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By Vipul Jain
Are you planning to travel to India and stay more than 6 months? Do you need clarification on getting an OCI card and applying for an e-visa? Don't worry because you are not the only one. A lot of people struggle between the eVisa vs OCI card. This confusion arises mainly when you are planning a long stay in India.
Having the right documents to visit any foreign country like the USA is very important. So, let's understand the main differences, benefits, and limitations of an e-visa and OCI. This article will help you in making the best decision according to your needs.
When talking about an Evisa vs OCI card. An eVisa is the short form for an electronic visa. It is a digital travel authorization that allows a foreign citizen to enter India. They can visit India for tourism, business, medical, or meeting purposes with an eVisa. An eVisa eases the visa application process by removing the need for physical paperwork. Also, you don't have to visit the embassies or consulates which saves you a lot of time. It is a suitable option for those who wish to visit the country for short-term purposes.
There are several benefits of an eVisa that make it a convenient option. Like quick processing, convenience, etc. Let’s learn in-depth about the benefits of an eVisa to learn the comparison between an Evisa vs OCI card.
The entire eVisa application process is online. The person who wishes to apply for an eVisa doesn't have to go anywhere; it can be done from the comfort of their home. This helps the applicant save a lot of time and effort.
The processing time for an eVisa is quicker as compared to the old visa applications. It is often processed within a few days. So, a person who needs to visit the country urgently can apply for an eVisa.
An eVisa is valid for a wide range of purposes, including tourism, business, meetings, medical treatment, and attending conferences.
eVisas often have a validity for a longer time than the old visas. It gives you more time to plan your trip and stay in the country for as long as you want. Also, eVisas are less costly and they can be accessed online easily.
We offer OCI, Visa, and Passport application services along with other services. Our team will make sure to get your dreams fulfilled by filling out an error-free application for you.
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Like, in an Evisa vs OCI card everything can’t be perfect as everything has its pros and cons.Therefore along with the benefits eVisa has some limitations as well.
The main limitation of an eVisa is the duration of stay. It permits you to stay in India for six months which is up to 180 days. After this duration, you must exit the country before your visa expires.
An eVisa cannot be changed or extended into any other type of visa. Once your limit expires you have no choice apart from leaving India no matter what your situation is. It is not suitable for those who wish to stay for long and visit for non-tourist activities like study or work.
An eVisa is mainly for tourism. It doesn't allow you to take part in educational, employment, or business activities. If you take part in any non-tourist activities with an eVisa, it can lead to expulsion and even penalties.
The penalty for overstaying on an eVisa can be a little costly. You may have to pay penalties ranging from ₹ 5000 to ₹ 50,000. It will depend on how long you have overstayed. In some situations, it can also lead to getting blacklisted from traveling to India in the future.
To get an eVisa, visit the official website for eVisa. Fill out the application form by adding the correct and accurate details. Upload all the required documents without missing out on any. Now, patiently wait for the processing and approval of your application. Now we have learned about Evisa between an Evisa vs OCI card. Let us now proceed further with learning about what is an OCI card.
An Overseas Citizen of India card is a lifetime visa. It permits foreign citizens of Indian origin to visit India without the need for a visa. It offers more duration of stay and provides several benefits. A person can own property, open a bank account, etc. in India. It is a convenient option for those who wish to stay in the country for the long term.
An OCI card provides several benefits for those who intend to stay in India for long-term such as:
An OCI cardholder can enter and exit India multiple times for any purpose till its validity. Also, it has a lifetime validity and serves as a lifelong visa.
The OCI cardholders can own a property in India. However, agricultural and plantation properties are an exception. Also, unlike the e-visa. OCI permits you to study, open an account, get an Aadhaar card, etc.
OCI cardholders can open bank accounts in India. It makes financial transactions more easy and more accessible. Along with that, a person doesn't have to register with the FRRO every time they enter the country.
It allows unlimited entries as there are no limits on how long they can stay at a time. An OCI gives you the freedom to manage your stay according to your wish.
We offer OCI, Visa, and Passport application services along with other services. Our team will make sure to get your dreams fulfilled by filling out an error-free application for you.
Contact USOCI along with these many benefits has some limitations also. Such as:
An OCI cardholder doesn't get the right to vote in Indian elections. They also can't hold governmental positions like President, Vice President, Supreme Court Judge, etc.
The cardholders are not eligible to do government jobs. In addition, they need special permission to do some activities. Such as research, journalism, etc.
They need a protected area permit (PAP) or restricted area permit (RAP) to visit some protected or restricted areas.
An OCI card has to be renewed when the cardholder issues a new passport. Before they turn 20 and after the age of 50.
To apply for an OCI card, you can submit an online application on the official website. Upload necessary documents like birth certificate, evidence of Indian origin, etc.
After that pay the applicable fee amount. Attend an interview at the consulate/embassy for biometric data collection. The processing may vary depending on different situations and cases.
We have covered everything about an Evisa vs OCI card. It is vital to learn the main differences between eVisa services and OCI services. eVisas are great for short-term stays and OCI is for long-term stays. Learning the difference between Evisa vs OCI card is vital in making the best choice. The choice depends on your plan and the duration of your stay in the country. Choose wisely and apply whichever option suits better with your situation better.
Making the right choice may be tough for you. Being confused is not a solution. However, asking for support is a better idea. Visament is a one-stop solution for all your OCI or eVisa problems in the UK. They make sure to make the whole process easy and hassle-free for you. Their team can help you in getting your application approved quickly.
Contact Visament to get help with the whole visa application process. They are available 24*7 to assist you with every immigration service to save you time, and effort, and to reduce your stress. Do not think twice, when in confusion ask for support.
No, you do not need a visa to enter India if you hold an OCI card. A valid passport and an OCI card is requisite.
Whether an OCI or NRI is better depends completely on your needs and situation.
No, you are not allowed to apply for an OCI while on an e-visa in India. You can't apply for a visa while on a tourist visa, missionary visa, or mountaineering visa.
Yes, you can live permanently in India with an OCI card. It acts like a lifelong visa and the cardholder can visit the country at any time for any duration of stay.
