1. Introduction
Indian Visa on Arrival (VOA) refers to visas that can be obtained at the port of entry into India, usually at one of the following airports: Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. If you are traveling to India for business or leisure, it is important to get your visa approved before you travel so that you do not have any complications entering the country when you arrive. This guide will help you through every step of applying for an Indian Visa on Arrival, from collecting the necessary documents to submitting your application online or at the airport.
Do I need to apply?
To apply for a visa on arrival, you need a passport that is valid until December 31, 2020 — and valid for at least six months from your date of travel; A completed Indian Visa Application Online form with a black and white passport photograph is attached; Your original round trip ticket or itinerary; Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in India (usually in cash, traveler’s check or credit card). You will also need medical insurance. If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not have a spouse who is an Indian citizen or permanent resident, you will also need proof of employment. In general, Indians use their national identity cards as an official form of ID but they are not accepted when applying for a visa on arrival.
Checklist of Required Documents
* Original Passport * Recent Photograph (one size-6×4 inches) * Indian Visa Application Form * Travel History if less than 15 days * Flight Booking Itinerary (Copy of PNR) * Hotel Booking Confirmation Itinerary (Copy of Reservation) * Address Proof ( Utility Bill/Bank Statement/Passport Copy/Ration Card) * Letter from applicant’s employer on company letterhead and signed by a senior officer. If a self-employed applicant, bank statements indicating no outstanding loans and proof of funds or at least three months’ income tax returns will be required. Submit along with photocopy of original letter.
Where can I apply?
You can apply at most international airports in India as well as some major seaports. For domestic travel within India, you can apply at individual terminals at selected airports or by sending an Indian visa application form by courier. You should be able to complete your Indian visa application process online—at least in theory. Be aware that not all government websites are secure and you should only enter sensitive information (such as credit card details) on verified sites. When in doubt, send your payment by postal mail with a paper form and your application by email with pre-filled details. Or fill it yourself before going online and print a copy in case something goes wrong.
How much money does it cost?
Indian Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs $60 USD, but if you are traveling with a tour group you don’t have to pay anything extra. VOA is valid for up to 30 days and allows you to enter India at any of its international airports. Please note that your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months before you apply. This is because if your passport expires while in India, it will be canceled and invalidated by Indian immigration, meaning they will refuse your re-entry into their country.
What is the best time frame to apply?
To be eligible, you must have arrived in India on or after January 1, 2016. If you are applying from within India or if you are only visiting the state of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the new visa rules will not apply at present. You can still travel to other parts of India without a prior visa but must have a valid passport and proof of return ticket before entering the area. For example, as long as you have a valid passport from your country of origin with at least 6 months remaining and proof that your flight departs within 15 days of arrival, you will be eligible for a visa-on-arrival. If your passport is missing either of these two things (validity or ticket confirmation), you need to apply for your visa before traveling outside India.
Other considerations
You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months, with two blank pages and at least one blank visa page (or two if you’re applying at a land border). You will also need sufficient funds for your stay in India. If you overstay your visa they will hold you accountable, so be honest! It’s better to play it safe than get into trouble while traveling. Finally, be aware of local holidays when planning as they can affect arrival times at various points across India. It definitely pays to do research before planning your trip!
