If you’re planning to visit India for a short stay and are eligible for a Visa on Arrival, you can enjoy the convenience of obtaining your visa at the Indian airport. This guide will provide you with all the essential information on how to apply for an Indian Visa On Arrival, ensuring that your journey to this culturally rich and diverse country is hassle-free.
What is an Indian Visa on Arrival?
An Indian Visa on Arrival is a special travel document that allows eligible travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival at select Indian airports. It simplifies the process, especially for those visiting India for a short duration for tourism, business, or medical treatment.
Eligibility for Indian Visa on Arrival
To be eligible for an Indian Visa on Arrival, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa on Arrival scheme. India has a list of countries whose citizens are eligible, and this list is subject to change, so it’s essential to check the current list before planning your trip.
- Your main purpose for visiting India should be tourism, business, or medical treatment.
- You should have a return or onward journey ticket.
- Your passport should have at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in India, and it should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- You should not have a residence or occupation in India.
Applying for an Indian Visa on Arrival
Here are the steps to apply for an Indian Visa on Arrival:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure that you are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa on Arrival scheme.
- Fill Out the Arrival Form: Fill out the Arrival Card (Indian Visa Application Process) provided on the flight or at the airport. This form contains your personal and travel information.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee, which may vary based on the nationality and duration of your stay in India. This fee is typically payable in USD.
- Immigration Check: Upon arrival at the Indian airport, proceed to the Immigration counter. Present your Arrival Form, passport, and payment receipt for the visa fee.
- Biometric Data Collection: Biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, will be collected at the airport.
- Visa Issuance: After the necessary checks and biometric data collection, your Indian Visa on Arrival will be issued and stamped in your passport.
- Enjoy Your Trip: With the visa in hand, you are now free to explore the diverse and captivating experiences India has to offer.
Duration of Stay
The duration of stay allowed with an Indian Visa on Arrival typically ranges from 30 to 60 days, depending on your purpose of visit and the discretion of the immigration authorities.
Extending Your Visa
In some cases, you may be able to extend your Visa on Arrival if your travel plans change or if you need to stay longer than originally intended. Extension requests can be made at the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.
Exploring India with Ease
With an Indian Visa on Arrival, you can enjoy the convenience of exploring India without the need for extensive pre-trip visa processing. Whether you’re here for tourism, business, or medical treatment, you can immerse yourself in India’s rich culture, heritage, and diverse landscapes with ease and flexibility.