India is an increasingly popular tourist and business destination. Whether it's for its rich culture, breathtaking scenery or dynamic economy, many travellers want to go there. To enter India, you need an electronic visa.
In this article, we present the different types of electronic visa available for travel to India, the conditions for obtaining them and the steps you need to take to obtain them.
Definition of electronic visa (e-visa)
The electronic visa for India, also known as the e-visa, is a dematerialised travel authorisation. It allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in India without having to physically go to an embassy or consulate to obtain a paper visa. This system greatly simplifies the procedure for obtaining a visa, while allowing the Indian authorities to monitor visitors more closely.
Types of electronic visas
There are three main types of e-visa for India:
- tourism e-visa For tourist visits, short yoga courses and short medical stays;
- business e-visa For business travel, including meetings, trade fairs and supplier searches;
- medical e-visa for long-term medical treatment.
Tourism e-visa
Duration and validity
There are 3 types of tourism e-Visa, which allow you to stay for different lengths of time:
- e-Visa 30 days, single entry, valid for 30 days, allows you to stay in the country for 30 days
- 1-year, multi-entry e-Visa, valid 365 days for stays of up to 90 days
- 5-year e-Visa, multi-entry, valid for 5 years for stays of up to 90 days
Terms and conditions
To be eligible for the tourism e-visa, you must :
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into India;
- Be a national of an eligible country. Most countries are eligible, including France and other European countries, as well as Switzerland and Canada, but it is advisable to check the updated list on the official Indian government website;
- You must not have a valid India visa or one that is in the process of being processed;
- A return or onward ticket to another country, confirming the maximum authorised stay in India.
How to apply
To obtain an e-tourism visa, you must :
- Complete the online application form and upload a recent passport photo and a digital copy of the passport's identity page;
- Pay the required fees by credit card;
- Have received the travel authorisation by e-mail. Processing time is generally 72 hours, but may vary according to peak periods;
- Print this authorisation and keep it for the duration of your stay in India, as it may be requested at any time by the local authorities.
Business e-visa
Duration and validity
The business e-visa is valid for one year (365 days) from the date of issue, with multiple entries permitted. The maximum duration of each stay is also 90 days.
Terms and conditions
The conditions for obtaining a business e-visa are broadly similar to those for a tourist e-visa, with a few differences:
- Proof of the purpose of the trip must be provided, such as an invitation to a business event or a letter from an Indian business partner;
- A business card or similar document may also be requested to prove the applicant's professional activity.
How to apply
The procedure for obtaining a business e-visa is the same as for tourism, i.e. complete the online form, pay the required fee and wait to receive authorisation by e-mail. However, you will need to provide the specific supporting documents mentioned above.
Medical e-visa
Duration and validity
The medical e-visa allows you to stay in India for up to 60 days per visit, with a maximum of three entries during the six months following the date of issue of the visa. Unlike the other two types of e-visa, this is not an unrestricted multiple-entry visa, but a visa limited in time and number of entries.
Terms and conditions
To be eligible for a medical e-visa, you must :
- Have a letter of recommendation from a French hospital or doctor, translated into English;
- Proof of an appointment at a recognised Indian hospital;
- Hospital letterhead, specifying the type of treatment, the patient's name and the invitation dates
How to apply
The procedure for obtaining a medical e-visa is similar to that for other e-visas, with an online form to complete and specific supporting documents to provide.
Obtaining an e-visa for India may seem complex, but the key is to be well informed about the different types available and the specific conditions for obtaining them. Once you have mastered these elements, the process is relatively straightforward, and the speed with which you obtain authorisation makes it easier to plan your trip to this fascinating country.
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