India should not exceed 90 days. The maximum length of continuous stay for nationals of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan during each visit is 180 days.
5-Year Tourist e-Visa: It is a multi-entry e-Visa and has a validity of 5 years from the date of issue. However, tourists' continuous stay in India should not exceed 90 days. The maximum length of continuous stay for nationals of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan during each visit is 180 days.
Business e-Visa
Coming to India for business? Then you must apply for e-business visa. Multiple entries are allowed in one-year (365-days) for the person holding an e-business visa. Indian e-Business visas can be applied for the reasons mentioned below:
- Going to business meetings
- Looking for trade opportunities
- Starting a business in India
- Leading tour groups
- Attending trade fairs
- Hiring Indian workers
Medical e-Visa
Patients coming to India to undergo any medical treatment should apply for an e-medical visa, which is valid for up to 60 days. You can enter thrice in India in the span of 60 days. Read this to know about the Indian e-medical visa requirements.
Medical Attendant e-Visa
If you're traveling with someone who needs medical care, you'll need this visa. It's also valid for 60 days. Two e-medical visas can be used for each patient.
Transit e-Visa
A Transit e-Visa can be applied for by tourists who are passing through India on their way to another country. This visa allows you to enter India for a brief period during your journey.
- Valid for up to two entries into India
- Typically used for a single trip
- Allows entry into India for a short duration
Validity and Duration
- The visa is usually valid for one journey through India.
- An application should be made for a new visa if you do not use the current one before it expires.
- The visa is specifically for direct transit through India.
- Generally, you cannot extend the duration of a transit visa.
In rare cases, such as travel disruptions, strikes, illness, or severe weather, extensions may be considered.
E-Conference Visa
To make travel easier for foreigners coming to India to attend business seminars and conferences, the Indian e-conference visa was introduced by the Indian government. Foreign passport holders from Indian e-visa eligible countries can apply for e-conference visa.
Requirements
- Travelers must be invited to attend the conference in India and must have a formal invitation letter.
- A political acceptance letter and a clearance letter from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, are required.
Choosing the right e-Visa is the key to a smooth trip to India. Think about the purpose you're going for and how long you want to stay. Once you decide on your duration of stay and purpose, consider applying for an Indian e-Visa online.
Citizens of many countries including Hungary, Jamaica, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Greece are eligible for India e-Visa.