Indian Visa Application Process

Online Visa Application Steps

The website allows the applicants to complete the visa registration section. The applicant needs to provide the following information for the online visa application process:

1. Country you are applying visa from - The applicant needs to indicate the country that he/she is applying from
2. Indian Mission - Select the appropriate Indian Mission/Post applicable to your location
3. Nationality - Choose the nationality
4. Date of Birth - Must be mentioned in DD/MM/YYYY format
5. Email ID - The approved visa is sent to this email
6. Re-enter Email ID - Verify the email ID to avoid errors
7. Expected Date of Arrival - Must be mentioned in DD/MM/YYYY format
8. Visa Type - Based on the nature of the travel, the applicant must indicate the types of visa he/she is applying for.
9. Purpose - Visa type can be different from the purpose of the travel, the applicant must indicate the purpose of his/her travel from the list of drop-down options

Factors to Consider before Applying for an Indian Visa

1. Applicants are allowed to apply for a visa under single or multiple entry visa schemes
2. e-visa is allowed under the e-Tourist visa, e-Business Visa, and e-Medical visa categories.
3. The photograph must meet the required guidelines.
4. The applicant may be required to submit additional documents based on his/her profile.
5. The visa fee is based on the type of visa, applicant's nationality, entry scheme, and other factors.
6. Visitor's biometric details are obtained by the immigration officer while arriving in India.
7. e-visa will be valid for 60 days from the date of entering India.

Online and Offline Visa Application Process

The visa application process can be completed both online and offline, with steps including form submission, document upload or submission, payment of fees, and tracking of the application status.

Steps for Online Visa Application Process

1. Fill Out the Online Application: Complete the online visa application form on the official website to begin the process.
2. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of essential documents, including your passport and photograph.
3. Submit the Application: After filling out the form and uploading documents, submit your application online.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Make the payment for the visa fee using the available online payment methods.
5. Get the Reference Number: After completing the payment, you will receive a reference number to track the status of your application.
6. Application Review: The embassy or immigration authorities will review your application. If approved, an electronic visa (eTV) will be sent to your registered email.
7. Receive Notifications: You will receive regular updates via text messages or email about the status of your application.

Steps for Offline Visa Application Process

1. Download the Application Form: Download the visa application form from the official embassy or consulate website.
2. Fill Out the Form: Complete the form manually or digitally, making sure all information is correct and filled out accurately.
3. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as your passport, photograph, travel itinerary, financial statements, and any other supporting documents.
4. Submit the Application: Visit the nearest visa application center, embassy, or consulate to submit your completed application form along with the required documents.
5. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee at the application center or embassy. Payment can usually be made in cash, by check, or via bank transfer, depending on the location.
6. Schedule an Interview (If Required): If an interview is required, schedule it at the embassy or consulate as instructed.
7. Attend the Interview: Attend your interview on the scheduled date and provide any additional information or documents requested by the officer.
8. Wait for Application Processing: The embassy or consulate will process your visa application. If approved, they will place the visa in your passport.
9. Receive Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you can pick it up from the visa center or embassy or wait for it to be mailed to you, depending on the embassy's procedures.

Visa Application Status

In order to track the status of the visa application, the applicants can follow these steps to know the status of their application:

Regular Visa Application

1. Visit - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry
2. Enter 12 characters Application ID
3. Passport Number (the visa status can also be obtained with the passport number)

e-Visa Application -

1. Visit - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry
2. Enter 12 characters Application ID
3. Date of Birth in DD/MM/YYYY
4. Specify Nationality
5. Verify captcha
6. Check Status Advanced search for e-Visa only

Countries That Can Apply for an Indian Visa

Foreigners from the following countries/territories can apply for an Indian e-Visa: