How to Apply For an Indian Visa

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Planning a trip to India soon? Well, before you can enjoy all that delicious, spicy food, rickshaw through the markets, or enjoy sunrise at the Taj Mahal, you will need to apply for an Indian visa. Though there are no visas upon arrival available for US citizens, getting a visa for India is still fairly simple, but there are many sites online for the visa and at different prices, so you need to make sure you’re going through the correct one to apply for an Indian visa.

Unlike visas for other countries, you cannot apply for the Indian visa through the Indian embassy. The process can be done online (easiest way), through indianvisaonline.gov.in Of course, the kind of visa you need depends on the kind of trip you are taking. An e-visa is usually enough if you are just in the country for a short amount of time as a tourist.

8B4A7360-1C3C-4E99-A0B6-C4098E035402 — Wandering through the Amber Fort. Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The e-visa is available for a duration of either 30 days or one year. You can also apply for a 10 year visa (not available online). For US citizens, the 30 day e-visa costs only $25. If you plan on doing the one year visa, the difference is not much either (I believe it costs $40).

Once on the site, you simply enter in passport details as well as information about your travels (date of entry/ port of entry, etc.) You will also be asked to upload a photo of your passport as well as a passport type photo. After providing credit card details, you will receive an email with your visa application number. I got my application granted the very next day, but give around 72 hours for processing. Once you’re approved, simply print out the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and present at the airport. They will ask you for the visa upon check in, so make sure to have that at hand. Also, make sure to apply for your visa no later than five days before your trip. Though it shouldn’t take that long to be granted the visa, it’s better to be safe than sorry!