Do Children Need India e-Visas?
Yes, all children, including infants, need their own India e-Visas to travel to India. Unlike some countries that exempt young children from visa requirements, India requires every traveler, regardless of age, to have a valid e-Visa. This includes newborns, infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
Understanding Children's e-Visa Requirements
General Requirements
- All Ages: Every child needs a separate e-Visa application
- Individual Applications: Each child must have their own application
- Same Process: Children follow the same application process as adults
- Fee Requirements: All passengers pay processing fees regardless of age
Key Points
- No Age Exemptions: There are no age-based exemptions for India e-Visas
- Individual Processing: Each child's application is processed separately
- Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians must complete applications for minors
- Travel Together: Children must travel with their parents or authorized guardians
Age-Specific Requirements
Infants (0-2 years)
- Application Required: Yes, separate e-Visa application needed
- Processing Fee: Standard processing fee applies
- Documents: Birth certificate, passport, parent's information
- Travel: Must travel with parents or authorized guardians
Toddlers (2-12 years)
- Application Required: Yes, separate e-Visa application needed
- Processing Fee: Standard processing fee applies
- Documents: Birth certificate, passport, school records (if applicable)
- Travel: Must travel with parents or authorized guardians
Teenagers (13-17 years)
- Application Required: Yes, separate e-Visa application needed
- Processing Fee: Standard processing fee applies
- Documents: Birth certificate, passport, school ID (if applicable)
- Travel: Can travel with parents or authorized guardians
Young Adults (18+ years)
- Application Required: Yes, separate e-Visa application needed
- Processing Fee: Standard processing fee applies
- Documents: Passport, any additional required documents
- Travel: Can travel independently
Application Process for Children
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents for the child
- Create Application: Submit separate application for each child
- Parental Information: Include parent/guardian contact information
- Review Details: Double-check all information before submission
- Submit Payment: Pay applicable fees for all passengers
- Monitor Progress: Track application status
- Receive Approval: Get e-Visa via email
Application Tips for Children
- Accurate Information: Ensure all child's details are accurate
- Parental Contact: Use parent's email and contact information
- Consistent Details: Keep information consistent across all family applications
- Early Application: Apply well in advance of travel dates
Special Considerations
- Multiple Children: Each child needs separate application
- Different Ages: Different requirements for different age groups
- Travel Dates: All family members should have same travel dates
- Entry Points: All family members must enter together
Required Documents for Children
Essential Documents
- Valid Passport: Child's passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Passport Scan: Clear scan of child's passport bio-data page
- Birth Certificate: Official birth certificate with parent's names
- Parent's Information: Parent's passport and contact details
Additional Documents by Age
For Infants and Toddlers
- Birth Certificate: Official birth certificate
- Parent's Passport: Copy of parent's passport
- Parent's e-Visa: Parent's e-Visa application details
- Travel Authorization: If traveling with one parent only
For Teenagers
- Birth Certificate: Official birth certificate
- School ID: Current school identification (if applicable)
- Parent's Information: Parent's contact and passport details
- Travel Authorization: If traveling without parents
For Young Adults
- Passport: Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Additional Documents: Any documents required for their visa type
- Financial Documents: If required for their visa category
Document Specifications
- Format: PDF or JPEG files
- Size: Maximum 2MB per document
- Quality: Clear and legible scans
- Language: English or official translations
- Validity: All documents must be current
Parental Consent and Authorization
Traveling with Both Parents
- Standard Process: No additional authorization required
- Documentation: Both parents' information included in application
- Travel Together: All family members must travel together
Traveling with One Parent
- Authorization Required: May need travel authorization from other parent
- Documentation: Notarized consent letter from absent parent
- Legal Requirements: Check specific requirements for your situation
Traveling Without Parents
- Guardian Authorization: Must have legal guardian authorization
- Documentation: Notarized guardian consent letter
- Legal Requirements: May need additional legal documentation
Special Circumstances
- Single Parent: May need court documents or death certificate
- Divorced Parents: May need custody agreement or court orders
- Adopted Children: May need adoption papers and legal documents
- Stepchildren: May need marriage certificates and legal documents
Traveling with Children
Entry Requirements
- Same Entry Point: All family members must enter together
- Same Travel Dates: All family members must have same travel dates
- Coordinated Travel: All family members must travel together
- Documentation: Carry all required documents for each child
During Travel
- Documentation: Keep all e-Visas and documents easily accessible
- Emergency Contacts: Have emergency contact information for each child
- Medical Information: Carry any necessary medical information
- Travel Insurance: Ensure adequate travel insurance for all family members
Accommodation
- Family Rooms: Book appropriate accommodation for family size
- Child-Friendly: Consider child-friendly accommodation options
- Safety: Ensure accommodation is safe for children
- Comfort: Consider children's comfort and needs
Special Considerations
Medical Considerations
- Vaccinations: Ensure children have required vaccinations
- Medical Records: Carry relevant medical records
- Medications: Bring necessary medications with prescriptions
- Health Insurance: Ensure adequate health insurance coverage
Educational Considerations
- School Records: Bring school records if traveling during school year
- Educational Visits: Plan educational activities for children
- Cultural Activities: Include child-friendly cultural activities
- Learning Opportunities: Make travel educational for children
Safety Considerations
- Emergency Plans: Have emergency plans for each child
- Identification: Ensure children have identification on them
- Contact Information: Children should know how to contact parents
- Safety Rules: Establish clear safety rules for travel
Common Questions
Application Questions
Do newborns need e-Visas?
Yes, even newborns need separate e-Visa applications.
Are there different requirements for different ages?
Yes, requirements vary by age group, particularly for fees and documentation.
Can I apply for my child without applying for myself?
No, children must travel with parents or authorized guardians who also have e-Visas.
Do children need their own passports?
Yes, each child needs their own passport for e-Visa application.
Travel Questions
Can children travel without parents?
Children can travel without parents only with proper authorization and guardians.
Do children need to enter India with their parents?
Yes, children must enter India together with their parents or authorized guardians.
Can children travel on their parents' passports?
No, each child needs their own passport for e-Visa application.
What if a child's e-Visa is rejected?
The child cannot travel to India, but other family members can still travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a child's e-Visa cost?
All passengers pay standard processing fees regardless of age.
How long does it take to process a child's e-Visa?
Children's e-Visas are processed within 3-5 business days, same as adults.
Do children need photos for their e-Visa?
Yes, children need recent passport-style photographs for their applications.
Can I apply for multiple children at once?
Yes, you can submit applications for multiple children together for coordinated processing.
What documents do I need for my child's e-Visa?
You need the child's passport, birth certificate, and parent's information.
Can children travel independently once in India?
No, children must remain with their parents or authorized guardians throughout their stay.
Summary: All children need their own India e-Visas, regardless of age. All passengers pay processing fees regardless of age. All children need separate applications and must travel with parents or authorized guardians.