Everything you need to know about India On Arrival Visa and how it is issued.
India, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse traditions, attracts travelers worldwide. To facilitate travel and boost tourism, India offers various types of visas, including the India visa on arrival. This convenient visa option streamlines the entry process for eligible foreign nationals, making it easier for them to explore this enchanting nation.
What Is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is an immigration authorization issued to foreign nationals at their destination country’s port of entry, typically by immigration officials at airports or seaports. It’s important to note that a visa on arrival is not equivalent to visa-free entry; instead, it simplifies the visa application process by granting authorization upon arrival to India. These visas usually have short-term validity, and the specific requirements and duration vary from one country to another.
Who Is Eligible for an India Visa on Arrival?
India visa on arrival is available for Japanese and South Korean nationals visiting India for business, tourism, conferences, and medical purposes.
Japanese and South Korean citizens are ineligible for this visa if the applicant, their parents, or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) were born in or permanently resided in Pakistan or Bangladesh. This provision also excludes individuals holding Diplomatic/Official passports or UN Passport holders with Japanese and South Korean nationality.
Additionally, residents of the United Arab Emirates can obtain a visa on arrival if they have previously received an Indian paper or electronic visa.
Eligible Entry Points in India
You are allowed to enter India with a visa on arrival only through specific entry points. The eligible entry points in India include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
How to Apply for an India Visa on Arrival?
To apply for an India visa on arrival, eligible nationals must follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa on arrival. This eligibility depends on your nationality, so verify if your country is on the list of eligible nations.
- Travel to a Designated Airport or Port. Plan your entry to India through one of the designated international airports or seaports that offer visas on arrival.
- Fill Out the Application Form. Before your arrival, nationals must fill out a specific application form for the Visa on Arrival. Upon arrival, you can usually find this form on the official government website or at the designated airport.
- Approach the “Visa Counter”. Upon arriving at your chosen airport or port in India, locate the “Visa Counter”. Here, immigration officials will guide you through the process.
- Submit Application and Documents. Present your completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds, and your return or onward journey ticket to the immigration officer at the “Visa Counter”.
- Pay Visa Fee. Pay the required visa fee at the designated payment counter, ensuring you have the correct amount in an acceptable currency.
- Visa Issuance. If your application is approved, the Immigration officer will stamp the Visa on Arrival in your passport, indicating the validity period and any specific conditions.
- Proceed Through Immigration. After obtaining your visa on arrival, proceed through the immigration counters, where your visa will be stamped in your passport.
- Enjoy Your Stay. Once you clear immigration, you can explore and enjoy visiting India.
What Documents Are Required for an India Visa on Arrival?
The documents required for an India visa on arrival include:
- A Valid Passport. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months beyond your planned departure date from India. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps and endorsements.
- A Return/Onward Ticket. A copy of your return or onward flight ticket indicating your departure from India.
- Sufficient Funds. Proof of adequate financial means to cover your expenses in India.
- A Passport-Sized Photograph. A recent passport-sized photograph of yourself, typically measuring 2 x 2 inches.
- A Duly Filled Application Form. The application form for the visa on arrival can be obtained and completed at the designated airport on arrival.
The Validity of an India Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival in India is typically valid for up to 60 days from entry and allows for double entry. However, please note that the validity period and entry provisions may vary based on specific circumstances and could be subject to extension or change in some instances.
The Cost of an India Visa on Arrival
The fee for the India Visa on Arrival (VoA) is approximately equivalent to:
- Rs 2000 – or 22.68 EUR per passenger (including children).
- Rs 2000 – or 24.03 USD per passenger (including children).
Please note that exchange rates may fluctuate, so check the most up-to-date conversion rates and fees before applying for the visa on arrival to ensure you have the correct amount in the appropriate currency for your travel.
Conditions for India Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival is subject to certain conditions and limitations. It cannot be extended or converted into any other visa type except in specific cases determined by the immigration authorities.
It’s essential to abide by this visa category’s terms and validity period. Overstaying or violating the visa conditions can result in penalties or deportation from India. Therefore, travelers must carefully adhere to the rules associated with the visa on arrival to ensure a smooth and trouble-free stay in the country.