USA to India Visa: Everything You Should Consider

Getting an E-visa online is the most convenient and viable option. It is a safe, secure, trusted, and preferred method for getting a visa for India digitally without the need to visit a Visa Application Center. But what exactly is an Indian E-visa in this blog we will learn about an E-visa, the types of E-visa, the application process, etc.

What is an Indian E-visa?

Indian E-visa stands for Electronic travel authorization which allows foreigners to visit India for different purposes like sightseeing, casual visits, meeting friends who are citizens of India, meeting family, business activities, medical treatments that include Indian systems of medicine, etc. The Indian e-visa can be easily acquired online and is available for citizens from around 170 countries with specific terms and conditions customized according to their travel objectives.

Getting an E-visa online is the most convenient and viable option. It is a safe, secure, trusted, and preferred method for getting a visa for India digitally without the need to visit a Visa Application Center. For an Indian Electronic visa procedure online you have to ask and answer a lot of questions. An additional benefit to this is that the traveler does not have to visit any local Indian Embassy/ Consulate or any other High Commission to access an Indian visa as they can do it online.

With the help of an eTA, an individual can travel to any country without the need to stamp their passport physically. This new authorization strategy is named as an eVisa India (Indian Visa Online)

From Where Can I Enter India With an E-Visa?

Any E-visa holder can enter India through the following designated international airports and seaports.

For cruise tourists, e-visa entry is permitted through major Indian seaports including Chennai, Cochin, Mormugao, Mumbai, and New Mangalore.

When it’s time for you to depart India, e-visa holders can exit from any authorized Immigration check post located across the country. Keep in mind that entry is restricted to specific airports and seaports, so plan your journey accordingly.

If you’re also considering traveling to the UK, you might find our Complete Guide to Securing Your UK Visa from the USA helpful, as it provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining a UK visa alongside your plans for India.

Types of an Indian E-visa?

There are several types of India visas such as:

1. E-Tourist Visa

An E-tourist visa is a popular choice among leisure travelers and permits short-term stays. It is ideal for tourists who want to explore India’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

2. E-Business Visa

It eases and simplifies the process for business-related visas. It is tailored for business professionals who want to attend meetings and conferences or who want to inspect investment opportunities in India.

3. E-Conference Visa

The E-Conference Visa is designed for those people who are attending any conferences, workshops, or seminars in India. This visa makes it easier for them to take part in international events that are being hosted in the country.

4. E-Medical Visa

This visa provides more attainable access to medical treatments in India. It is crafted for those who are searching for specialized medical care and procedures. This E-visa India makes the process easier for the patients and their companies.

5. E-Medical Attendant Visa

This India visa makes sure that the patients are receiving the support they need during their medical journey. It allows parents or any attendant to be with the patient who is receiving medical treatment in India.

6. E-Emergency X-Misc Visa

This visa helps during unforeseen situations like medical emergencies or urgent visits to India for any purpose that is not covered in other categories and it is only available to Afghan Citizens and is reserved for some unexpected or instant circumstances.

Validity of Different Types of Indian E-visa

The validity of each India visa online will vary depending on the Indian e-visa you apply for. Here is the list of the length of validity depending on the type of e-visa:

Indian Visa Application Process

Follow these steps to complete the application process for an Indian visa:

• Finish the Indian Visa Application Process

The first step in the application process is to navigate to the official Indian Visa website and fill out the application form. Give relevant details, passport information, and all the necessary information. Recheck all the information and verify all things the visa application requires and then submit it further to avoid any kind of delay or rejection.

• Handle the Payment

After submitting the application form go ahead to the payment section. You can pay the fees in 132 different currencies according to your convenience. The Indian visa fees will vary depending on the nationality and the Type of Visa you are applying for. Select a payment method that suits you best such as Credit or Debit cards or a PayPal account. Ensure that you receive a payment receipt after paying the fees. 

• Upload the Documents

Once you complete the payment online successfully you will then receive a confirmation mail along with a link requesting you to upload the additional documents. Depending on the type of visa you will have to upload some required documents such as passport-sized photos, proof of residence, copies of previous Indian visas, etc. Ensure that every document is uploaded according to the specific requirements.

• Patiently Wait for Your E Visa India Approval e-visa India

Generally, the e-visa India processing time ranges from one to four days. You should keep checking your email to get updates about the status of your visa. If it gets approved you will receive your e-visa India in PDF format through mail.

• Get ETA Online

You will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online after the approval of your visa. You must keep it safe because It will confirm your eligibility to travel to India.

• Print A Physical Copy

Getting your ETA printed to keep a physical copy is highly advised. You may have to present a hard copy of your ETA throughout various stages during your journey including check-in at the airport.

• Prepare For The Journey

Pack your bags and fulfill your dreams of traveling to India with your approved ETA and important travel documents. Make sure to carry both physical and digital copies of your ETA along with all the other relevant documents for reference and verification purposes.

• Register with the FRRO

If your stay exceeds a specific duration which is usually 180 days due to any specific reason then you may have to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office(FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).

What Documents Are Required For an E-visa India?

You will have to submit some essential Indian visa documents depending on the type of visa you are applying for. From your passport to an immigration document you have to provide everything. You must always verify the checklist to make sure that you do not miss out on any document. Here is a list of documents that you need to provide for your e-visa India application:

• Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide any relevant passport-sized photographs which are taken not more than three months ago that measure 2*2 inches in size.
• Valid Passport: You must provide a passport that has a minimum validity of six months beyond your planned exit date from India. It should have at least two blank pages for the endorsements and visa stamps.
• Old Indian Visas: Add copies of any previous Indian visa that you have had no matter if they are expired.
• Proof Of Income: Gather your financial documents like bank statements, pay slips, employment letters, proof of employment, income tax returns, or any other relevant financial proof. This is to verify your financial capability while you stay in India.
• Proof of Residence: You must submit a copy of your national identity card from your home country to provide proof of your residency. It should show your name, photographs, and all the relevant personal information. Also, make sure to provide a recent utility bill that is not older than six months to provide more evidence about your current residence.
• Air Ticket: Add a copy of your air ticket for both the arrival and departure.

What is the Processing Time for an E-visa in India?

The e-visa India processing time varies depending on several factors such as the type of visa, your nationality, etc. It typically takes 1 to 3 working days to process travel visas E-tourist visas and e-business visas. For an e-conference visa, the time will vary depending on the particular event so applying in advance would be a smart move. E-medical and e-medical attendant visas have a shorter processing time generally 2 to 4 business days.

If you have any urgency then the Indian authorities may speed up the processing time of e-emergency X-Misc visas. However, it is important to look at the latest processing times and requirements before applying on the official Indian government website or the Indian embassy or consulate in your country.

How Much Will An India E-Visa Cost Me?

Just like the processing time the Indian visa fees will also vary depending on the e-visa you choose and your nationality. The Indian government decides the fees for e-visas for nationals of different countries which may differ at times.

To know the exact cost of any e-visa India or an India to USA Visa you can visit the official website of the Indian embassy or consulate of your country or the Indian e-visa website.

Can I Exceed The Validity of My Indian E-visa?

No, you can not extend your Indian e-visa as they are non-extendable. Extensions are not available for e-visas so you will have to depart from the country and apply for a new visa if you intend to stay for a longer time. However, you should know that e-medical visas may get a grant for an extension for up to 6 months depending on the case and its merits. For that one must connect with the concerned Foreign Regional Registration Office( FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).

Is It Possible To Convert My Indian E-visa To Any Other Visa?

E-visas are generally non-convertible to any other visa category but it has some exceptions. One exception is the possibility of conversion if any foreign national who holds an e-visa gets married to an Indian national, person of Indian origin (IPO), or an OCI cardholder during the validity of their visa.

In such situations, their e-visas can be converted into entry visas by a concerned Indian authority. Keep in mind that these conversions are subject to approval and specific conditions. Contact the relevant Indian authorities to get more information.

Who All Can Apply For an Indian E-Visa?

If you are a citizen of any of these below-mentioned countries then you are eligible to apply for an Indian E-visa: