In today’s digital age, the Indian government has streamlined travel documentation by offering various eVisa options to international travelers. The primary aim of this initiative is to simplify the visa process for foreign nationals who wish to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The most common types of Indian eVisas include Tourist eVisa, Business eVisa, Medical eVisa, Medical Attendant eVisa, and Conference eVisa. Understanding the different INDIAN EVISA TYPES is essential for choosing the right category based on your purpose of visit. In this guide, we’ll explore each type, eligibility, duration, and application procedure to help you navigate the process with ease.
What is an Indian eVisa?
An Indian eVisa is an electronic authorization issued by the Government of India that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the country for specific purposes without visiting the Indian embassy or consulate. It is linked electronically to the traveler’s passport and is presented at the port of entry in India.
The eVisa is available to citizens of over 160 countries, and the entire process—from application to approval—is conducted online. This system eliminates the need for physical paperwork and long processing times, making it convenient for tourists, business professionals, and medical patients alike.
Categories of Indian eVisa
- Tourist eVisa
The Tourist eVisa is the most commonly used among all INDIAN EVISA TYPES. It is ideal for individuals looking to explore India for sightseeing, recreation, or visiting friends and family.
Key Features:
- Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years
- Double-entry allowed for the 30-day visa
- Multiple entries permitted for the 1-year and 5-year visas
- Non-extendable and non-convertible
Eligibility:
Nationals from eligible countries who intend to visit India solely for tourism purposes can apply.
Processing Time:
Typically, the approval is granted within 3–5 business days.
- Business eVisa
The Business eVisa is designed for individuals visiting India for business-related activities such as meetings, sales, trade fairs, or establishing commercial ventures.
Key Features:
- Valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- Multiple entries allowed
- Maximum stay of 180 days per visit
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a business-related reason to visit India and provide supporting documents like a business card, invitation letter from the Indian company, or conference registration.
Processing Time:
Generally processed within 3–5 business days.
- Medical eVisa
The Medical eVisa is available for those seeking medical treatment in India from recognized and specialized hospitals or treatment centers. It is particularly popular due to India’s reputation for affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Key Features:
- Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival
- Triple entry allowed
- Non-extendable
Eligibility:
Foreign nationals requiring medical treatment must upload a letter from the Indian hospital where the procedure or treatment is planned. INDIAN VISA FROM USA
Processing Time:
Usually processed in 2–4 business days due to its urgent nature.
- Medical Attendant eVisa
The Medical Attendant eVisa is granted to individuals accompanying patients who are traveling to India on a Medical eVisa.
Key Features:
- Valid for 60 days
- Up to two attendants allowed per patient
- Triple entry permitted
Eligibility:
Only close relatives (like parents, children, or spouses) of the Medical eVisa holder are eligible.
Processing Time:
Same as the Medical eVisa, typically 2–4 business days.
- Conference eVisa
The Conference eVisa is intended for foreign nationals invited to attend government-sponsored or government-organized conferences, seminars, or workshops in India.
Key Features:
- Valid for 30 days
- Single-entry allowed
Eligibility:
An invitation letter from the hosting Indian organization and clearance from the Indian Ministry is required.
Processing Time:
Processed within 3–5 business days.
Common Requirements for All eVisa Types
While each category of INDIAN EVISA TYPES has its specific documentation, there are a few general requirements that all applicants must fulfill:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
- A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background
- A scanned copy of the passport’s bio page
- A working email address and debit/credit card for payment
- Specific documents based on visa type (invitation letter, medical approval, etc.)
How to Apply for an Indian eVisa
The application process for all INDIAN EVISA TYPES is relatively straightforward:
- Visit the official Indian eVisa portal
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, travel, and passport details
- Upload required documents such as photo and passport scan
- Pay the visa fee through the secure payment gateway
- Receive the eVisa by email after approval
Make sure to apply at least 4–7 days before your intended travel date to allow ample processing time.
Advantages of Using an Indian eVisa
- Convenient Online Application: No need to visit an embassy or consulate
- Fast Processing: Most applications processed within a few business days
- Multiple Entry Options: Available for long-term tourists and frequent business travelers
- Wider Accessibility: Available to citizens of over 160 countries
Things to Keep in Mind
- An Indian eVisa is only valid when entering through designated airports and seaports. Land border entry is not permitted under this visa.
- The eVisa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type while in India.
- Overstaying an eVisa can lead to penalties, fines, or bans from future travel to India.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of the eVisa during travel.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the INDIAN EVISA TYPES is crucial for planning your journey to India. Whether you’re traveling for a spiritual retreat, attending a business summit, or seeking specialized medical care, there’s a specific eVisa designed to suit your needs. Always double-check eligibility criteria and documentation before applying, and utilize the efficient online system for a smooth entry into one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating countries.