🛂 Indian Visa Types and Application Guide
Planning a trip to India? Start with the right visa. This guide helps you understand the various Indian visa types—from tourist and business to student and e-medical visas—and how to apply for them.
In this thread, you'll find:
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A breakdown of different visa categories
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Step-by-step e-Visa application process
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Required documents and photo specifications
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Visa-on-arrival rules (if applicable)
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Common mistakes to avoid
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Country-specific tips and processing timelines
Whether you're coming for a short holiday, long stay, spiritual retreat, or business trip, this space helps you navigate India’s visa process with confidence. Share your experience or get answers from travelers who’ve done it before.
Planning a trip to India? Understanding the visa process is crucial. India offers multiple visa categories based on the purpose of your visit—tourism, business, studies, medical, or transit. Here's a quick guide to the types of Indian visas and how to apply easily:
🧳 Popular Types of Indian Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family | 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years (multiple entries) |
| e-Business Visa | Business meetings, trade, attending events | 1 year (multiple entries) |
| e-Medical Visa | Medical treatment in India | 60 days (triple entry) |
| e-Medical Attendant Visa | For family/accompanying person of e-Medical visa holder | 60 days |
| e-Conference Visa | Attending government-approved conferences | 30 days (single entry) |
| Student Visa | Long-term academic study in recognized Indian institutions | Up to 5 years |
| Employment Visa | Working with registered Indian companies | 1 year or contract period |
| Entry Visa | For Person of Indian Origin (PIO), family of Indian citizens | Up to 5 years |
| Transit Visa | Traveling through India to another destination | 15 days (single/double entry) |
🌐 e-Visa (Electronic Visa) – Best for Tourists & Short Visits
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Apply at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
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Eligible countries: 160+ countries including USA, UK, Australia, most EU nations, etc.
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Processing Time: Usually 3–5 working days
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Required Documents:
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Passport (valid for 6+ months)
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Passport-size photo (white background)
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Flight itinerary & address in India
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Fee: Varies by nationality and visa duration (ranges $10–$100 USD)
🏛️ Regular Visa (Sticker Visa) – For Long Stays or Special Purposes
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Apply at: Indian Embassy/Consulate in your country or via VFS Global
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When to use:
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Staying over 180 days
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Studying or working in India
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If your country isn’t e-visa eligible
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Documents Required:
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Completed visa application form
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Passport + 2 recent photos
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Purpose-based documents (offer letter, medical letter, etc.)
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Proof of accommodation and return flight
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Visa fees & appointment confirmation
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa
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Choose your visa type (tourist/business/medical etc.)
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Fill application form online
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Upload documents (passport copy, photo)
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Pay fee online using credit/debit card
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Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email
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Carry printout of ETA while traveling and get visa stamped on arrival
🔐 Important Tips
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Apply early – at least 7–10 days before travel
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Name must match passport exactly (no typos)
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Check airport eligibility – e-Visa is only valid at specific entry points (like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc.)
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Don't overstay – Fines and entry bans apply
❓ Need Help?
If you need personal assistance with application issues, India also has a 24/7 visa support email: indian-evisa@gov.in
