Great news for adventurers who join us on the Rickshaw Challenge! India has relaxed its visa application process for nationals of 43 countries.
Until recently, one of the biggest concerns for travelers who want to visit India was obtaining a visa. This process was so difficult that it often inspired tourists to cross the country off their list, but all this has changed with the introduction of Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA).
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the 43 accepted countries, obtaining a visa for India has just become much easier for you. The Government has launched its new TVoA scheme at the end of November, which speeds up the visa application process for tourists who visit India for 30 days or less. For a $60 fee, those who travel to India for “recreation, sightseeing, short duration medical treatment, casual business visit, casual visit to meet friends or relatives” can now apply for a visa online.
Despite its name, this is not exactly a permit given “on arrival”. Four days before arriving in India, travelers have to submit a photograph and a scan of their passport’s photo page. After paying the fee and sending their application, they receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. This document has to be printed and is valid for entry through nine airports in India.
How the Tourist Visa on Arrival system works
- Apply for an Indian Visa Online
- Pay the $60 visa fee online, on the Indian Visa Application page
- Wait for the ETA to be sent to your email
- Print it and take it with you
- Fly to one of the approved airports
FAQ
Who is eligible for a tourist visa on arrival in India?
Nationals from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam and Vanuatu
What can I do with Indian tourist visa on arrival?
You can visit India strictly for recreation, sightseeing, business meetings, to meet friends or relatives, or to receive a short duration medical treatment. The TVoA is not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.
How do I apply?
Online, through the following government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
Which are the airports where I can enter India with a TVoA?
International airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata (Calcutta), Hyderabad, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Kochi and Goa.
What do I do when I arrive at the airport?
You will be asked to present your documents, along with your printed Electronic Travel Authorization. Biometric details will be captured at Immigration.
How many such visas can I obtain in a year?
Two
How many days am I allowed to stay in India with a TVoA?
Up to 30
When can I apply for a tourist visa on arrival?
At least 4 days before arriving to India, with a window of 30 days
What documents do I need in order to apply for an Indian tourist visa on arrival?
A recent photograph – full-face, front view, with eyes open, white background – JPEG; size: between 10 KB and 1 MB; height and width should be equal. A scan of your Passport’s first page (should have at least six months validity), containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date – PDF; size: between 10 and 300 KB
Other requirements: travelers have to present a return ticket or onward journey ticket, as well as enough money to spend during their stay in India. The TVoA is not available for travelers who hold a Diplomatic/Official Passport.
How much is the TVoA fee?
$60 per passenger (non-refundable)
How long is the TVoA valid for?
30 days from the date you’ve arrived in India
Can I extend my TVoA?
No. Once issued, the tourist visa on arrival cannot be extended or converted.
I applied for a TVoA, but I did not receive my Electronic Travel Authorization. What do I do?
You can track the status of your application on the Indian Visa Online government website.
I need help or I have more questions regarding the tourist visa on arrival. What do I do?
Call the 24-hour Visa support center at +91-11-24300666 or send email to [email protected]
