Are you planning on visiting India shortly? Whether traveling to visit family or working abroad, one of the most important tasks is getting your India visa. Without it, you can’t enter the country, and if you’re from the UK, this process can seem intimidating due to red tape and long waits. However, with these five simple steps, you’ll get your India visa without breaking a sweat. Once you arrive in India, you have beautiful sights and unique experiences!
Process of Getting India VISA
Get a valid passport
The first step is to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages. If you need to renew it, you have time—the Indian Embassy recommends doing so a month before your planned trip. When choosing a passport photo, make sure that it’s between 45mm and 50mm tall by 35mm wide (roughly 1.5in x 2in).
You can take your picture or go to a photoshop; in either case, get it stamped and signed by a licensed official. Finally, you must provide proof of onward travel—a flight ticket out of India. A direct flight to Europe is preferred but not required.
Apply for your India visa at least six weeks before you plan a trip to India
We’re not saying you have to apply for your visa at your nearest Indian consulate. You can, but why not save yourself a trip?
- Online applications are fast and easy and can be accessed at www.indianvisasonline.gov.in/visas/tvoa-india.html.
- Choose to apply for a new visa on their page and find out if you’re eligible for one of three different types of visas: tourist, business, or transit (which only allows you to stay in India for up to 48 hours).
- Check that everything is accurate in your application before hitting submits—it will be much easier than going through it again after an error causes delays!
- Be sure to read all instructions carefully, as mistakes can delay your application by weeks.
- The fee varies depending on which type of visa you need, so make sure you know how much money to bring when applying online.
- Payments must be paid in cash, so plan and visit an ATM beforehand.
- Note that many ATMs around India don’t accept credit cards, so check with your bank first if traveling internationally.
- Once approved, collect a copy of your form before leaving and keep it safe until you arrive in India; some immigration officers may ask for approval when entering the country!
The visa application process can be lengthy, so send it in well
Send your application well ahead of time. The entire process, including visa issuance and decision, can take up to 20 days—even for those applying for an e-visa (sent via email). That’s why it’s best not to submit your application; you don’t want to run into a delay or possible denial because of a missed deadline.
Most agencies will get you there on time—but if they don’t, double-check that everything is in order before sending it off. You can always contact them again with any questions or concerns if needed.
Most importantly: Don’t forget postage! Make sure you have enough stamps so that your documents are delivered promptly. If you’re mailing from overseas, make sure to include international postage and domestic postage when calculating how much to send.
The cost is pretty reasonable but consider the need to pay using international bank transfers
The cost of your visa depends on several factors, such as where you’re applying, how quickly you need it, and what kind of document you’re using. Single-entry tourist visas can be issued in just five days for £100.
Once you have your visa, costs include flights, hotels, and any extra fees associated with your trip. These will vary greatly depending on where you go in India and what time of year it is. For example, suppose most airfares are unavailable due to a major festival like Diwali (which falls in October).
In that case, it’s better to visit during another time of year when prices are lower and more flight options are available. In general, keep in mind that India isn’t exactly a budget destination—but don’t let that deter you! It’s one of those places where traveling cheaply isn’t worth it; save that money for other destinations instead.
A cheap vacation here would mean less time spent exploring and more spent searching for cheap food or transportation. Plus, no matter how much money you spend while traveling through India, you’ll probably feel like it was all worth it.
While you are waiting for your reply, plan how to get all your documents together
If you’re planning a trip outside of Europe, it’s always wise to double-check what you need in terms of documentation. Each country has its visa requirements, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with them and preparing your application early. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your intended stay in India.
For example, if you’re traveling on a three-month tourist visa, make sure your passport is valid for another nine months. You’ll also need proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket), accommodation and financial resources (such as bank statements), and any other documents required by your consulate. You may also have to provide fingerprints or submit photos for biometric processing before issuing your visa.
The British High Commission in New Delhi can issue visas to British citizens.: The quickest way to get an Indian visa is through one of four regional consulates: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Hyderabad. However, there are two offices within New Delhi: one at Connaught Place and another near the Paharganj market; however, these do not handle applications directly but instead refer applicants back to their regional counterparts.
Conclusion
Hundreds of thousands of Indian tourists flock to Europe, Australia, and America for a truly unique holiday experience. Unfortunately, there is a limit on how many Indians can be granted visas every year. By following these five simple steps, you will have done everything to ensure you are one lucky few who get their visa. Good luck!
