Indian Tourist Visa Guide: How to Apply & What You Need

India, a land of colour, culture, and contrast, is a destination on the bucket list of many travellers around the world. From the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical backwaters of Kerala, from the royal palaces of Rajasthan to the spiritual Ghats of Varanasi, India offers an enticing experience unlike any other. This excites, inspires, and encourages you to book an India Tour package and enjoy your next vacation in this wonderland. But before packing your bags and hopping on the aeroplane, there is one essential step that every foreign traveller must take- obtaining an Indian Tourist Visa. In this comprehensive guide, Memorable India, your travel partner, will walk you through how to get an Indian visa, the eligibility criteria, requirements, and tips to ensure a hassle-free process. Whether you are planning a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, a food tour in Delhi, or a beach escape in Goa, here is everything you know.

Understanding The Indian Tourist Visa:

A tourist visa for India allows foreign nationals to enter the country for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, attending short-term yoga programs, or attending cultural events. It does not permit any kind of business, journalism, or long-term education and employment-related activities. 

Types of Tourist Visa:

Tourist visas come in various types depending on the duration and number of entries, including:

• E- Tourist Visa: 

This is a type of tourist visa that travellers can apply for before visiting for a short term either for tourism, sightseeing, or meeting friends and relatives. The normal validation of tourist visa is 30 days but you can apply for a one year or five year e tourist visa for extended access for tourism and casual visits. 

• Regular Paper Tourist Visa:

This is a long term Indian visa that is only available for some nationalities like the USA for repeat visits. This visa is valid for up to 10 years, which opens up the gates to explore India repeatedly without worrying about visa process during each tour or planning. 

• Entry (X) Visa:

This is a special type of tourist visa that is available to grant entry to specific categories like people of Indian origin, spouses or children who are from India or foreigners who own property in India. This India visa for foreigners is also known as a ‘general purpose visa’ and is issued for five years but can be extended. 

Key Considerations:

Before applying for any of the above-mentioned types of visas, here are some key considerations that you need to know:

• Non-extendable and Non-convertible: Tourist visas, both e-Tourist and regular paper, are generally both Non-extendable and non-convertible, so apply ideally according to your plan and always take a 3-4 days buffer time with you. 
• Maximum Stay: You can stay in India for only 180 days during one calendar year for both an e-tourist and a regular visa. 
• Land Entry Restrictions: Foreign nationals are prohibited from entering India through land routes on e-tourist and regular visas. You need special permission to come to India by road. 
• Additional Visa Types: India offers business, medical, student, and other types of visas for specific purposes, so choose the best one that suits your needs and apply accordingly. 

Who Can Apply For An Indian Tourist Visa?

Citizens of most countries are eligible to apply for an Indian Tourist Visa who want to enjoy a trip to this marvelous country or to visit friends and family. However, e-visa facilities are available for nationals from over 160 countries, including the Indian visa for UK citizens, Indian tourist visa for US citizens, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Japan. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Purpose of Visit: The purpose of visit for applying for a tourist visa must be non-commercial and short term like recreation, sightseeing, or casual visits. 
• No Indian Residence/Occupation: The applicant for a tourist visa should not have a residence or job in India. 
• Valid Passport: The applicant should have a minimum of six months of validation passport from the date of arrival in India. 
• Return Ticket: Travellers must have a return ticket or onward journey ticket.
• Financial Proof: Applicants should give the financial proof to demonstrate their ability to cover the cost of the trip and sufficient funds during stay.  
• No Undesirable Person: Applicants must not be considered undesirable or persona non grata by the Indian government. 

How To Apply for an Indian Visa?

Now, it’s time to get the answer to the biggest question, ‘How to Apply for an India Visa?’ Here is a simplified breakdown of the Indian tourist visa application process that you should follow:

Step:1

Determine Your Visa Type: 

This first and the most important step is to determine which visa type you want to apply for either e-tourist visa or regular visa and check the eligibility criteria. 

Step:2

Research Visa Requirements:

Each country has different requirements, so does India. Visit the official embassy or consulate website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html and check out the Indian visa requirements and compile all necessary documents required for an Indian visa. 

Step: 3

Online Application Process:

Go to the official visa application portal, avoid third party agents unless absolutely necessary and apply for an Indian tourist visa online. Fill out the application form, complete the details such as: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport information, expected date of arrival, travel plans and duration of stay, recent travel history, and more. 

Step:4

Upload Documents:

You will need to upload the necessary documents. Now, before you ask what documents are needed for an Indian visa, check below:

• Passport Requirements: A clear scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page with 6 months validity from the intended date of arrival. Must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Photograph: Recent colour photo (2×2 inches or passport size) with white background, no shadows. The face should be clearly visible, without glasses or headgear (unless worn for religious reasons)
• Proof of Travel: You must have a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, hotel bookings or invitation letter from the host (if staying with friends or family).
• Financial Proof (for longer visas): For longer visas you need to submit financial proof that includes, recent bank statements, letter of employment (if applicable), credit card copy or travel card info (to show you can support yourself). 

Step:5

Pay The Visa Fee:

Visa fee must be paid online using a credit/debit card, or bank transfers. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is rejected. 

Step:6 

Wait For Processing:

After submitting your application, you will receive a reference number. If you ask how long an Indian tourist visa takes, the application is usually processed within 3-5 working days. Some applications may be required to submit additional documents and attend an interview (though that’s rare). 

Step: 7

Receive Visa:

If approved you will receive the e- visa email or regular visa by post or collect it in person. Print it (e-visa) out and carry it with you, you will need to show it at the immigration counter upon arrival in India. 

Step:8

Prepare For Arrival:

Before you start your India trip, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents with you or contact our executives they will give you a detailed list of requirements before entering to India to ensure you have a hassle-free stay. 

Do’s and Don’ts for Indian Tourist Visa Holders:

Do’s

• Carry printed copies of your ETA and passport at all times. 
• Follow Indian immigration laws strictly. 
• Report to the nearest police station if you lose your passport.
• Follow Indian traffic regulations and laws, and observe all local ordinances.
• Get travel or medical insurance before you visit to safeguard yourself from unforeseen situations. 
• Check the current travel advisories issued by your home country’s government for safety. 
• Ensure you have enough funds to cover the expenses of your trip or unexpected situations. 
• Be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly. 

Don’t 

• Don’t engage in any form of paid employment or business. 
• Don’t attend religious preaching activities or missionary work on a tourist visa. 
• Don’t overstay your visa. Overstays can lead to fines, deportation, or bans. 
• Don’t possess illegal drugs, alcohol, or any prohibited activities.
• Don’t argue. Show disagreement politely without raising your voice. 
• Don’t take photos or videos without permission, especially on religious sites. 

Wrap Up For India Visa Application Process!

Now that you know the ins and outs of obtaining an Indian tourist visa, you are one step closer to discovering the magic of India. If you meet the basic criteria and follow the instructions carefully, the India visa application process is quite straightforward, especially through the e-Visa platform. Once you get the green light, India awaits with open arms, offering a soul-stirring mix of heritage, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. So, go ahead, apply for your visa, and book your India tour with Memorable India for a lifetime experience. We will help you with Indian e-visa requirements for tourists who are backpacking. Contact us to enquire more!

FAQs Related To the India Visa Application Process

• How long is the Indian tourist visa valid?

The duration of the stay depends on which Indian tourist visa you have applied for. Typically, the e-tourist visa with single entry allows you to stay for 30 days in India. You can also apply for multiple entry visas with a validity of one year or five years. But remember that no matter the validation, you can stay for only 180 days during your one calendar year in India. 

• Can I apply for an Indian tourist visa from within India?

No, you can not apply for an India tourist visa when you are already in India. All tourist visa applications must be made before arriving in India. You can apply for an e-tourist visa on the official website and check the eligibility criteria. While some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival; it is important to check the requirements in advance. 

• Can I use my tourist visa to attend a yoga teacher training course?

Only if the course is short term and not a full time professional program. Otherwise a student visa may be required. The tourist visa is applicable for leisure, sightseeing, and short-term tourism. It is not structured for educational purposes or long term stays. 

• What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in India?

Overstaying is a serious offence. It may result in fines, detention, or a ban on future travel to India. The Foreigners Act of 1946 outlines these penalties, with imprisonment of up to five years. If you have overstayed, it is important to inform the authorities, like the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), to resolve the problem. So, be responsible while you are travelling to a country and avoid overstaying, as it may lead to legal issues. 

• Can I convert my tourist visa into a work visa?

No, visa conversions are generally not allowed. You must exit the country and apply for the appropriate work visa, depending on India’s work visa regulations from your home country. This process requires you to meet the eligibility criteria, necessary documents, qualifications, skill set, and a legitimate job in your hand. 

• Can I cancel my Indian tourist visa?

No, you cannot cancel your Indian visa once it is issued. If you apply for e-visa then it will simply expire if not used within the given time frame. Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected or not granted. 

• How soon can I reapply if my Indian Tourist visa is rejected?

Once you have received an email of refusal of your visa, you can immediately restart your India visa application process without waiting for a single minute. However, it is recommended to check Indian visa eligibility for tourists once more, this time to leave no space for rejection. Submit the new visa application.