India changes name of visa on arrival to eVisa

The Indian government changed the name of its new tourist visa programme as there was growing criticism that it was confusing.

The Indian visa on arrival that was rolled out to more countries late last year will now be called the eTourist visa.

From five countries in 2010, India expanded the programme to cover 44 nations, including the USA, Australia, Japan, Germany, Singapore and Russia. Sri Lanka has now been added to the list.

The requirements for an Indian tourist visa remain the same as outlined in the older programme.

Only nine Indian airports can handle passengers arriving with the new visa – including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Goa and Thiruvananthapuram.

What Would Make You Eligible for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa?

To qualify for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a citizen of a country eligible for the Indian Visa.
• The purpose of your visit should not be for work or employment; it should be for tourism, business-related activities, or medical treatment.
• Your stay in India should not exceed 180 days at a time.
• Entry into the country must be through authorized Immigration Check Posts.

There are four types of Indian e-visas: Tourist e-Visa, Business e-Visa, Medical e-Visa, and Medical Attendant e-Visa. You must fulfill the specific eligibility requirements corresponding to the type of Visa you're applying for. Please note that if you're only transiting or having a layover at the airport without entering India, this Visa is not required.

There are four types of Indian e-visas

Requirements for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa:

• An electronic or scanned copy of the visitor's passport, specifically the first (biographical) page. The passport must adhere to standard requirements and remain valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended entry date into India. Otherwise, passport renewal would be necessary.
• Ensuring the passport contains two blank pages for entry/exit stamps by border officers at airports, although this might not be visible online.
• Compliance with Indian e-Visa Photo Requirements, including a recent passport-style color photo focusing solely on the face, which can be taken using a smartphone.
• A functional email address for correspondence.
• A debit or credit card for payment of the Indian e-Visa application fees.
• Specific requirements tailored to the particular type of Indian e-Visa being applied for must also be met.

Requirements for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa

How to Apply for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa

To apply for the New India Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa, it's advisable to do so between 4 to 7 days prior to your scheduled flight or intended entry into India. Typically, the approval process for the Visa takes around 3 days. Unlike traditional paper Visas, the New India Visa on Arrival must be applied for and paid online; it won't be issued at the airport.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive the Visa in digital format. You'll need to carry this soft copy or a printed version with you to the airport for verification.

Conclusion for Indian Visa On Arrival

In conclusion, obtaining the Indian Visa on Arrival or Indian e-Visa should be a straightforward process if you fulfill all the stipulated requirements and eligibility criteria for your specific visa type. The Indian e-Visa Application Form is designed to be simple and user-friendly, minimizing any challenges in the application process. However, should you encounter any uncertainties or need further clarification, contact us for support and guidance is advisable.