The validity of the e-visa or e-tourist visa for India has recently been changed by the immigration office of India and several changes have been implemented regarding the validity of these electronic residence permits. To avoid making mistakes when applying for or using your e-visa for India, here are some things to keep in mind.
Validity of a visa for India: key points
- A single-entry visa for India is valid for 30 days.
- A multiple-entry visa for India is valid for 365 days, or one year
- A medical visa for India is valid for 60 days
- India visas are valid from the day they are issued.
What is the validity period of the e-visa for India?
Thus and since January 2019, the new tourist e-visas or business e-visas for India have a validity period of 30 days to 365 days from the date of issue. The holders of the business or multiple entry e-visa can therefore make an unlimited number of trips to India during this period.
However, the validity of these e-visas should not be confused with the maximum length of stay allowed. Indeed, the maximum duration for which you can stay in India with these visas will depend on the type of visa you have applied for, whether it is a tourist, business or medical visa.
Here are some further explanations about these different e-visas and how long they can be used per stay.
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How valid is the e-tourist visa for India?
First of all, it should be noted that the tourist e-visa is valid for 30 days for the single entry e-visa or 365 days for the multiple entry e-visa. The same applies if you are going on a cruise, provided that all the seaports you will be passing through are among the authorised places of arrival.
This time the period of stay allowed in the country with the tourist visa is 90 consecutive days or three months for the multiple-entry e-visa. Of course, this means that you can make several 90-day stays in the country during the year of validity of your stay.
Remember, however, that the tourist visa is only valid for tourist stays, i.e. if you are going to the country on holiday or to visit friends.
How long is the business visa for India valid?
The total validity of the business visa for India is also 365 days but the length of stay is different from that of the tourist visa. While a business traveller can use his or her visa as many times as he or she wishes to visit India during a year, each stay must not exceed 180 consecutive days. It should also be noted that the total number of stays during that year cannot exceed 180 days. Therefore, if you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days in total during the same year, you should report to the FRO or Foreigners Registration Office before the 160th day of your stay to apply for an extension of your visa.
How long is the medical e-visa for India valid?
The validity of a medical or e-medical visa for India is 60 days per stay from the first day of your arrival in the country. Note here that the first date of arrival in India on this visa cannot be more than 30 days after the date of arrival stated in the application.
This type of visa is also specific in that it allows you to enter India three times during the 60-day validity period. The last date of departure must be within 60 days of the first date of arrival.
When is the validity period of the e-visa for India?
Is it possible to apply for an e-visa for India at any time before your departure? If the date of arrival on the application form is within 90 days of your application, it will be processed immediately. The 365-day validity period will then start as soon as your visa is granted. This approval usually takes place within 4 working days and on average within 48 hours if you apply urgently.
Where the date of arrival stated in the visa application is more than 90 days away, the application will be put on hold and then processed within 90 days of your arrival date.
How to apply for an e-visa for India online?
With the e-visa for India, you have the possibility to apply without going to the Indian consulate or embassy in your country but directly online. All you need is a scan of your passport and an online application form and a scanned ID photo.
Simply follow the steps on the screen when applying for your visa and you will receive a quick reply by email. Your visa will be sent to you by email and all you have to do is print it out and present it when you arrive in the country.
Of course, the e-visa for India requires that you meet certain prerequisites, such as the maximum duration of your stay, as indicated above.
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What is the risk of staying in India after the validity of the e-visa has expired?
India is a country that attracts many travellers every year to discover its cultural and natural wealth. In order to enter India, it is necessary to obtain a visa. It is important to respect the conditions of this official document and not to exceed its validity period.
Indeed, if you overstay your visa, you risk administrative and financial penalties. It is therefore advisable to plan your stay in India taking into account the dates of entry and exit of the country indicated on the visa. If the traveller needs to extend his/her stay in India, he/she can apply for a visa extension by visiting an Indian immigration office and providing the necessary documentation.
Failure to comply with the visa validity period and overstaying the planned exit date may result in the traveller being barred from entering India for a period of two years. In addition, the traveller may be fined for each day that the visa is overstayed. This fine can be very high and the traveller should therefore be aware of the risks involved if he/she does not comply with the conditions of his/her visa.
It is also important to note that overstaying a visa can have consequences for future travel. This is because the immigration services of countries can check the visa history of travellers and refuse entry if they find that the visa requirements of a previous country have not been met. It is therefore advisable to follow the visa rules for each country visited.
Can an Indian visa be extended on arrival?
The question of extending an Indian visa on arrival is a crucial one for many travellers who wish to extend their stay in India, whether for personal, business or tourist reasons. As a general rule, India does not authorise the extension of tourist visas or e-Visas beyond their period of validity, but certain exceptions and alternatives do exist.
- For holders of an e-Visa, which is often used for short stays (30 to 90 days depending on the type), extension on arrival is not permitted. Once the validity period has expired, the traveller must leave Indian territory. e-Visas are strictly regulated and cannot be renewed or converted into another type of visa.
- However, traditional visas (stickers affixed to the passport), such as business visas, student visas or medical visas, offer extension options in certain specific cases. To do so, the applicant must contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO ) or the Foreigners Division of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. These offices are responsible for managing registrations and extensions for foreign citizens in India.
Reasons for extending your visa for India
A visa extension may be granted in exceptional cases, such as:
- Serious health problems requiring prolonged treatment in India.
- Unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or political unrest, preventing immediate return to the country of origin.
- Professional reasons, for people on assignment or working with Indian companies.
The necessary supporting documents, such as medical certificates or letters from employers, must be submitted in support of the application. This must be done before the visa expires.
Although it is generally impossible to extend an Indian visa on arrival beyond its period of validity, certain exceptions exist for traditional visas in special circumstances. The travellers concerned must contact the FRRO to regularise their situation before their visa expires. To avoid any complications, it is advisable to plan your stay carefully and, if necessary, apply for a visa suitable for extended stays.
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Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
