What Are the Complete Requirements for an India e-Visa?
The India e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) requires specific eligibility criteria, documentation, and application procedures. Understanding these requirements is essential for successful visa approval and smooth travel to India. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the e-Visa application process.
Understanding India e-Visa Basics
The India Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an online visa system that allows eligible travelers to obtain pre-approval for entry into India. This system streamlines the visa process and reduces waiting times at entry points.
Key Features:
- Online Application: Complete application process online
- Multiple Entry Types: Tourist, business, medical, and conference categories
- Fast Processing: 3 business hours to 5 business days standard processing time
- Electronic Approval: No physical visa sticker required
- Entry Points: Valid at all authorized airports and seaports
Visa Types Available:
- Tourist e-Visa: For tourism and leisure travel
- Business e-Visa: For business meetings and conferences
- Medical e-Visa: For medical treatment
- Conference e-Visa: For conference attendance
Eligibility Requirements
Nationality Requirements
- Eligible Countries: Most nationalities are eligible for e-Visa
- Visa-Free Countries: Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives (no e-Visa needed)
- Restricted Countries: Some nationalities may have additional requirements
- Diplomatic Passports: May have different requirements
Age Requirements
- All Ages: e-Visa required for all travelers regardless of age
- Children: Individual applications needed for each child
- Infants: Separate applications required (standard fee applies)
- Seniors: No upper age limit restrictions
Travel Purpose Requirements
- Valid Purpose: Must have legitimate travel purpose
- Tourism: Sightseeing, cultural visits, leisure activities
- Business: Meetings, conferences, trade activities
- Medical: Medical treatment and consultations
- Conference: Conference attendance and related activities
Criminal Record Requirements
- Clean Record: No serious criminal convictions
- Security Check: Background verification may be conducted
- Disclosure: Must disclose any relevant criminal history
- Assessment: Each case evaluated individually
Required Documents
Essential Documents
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
- Passport Scan: Clear copy of bio-data page
- Recent Photograph: Passport-style photo (if required)
- Travel Itinerary: Flight details and accommodation
- Application Form: Completed online application
Additional Documents by Purpose
- Tourist Travel: Hotel bookings, travel plans
- Business Travel: Business invitation, company letter
- Medical Travel: Medical appointment letter, hospital details
- Conference Travel: Conference registration, invitation letter
Document Specifications
- Format: PDF or JPEG files
- Size: Maximum 2MB per document
- Quality: Clear and legible scans
- Language: English or official translations
- Validity: Documents must be current and valid
Special Documentation
- Birth Certificate: For children and infants
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable for visa purposes
- Employment Letter: For business travelers
- Financial Documents: Bank statements or proof of funds
- Travel Insurance: Proof of coverage
Passport Requirements
Passport Validity
- Minimum Validity: 6 months from entry date
- Recommended: 12 months validity for flexibility
- Expired Passports: Not accepted under any circumstances
- Damaged Passports: Must be in good condition
Passport Type Requirements
- Ordinary Passports: Standard requirement for most travelers
- Diplomatic Passports: May have different processing
- Service Passports: May require additional documentation
- Emergency Passports: Limited acceptance
Passport Scan Requirements
- Bio-data Page: Clear scan of passport information page
- All Pages: May be required for some nationalities
- Quality: High-resolution, readable scan
- Format: JPEG or PDF format
- Size: Within 2MB file size limit
Passport Information Accuracy
- Personal Details: Must match application information
- Nationality: Must match selected nationality
- Date of Birth: Must be accurate
- Passport Number: Must be correctly entered
- Issue/Expiry Dates: Must be current and valid
Application Process Requirements
Online Application Steps
- Create Account: Register on the e-Visa platform
- Select Visa Type: Choose appropriate visa category
- Fill Application: Complete all required information
- Upload Documents: Provide all necessary documents
- Review Information: Double-check all details
- Submit Payment: Pay applicable processing fees
- Receive Approval: Get e-Visa via email
Information Requirements
- Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Passport Information: Number, issue date, expiry date
- Contact Information: Email, phone number, address
- Travel Details: Entry date, exit date, purpose of visit
- Accommodation Details: Hotel bookings or host information
Application Accuracy
- Complete Information: All fields must be filled
- Accurate Details: Information must match documents
- Consistent Data: Same information across all documents
- Current Information: All details must be up-to-date
Application Submission
- Single Submission: Only one application per person
- No Duplicates: Multiple applications may cause delays
- Correct Category: Must select appropriate visa type
- Valid Payment: Payment must be processed successfully
Financial Requirements
Processing Fees
- Standard Processing: Standard fee for 3 business hours to 5 business day processing
- All Passengers: All passengers pay processing fees regardless of age
- No Rush Fees: All applications processed as quickly as possible
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
- Online Payment: Secure payment gateway
- No Cash Payments: Online applications only
Fee Structure
- Tourist e-Visa: Standard processing fee
- Business e-Visa: Standard processing fee
- Medical e-Visa: Standard processing fee
- Conference e-Visa: Standard processing fee
Health and Medical Requirements
General Health Requirements
- Good Health: Must be in good health for travel
- No Contagious Diseases: Must not have contagious conditions
- Medical Clearance: May be required for certain conditions
- Vaccination Records: May need to show vaccination history
COVID-19 Requirements
- Current Guidelines: Follow latest COVID-19 travel guidelines
- Vaccination Status: May require proof of vaccination
- Testing Requirements: May need pre-travel testing
- Health Declarations: May need to complete health forms
Medical Travel Requirements
- Medical Appointment: Confirmed appointment with Indian hospital
- Hospital Details: Complete hospital and doctor information
- Treatment Plan: Detailed treatment plan and duration
- Medical Documents: Relevant medical records and reports
Travel Insurance Requirements
Insurance Coverage
- Medical Coverage: Adequate medical insurance for India
- Emergency Coverage: Emergency medical and evacuation coverage
- Trip Cancellation: Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Coverage Amount: Minimum coverage as per requirements
Insurance Documentation
- Policy Certificate: Valid insurance policy certificate
- Coverage Details: Clear coverage terms and conditions
- Emergency Contacts: Insurance company emergency contacts
- Validity Period: Must cover entire stay in India
Accommodation and Itinerary Requirements
Accommodation Details
- Hotel Bookings: Confirmed hotel reservations
- Host Information: If staying with friends or family
- Address Details: Complete accommodation addresses
- Contact Information: Hotel or host contact details
Travel Itinerary
- Flight Details: Confirmed arrival and departure flights
- Travel Dates: Exact entry and exit dates
- Travel Route: Complete travel itinerary
- Purpose of Visit: Clear purpose for each destination
Processing Time and Validity
Processing Timeline
- Standard Processing: 3 business hours to 5 business days
- Application Review: Thorough review of all documents
- Approval Notification: Email notification upon approval
- Documentation: Print e-Visa for travel
Visa Validity
- Tourist e-Visa: 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years validity
- Business e-Visa: 1 year validity with multiple entries
- Medical e-Visa: 60 days validity
- Conference e-Visa: 30 days validity
Entry Requirements
- Entry Window: Must enter within validity period
- Multiple Entries: Depends on visa type and validity
- Duration of Stay: Maximum stay as per visa type
- Extension: Generally not extendable
Common Application Mistakes
Personal Information Errors
- Name Spelling: Ensure exact spelling matches passport
- Date of Birth: Must match passport exactly
- Nationality: Must select correct nationality
- Passport Details: All passport information must be accurate
Document Errors
- Poor Quality Scans: Ensure clear, readable documents
- Missing Documents: Submit all required documents
- Expired Documents: All documents must be current
- Wrong Format: Use correct file formats
Application Errors
- Incomplete Forms: Fill all required fields
- Wrong Visa Type: Select appropriate visa category
- Incorrect Dates: Ensure travel dates are accurate
- Payment Issues: Ensure successful payment processing
Special Requirements by Visa Type
Tourist e-Visa
- Purpose: Tourism and leisure activities only
- Duration: 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years
- Activities: Sightseeing, cultural visits, recreation
- Restrictions: Cannot work or study
Business e-Visa
- Purpose: Business meetings and conferences
- Duration: 1 year with multiple entries
- Activities: Business meetings, trade activities
- Documentation: Business invitation letter required
Medical e-Visa
- Purpose: Medical treatment in India
- Duration: 60 days
- Activities: Medical consultations and treatment
- Documentation: Medical appointment letter required
Conference e-Visa
- Purpose: Conference attendance
- Duration: 30 days
- Activities: Conference participation
- Documentation: Conference invitation required
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an India e-Visa?
Most applications are processed within 3 business hours to 5 business days.
Can I extend my e-Visa while in India?
e-Visas are generally not extendable. You must leave India before expiry.
What if my e-Visa is rejected?
Contact our support team for assistance and guidance on reapplication.
Do I need to print my e-Visa?
Yes, print a copy to carry with you when traveling to India.
Can I work on a tourist e-Visa?
No, tourist e-Visas are for tourism purposes only.
What are the entry points for e-Visa?
e-Visa is valid at all authorized airports and seaports in India.
Summary: The India e-Visa requires specific eligibility, documentation, and application procedures. Understanding these requirements ensures successful approval and smooth travel to India.
