Are you planning an international trip and feeling overwhelmed by the passport, visa, and immigration process? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential information you need to navigate through the complexities of passport acquisition, visa applications, and immigration procedures hassle-free.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
From understanding the different types of passports and visas to tips on completing immigration forms, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Get ready to embark on your next adventure with confidence!
e-Tourist Visa and Eligible Countries
The e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is an electronic travel authorization provided by certain countries to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists. It allows travellers to apply for a visa online and receive approval electronically before their trip. The e-Tourist Visa simplifies the visa application process, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.
Travelers can apply for an e-Tourist Visa through the official website of the respective country’s immigration department, providing required information and documents such as passport details, travel itinerary, and a digital photograph.
Once approved, the e-Tourist Visa is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing them to enter the country for tourism purposes for a specified duration.
List of Countries eligible for e-Tourist Visa
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Canada
- Cayman Island
- Chile
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Cambodia
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Finland
- Fiji
- France
- Germany
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Holy See (Vatican)
- Honduras
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kingdom of Tonga
- Papua New Guinea
- Latvia
- Laos
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Norway
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Paraguay
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Republic of Kiribati
- Republic of Korea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Republic of Nauru
- Russia
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- St Kitts & Nevis
- Thailand
- Tuvalu
- UAE
- Ukraine
- USA
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
Tourist Visa on Arrival
Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) is a type of visa that allows travelers to obtain a visa upon arrival at their destination country, rather than applying for one in advance through an embassy or consulate. TVoA is typically granted to tourists for a short duration, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the regulations of the destination country. This visa option simplifies the travel process for tourists and promotes tourism by facilitating easier entry into the country.
Here are the terms and conditions for availing Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) facility:
- The passport must be of ordinary kind; diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible.
- The passport should be valid for at least 6 months and have a minimum of two blank pages.
- A return or round ticket is mandatory.
- The passenger must fill out the application form provided by the Immigration Officer and submit it along with two photographs.
- Foreigners are required to pay a visa fee of $60 (equivalent in Indian currency) for TVoA.
- TVoA will be granted for a maximum period of 30 days, based on the return journey plus two days.
- Visitors are allowed only two visits on TVoA in a calendar year, with a gap of 60 days between successive visits.
- For more information, please visit: http://www.immihelp.com/nri/indiavisa/tourist-visa-on-arrival.html
Tourist Visa Application Process
Here are the steps to apply for an Indian visa:
- Apply online and upload your photo and passport pages.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, which will be sent to your email.
- Fly to India and remember to print the ETA and carry it with you during travel.
If you’re an Indian national planning to travel abroad, remember that a valid Indian passport and appropriate travel authorization, such as a visa, are required for your destination. While most visas must be obtained prior to your journey, some countries offer the convenience of “Visa on Arrival.“
Additionally, keep in mind that certain countries may have specific requirements regarding the validity period of your passport for entry.
Foreign nationals visiting India must possess a valid passport or an internationally recognized travel document with a photograph. However, nationals of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a passport when arriving by land or air from their respective borders, provided they have authorized identity proof. If entering from any other country, a passport is mandatory.
Foreigner’s Regional Registration Offices
Visa renewals and permits for Restricted Areas, including the Andaman Islands, Sikkim, Assam, Ladakh, Lahaul Spiti, etc., are processed by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Calcutta, as well as the Chief Immigration Officer in Madras.
New Delhi: 1st Floor, Hans Bhavan, Tilak Bridge, New Delhi – 110002. Telephone: (91 11) 3319489
Calcutta: 9/1, Gariahat Road, Calcutta – 700020. Telephone: (91 33) 443301, 2470549
Chennai: 9, Village Road, Nungabakkam, Madras – 600034. Telephone: (91 44) 8270549
Mumbai: 2nd Floor, 414 V.S. Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400001. Telephone: (91 22) 430133
Amritsar: 123-D, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar – 143001. Telephone: (91 183 2214186)
For further details, please visit http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/
Visa Fees
The fees for obtaining an Indian Visa differ depending on the country of application. Please consult the Indian Embassy in your respective country to determine the applicable fee.
Visa Extension
The authority to convert and extend visas for foreigners residing in India lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigner’s Division, located at Jaisalmer House, 26, Man Singh Road, New Delhi. Foreign nationals seeking visa conversions or extensions can visit the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) during working hours from 10 AM to 12 Noon, Monday to Friday.
Generally, changes from one visa category to another are not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances, which will be considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
