Applying for an Indian eVisa? Make sure you know the requirements and which airports are allowed!
As of February 1, 2017, the Indian government has made it easier to get an eVisa to enter the country. However, there are still certain requirements that you must meet in order to apply for this visa. If you want to visit India, it’s important that you know which airports are allowed by the eVisa system before applying so that you can go through the correct channels when you arrive at your destination. Here’s what you need to know about getting an Indian eVisa and knowing which airports allow you to use this service.
The benefits of getting your visa online
What’s better than a fast, simple way to apply for a visa? An easy way to apply that lets you skip airport lines. The India e-Tourist Visa (eTV) was introduced in January 2016, making it possible to apply from anywhere with internet access instead of at an embassy or consulate—no appointments are needed. There’s also no need to print out your confirmation page or wait in line when you land; your information is preloaded onto a microchip embedded in your passport and accessible via biometric recognition technology. And while some countries have been slow to adopt digital services (hello, America), they’re becoming increasingly common worldwide. Airports allowed for Indian eVisa
The 10 places in India where you can get your eVisa
You can apply for your Indian visa at any of these 10 places: Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Cochin (Kerala), Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. If you’re applying in person, check with your nearest consulate to confirm that they accept applications in person. Applications submitted by mail or at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre must be from addresses located within India. You cannot send a form to an overseas address.
Steps to follow if you want to apply for an eVisa
If you’re planning a trip to India soon, it’s essential that you apply for your visa early. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for your Indian visa: 1. Prepare all required documents In order to get a travel visa, make sure to have all of your personal information ready. This includes providing copies of both sides of your passports, proof of employment or business ownership, as well as personal letters from friends or family who can attest to your personality and integrity (one if English isn’t their primary language). Also be prepared with documents that prove you can afford your travel expenses while in India, such as bank statements proving liquid assets such as cash or checking accounts, stocks and bonds held in American banks, and stocks listed in the U.S.
Getting your visa online is convenient, easy, and fast
The Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA is a new type of visa that can be processed online. With an eTA, you don’t have to worry about going to a consulate or embassy, making appointments, waiting in line for hours on end, or even printing out forms. But if your trip doesn’t originate from one of these eligible airports, there are a few other things to consider. So if you plan on using your Indian Visa at any airport besides Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC) Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ) or Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport ((IATA airport code YOW), you should also check with your airline as they may not allow it.
When does my online visa application expire?
Your visa application will expire 30 days after your scheduled date of travel. You’ll receive a reminder email before your application expires with instructions on how to renew it. If you don’t receive a reminder, don’t worry—your application isn’t expired until 60 days after your scheduled date of travel. However, we recommend applying for an Indian visa as soon as possible so that your documents arrive in plenty of time. Be aware that not all applications can be extended or renewed, so check out our guide on extending and renewing my online visa application Indian eVisa Requirements
What should I carry with me when I enter India using my e-visa?
If you’re planning on entering India using your e-visa, there are some things you should be aware of. What to carry with you, what to expect once in India, etc. We’ve put together a quick cheat sheet just for that. Read our tips below
Can someone else use my visa document while traveling with me?
In order to apply for a new Indian visa, you’ll need to get your own passport, even if traveling with someone else. If they want to visit as well, they’ll need their own passport and visa. However, if they don’t plan on being present at any border crossings or immigration checkpoints, another person can use their passport as long as it’s still valid. You must travel together at all times while in India.
