India’s Visa Policy requires foreign visitors to get a visa, but some can use e-Visas, on-arrival visas, or might be exempt depending on their country. Visitors to India must obtain a visa in accordance with the India Visa Policy unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a regular visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. Tourists from the US and the UK can apply for an India e-Visa (previously known as eTV) for 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years. Citizens of more than 170 countries can now apply for an e-Visa to India. Read on to learn more about the visa policy of India and the types of visas available for visitors. The visa policy of India is a set of rules and regulations governing the entry of foreign travelers into India. The Government of India has designed the visa policy to protect national security and ensure that visitors to India have a valid purpose and sufficient funds to support their stay.
The types of Indian visas available to travelers depend on the purpose and duration of their stay. India offers regular paper visas and Tourist e-Visa to international visitors like any other country. India Visa categories are mentioned below: Regular visa for India Applicants may note if they are not eligible for a visa on arrival or an Indian e-Visa, they must apply for a regular visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. To apply for a regular visa, travelers must submit a completed visa application form, passport, and other supporting documents. Applicants must note that the embassy can provide them with the list of the documents required, such as an invitation letter and 2 blank pages on the passport. They may also pay the visa fee to the embassy of India. The India e-Visa is for tourists visiting the country for recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to friends or relatives, short-term yoga programs, and medical treatments. Remember, a short-term yoga program must not last longer than six months and must not be accompanied by a diploma or certificate of completion. This visa type is reserved for eligible citizens. Other types of Indian visas aside from regular visas include Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Employment Visa, Student Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa, Conference Visa, Journalist Visa, Film Visa, and X visa.
To apply for a regular visa, travelers must submit a completed visa application form, passport, and additional documents. The Ayush visa is new for foreigners seeking Indian medicine treatments, while exceptions exist for holders of Diplomatic/Official or UN passports who cannot use the visa-on-arrival facility. Additionally, a person can utilize the visa-on-arrival facility up to two times a year or opt for an e-Visa if entering from an airport or seaport not under the visa-on-arrival scheme. India’s visa policy is complex, designed to promote tourism and business investment while protecting national security. International travelers should carefully follow the requirements on the visa portal to avoid problems. This content has been reviewed to ensure its accuracy and quality; however, it is essential to always check with the relevant authorities as entry policies may change.
