After you choose the right visa, the first thing you must do is complete the online Indian Visa Application form. If this is your first interaction with the government of India, you should refresh yourself on How to Please the Babu. This will get you in the right frame of mind.
The form seems easy enough, but a simple mistake can lead to your application being rejected, which means you lose your application fee, and you have to start the process over again! So, it’s best to get it right the first time.
Before you begin
Two things to remember:
1) Filling out the Indian Visa Application form online does not mean you have submitted it. The purpose of the online form is to make sure you have filled in all the correct information in the right format for easier processing. If you make a mistake, you can start over and it will not affect your application. No one is looking through all this data and cross-checking it. The only form that matters is the one you print out when you finish.
2) You may not alter the application after you print it. This includes handwriting answers. Once you print it out, if you want to make any change at all, you must start the application form over again.
Overview of the Process
Start your Indian Visa Application form by clicking this link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/indianVisaReg.jsp
If you are applying for any visa other than the e-Tourist Visa, click the Online Visa Application in the upper left corner.
Page 1 Guide
Country you are applying from – This means where you physically are now. It is usually the same as your permanent residence, but certain visas can be applied for outside of your residence. If your residence is in Birmingham, but you are in Bangkok and need a transit visa, choose the Bangkok Mission.
Indian Mission – Choose the mission/embassy that you want to issue your visa.
Dates – Dates in India (as well as most of the world) read Day/Month/Year, not Month/Day/Year. For example, July 2nd is 2/7; February 7th is 7/2.
Visa Type – Some categories may request additional information later on.
- For Business, you will need to be prepared to give the address of the company that is inviting you.
- For Conference, have the give the details of the conference.
- For Employment, you will need to know your salary in Rupees. It must be more than Rs 1,25,000 (Given Rs. 60 = US$1) unless you are with an NGO.
- For Tourist, you will need a places you are planning to visit.
- For Medical/Surrogacy, you will need the details of the hospital you are going to.
Page 2 Guide
Write down your temporary application ID. Every time I fill out this form I have to do it a few times and wish I had saved the number.
Applicant Details
Name – When inserting your name, put it exactly as it appears in your passport with no mistakes. “Surname” is your family name. “Given name” is your first and any middle names.
Sex – There are officially three genders in India.
Town/city of birth – This must be exactly as it is mentioned on your passport. Do not put any other additional information. If it says “Ohio” on your passport, but you were actually born in Columbus, put “Ohio”.
Citizenship Number – If your country has a national ID system, put the number here. Most people will put “NA”. US citizens should not put their Social Security Number.
Religion – Why do they want to know your religion? Read this post for a more detailed answer, but basically this is about identifying what community you come from. This is not about your personal theological beliefs. If your parents were Christian, but you haven’t been to church in 30 years and don’t believe any of it, you should still put Christian. Most North Americans and Europeans should put Christian, even if your personal beliefs are more complicated. Keep it simple. If you are very uncomfortable, just pick “Other” and put “NA”.
Visible Identification Marks – In a country with thousands of Suresh Babus and Parminder Singhs, a mole or scar can be helpful in identification. Pick a visible mole or birthmark or put “none”.
Education –
- Below Matriculation = Less than 10th grade
- Graduate = College/University Bachelor’s Degree
- Higher Secondary = High School
- Illiterate = No formal education
- Matriculation = 10th Grade
- Professional = Professional or technical training
- NA Being Minor = Children who are still in school
Passport Details
Passport place of issue – Again, this should read exactly as mentioned in your passport, even if it says something like “Department of State”.
Page 3 Guide
Applicant Address Details
Present Address – This must match exactly with whatever proof of address you submit. It will also be cross-checked electronically to match it with the Indian mission you chose. If you are applying for a visa away from your permanent residency, put your hotel/current address in the present address and then fill out the permanent address section as well.
Family Details
Father/Mother Details – It might seem strange to you why they would want to know about your parents and your parents’ names. This is a background check of sorts. They mainly want to know if you have any ties to Pakistan. If you have any connection, it will delay your processing time.
Profession/Occupation Details
Present Occupation – This may seem like a harmless question, but how you answer it could cause a lot of frustration later on. Each category matches to a certain type of visa. If you are applying for a visa other than what your profession matches, you may need to supply additional documentation or else you might not get the visa you want.
- Camera Man, Film Producer, Journalist, Media, News Broadcaster, Press, Publisher, Reporter, TV Producer,and Writer are all matches to the Journalist Visa. Also, if the employer you list is a media company, you may be put in the Journalist visa category.
- College/University Professor and Researcher match to the Research Visa.
- Businessman, Chartered Accountant, Engineer,and Trader match to the Business Visa.
- Diplomat, Official, UN Official match to the Diplomat Visa.
- Student matches to the Student Visa.
- In the case of Housewife and Student, you will need to give the details of your spouse or father.
- If it is a child not in school, put Other.
Other potential red flags that could cause delays or additional documentation:
Charity/Social Worker will be a red flag since the only visa you are allowed to do volunteer work on is the Employment Visa.
Un-employed is usually not a good category to pick. Similarly, Labour and Worker might find some difficulty, but not too likely. Any Military profession might also require some additional documentation.
These rules hold true when you list your employer. Even if you are the IT director for a Media company, you may get earmarked for the Journalist Visa. If you work for a religious organization, they may want more details about you. Similarly, if you are applying for a Business Visa, remember that it is illegal for you to earn money from a company as salary. Therefore, be careful mentioning any “work” you are doing. The Business Visa is for setting up contacts, attending meetings, overseeing work, etc.
What if I want a visa that doesn’t match with my profession or employer?
Choose whichever of these three options you are most comfortable with, although none are guaranteed.
1) Don’t worry about it and submit it anyway. Sometimes these things go through without a problem. If you work in a media-related field, having a Journalist visa is not a bad thing, so you may even want to apply for it the first time. For all other questions, the embassy will get in contact with you if they want more information.
2) Supply an accompanying letter from your organization.
Here are three examples:
If you work for a media company but want a Tourist Visa, have your manager write a letter that says your trip is purely personal and you will not be doing any official business.
If you work for a religious organization, you may need a letter that says you will not engage in any proselytizing.
If you are a professor wanting a tourist visa, you may want to have a letter from the university saying that this trip is purely personal and you will not be doing any official research.
3) Choose the “Other” category for your occupation and give an alternate but truthful name to your profession (i.e. “graphic designer” or “consultant”). This will cause the agent reading the application to consider it on a case-by-case basis and will increase your chances of being approved for the visa of your choice.
Page 4 Guide
Details of Visa Sought
This is where you will insert any additional information that your visa requires.
Duration of Visa – Different countries have different lengths of visa. You should check the embassy in your country to see what options you have. Remember that your validity starts when it is issued, not when you land in India.
Purpose of Visa – It is very important that this matches exactly with the type of visa.
Expected Date Journey – This doesn’t need to be the exact date of your travel if you haven’t booked tickets, just close to the date.
Previous Visa Details/Other Information/SAARC
Countries Visited in Last 10 years – List everything completely here. Not mentioning a country you have a valid visa to can be grounds for refusal.
SAARC Country Visit Details – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It is a loose confederation of South Asian nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
References
Name in India – If you don’t know anyone, put the hotel where you plan to stay.
Photo Upload – It is not necessary to upload a photo, unless you are filling out the e-Tourist Visa. Otherwise, you will be including hard copies in the packet you send to the Consulate.
Last Steps
After Page 4, you will be able to review all the information. Look over it once from your own perspective to make sure there are no errors. Then look over it again from the visa officer’s (aka the Babu’s) perspective to make sure everything is completely filled out and matches nicely.
Once you verify it, click the “Print Form” button, and you can save your application as a PDF. If you gave your email, it will also be sent to you. Look over the PDF since it is in a different format and something new might catch your eye. If you notice any errors at this point, you will need to start the application over again.
If everything looks fine, print the application on two pieces of paper, not back-to-back.
There are two places to sign. On the first page, make sure your signature is completely inside the box underneath your photograph. Do not staple your photograph to the application; use glue or paste. On the second page, sign at the bottom right.
Children between 12-17 should sign their name on the first page. Children younger than 12 can put a thumbprint on the first page.
For all minors, the second page must be signed by both parents. If you mail in your application, it should also be notarized. If you apply in person, it does not need to be notarized.
Sources:
- http://www.in.ckgs.us/ – Cox and Kings is the current authorized provider for Indian visas out of the US
- http://india.travisa.com/ – Travisa is a third party company that also provides visa and passport services for US citizens
- http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ – VFS provides Indian visa services in the UK
- http://goasia.about.com/
- http://www.indiamike.com/
You are welcome to put your questions in the comments below; I will do my best to respond as I am able. However, I am only giving my opinion in most cases and anything I say should not be taken as legal or professional advice.
Please help me out. I have verified all the information regarding the visa but still no downloadable pdf is being provided to me. Just a message appears that says ”your application has already been submitted successfully with application ID:” What should I do?
Not sure. At the end, you should get a message that says “Print Form” which has the pdf. If you can’t get anywhere, I’d recommend just starting the application over again. It won’t hurt you at all.
Thanks! I guess I should just restart the entire procedure.
Can a minor apply for a 10-year visa from USA? Talked to someone at CKGS who insists that minors can get only 5-year visa
I don’t know that there is a standard printed rule about this. Since minors in the US typically only get passports valid for 5 years, I would guess that they only give 5 year visas as well. Right now CKGS is the final authority on these things in the US, so whatever they say, you’ll have to go with.
If you have a canadian passport, It says issuing country in one place and it says issuing authority(city) written in another, what would i fill in for the issuing place?
“Place of Issue” should be the City where your passport was issued.
“Educational Qualification” for young kids is “NA Being Minor”
The duration depends on what kind of visa you are applying for. But in general, it’s better to put in “1 month” at the minimum. I think in Canada the minimum amount for a tourist visa is 6 months anyway. Check your consulate’s websites:
http://www.blsindia-canada.com/
http://www.cgitoronto.ca/content/visa-services-fee-schedule-canadian-passports
Thanks a lot for this helpful page! I still have two issues though…
In particular there are things on the final .pdf form which you cannot enter, including ‘address of place of stay/hotel’.
The other problem is that there is not enough space for me to fill in the entire address of my reference person in India (whom I will also be staying with). I’ve never been to India and don’t know which parts of the address are absolutely necessary – if anything can be left out at all. Do you have any advice? Thanks!
Once you finish and save it as a pdf, you cannot make any edits. If you want to change anything at that point, you have to restart the form all over again.
Don’t worry about putting the entire address. Just make sure the city name and pin code (like a 6 digit zip code) are in there.
What an nice post. It’s really helpful. New update news for Bangladesh
http://www.newsjhenaidah.com/world/2015/05/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0/
Thanks. Current list of e-Tourist Visa countries is here:
http://learningindia.in/e-tourist-visa/
Bangladesh and China will both be added soon as well as several others, it seems.
What do you put for employment if you are retired? I seem to remember reading NOT to put retired but instead to put your former occupation, but maybe that was not for India.
It would depend on which visa you want to get. If you want a tourist visa, then choosing the retired option is no problem. If you are looking for a business or employment, then it would be strange…
how to put the employment details of my father if he is retired?how do i fill up the employee name,designation,address,phone and the past occupation part?
Just put ‘retired’, and put the details in past occupation. You can leave blanks for the other areas.
can an illiterate person have an employment visa?
As long as someone else is willing to pay you a lot of money, it isn’t a prerequisite…
what i have to do when they send me a message ( enter correct indian mission ) while i where reprinting registered application
I am a British citizen living in Ukraine at the moment. Can I apply for an e-visa from here? Will there be any problem with that?
Shouldn’t be a problem as per the posted regulations
I am doing the ‘golden Triangle’ tour next March. When it asks for the address where you are staying what should I put?
The address of the first hotel you are staying at
Thank you Neil. Just one more question, if your parents are dead do you put deceased as well as their profession before they died and if so what if you don’t know what that was.
Don’t sweat it too much. Remember the Babu – https://learningindia.in/how-to-please-the-babu/
Just give the most simple answer possible.
Great, thanks.
hi
i wanna apply for my kid so what i have to put in his employment details
Classify him as either a student or “na being minor”. Then just enter ” none” in any other fields.
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Hi I applied for a e-visa online and it all went through ok but I missed of my middle name. Shall I wait for there response in 72hrs or just reapply. Also if I get the ok of them shall i reapply anyway to avoid any problems at the airport once i arrive. Lastly how long to i have to wait to reapply this is for the e-visa/visa on arrival process
I would advise you to apply again. Even if they approve it, there’s a chance the immigration official won’t like it and you’ll be stuck at the airport. You are risking making the Babu very angry.
I don’t know about the rules for reapplying, but if you are doing it under a different name (the correct one) I think that should be fine. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks for the advice. The one with no middle name came through as approved, but I reapplied anyway as like you said didn’t want to run into any difficulties with the babu at the airport. The second one came through fine & approved . Lesson learnt as said in the article , answer the questions carefully (even the easy ones like whats your name? Lol
Thanks again
Thanks for sharing your experience! Have a great trip!
HI I AM APPLYING FOR VISA FOR MY BABAY WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN EMPLOYMENT DETAIL? AS HE IS JUST 7 MONTH OLD BABY AND NOT STUDENT .
EVEN I PUT OTHER THEY STILL ASK EMPLOYMENT DETAIL
Just call him a student, and take off your caps lock 😉
BGDD page asar por ja code lagba sata jodi ditan khub upokar hoto
Sorry, I don’t know what you are trying to say.
applying for tourist Visa i am visiting india for 2 weeks where it says “duration of visit in months” what should i put. and what would be references for both Uk and India
Put 1 month (or two if you fancy). Reference in UK is someone who knows you and your travel plans. Reference in India is the name of a girl you are staying at our someone you know there. There is nearly no chance either of these people will be contacted.
thankyou for your help
hello – I am trying to do the e-tourist visa online, but I’m confused as to the following.
I’m currently resident in Lebanon as I’m doing a Masters program, and that residency has been valid since September. Prior to this I was in Lebanon but on tourist visas (i.e. without residency), for around 3 years. I’m still obviously a British Citizen and not a Lebanese citizen, I just have temporary residency, what should I put as my ‘present’ and ‘permanent address’? I’m thinking to put my UK address for both? Since it’s an e-visa I don’t need to take any proof of address, right? It seems I cannot select Lebanon for present address and UK for permanent address, and in any case, if I chose this option, would I have needed to be resident in Lebanon for at least 2 years (as per the old visa rules, before the evisa)?
Looking forward to hearing backkkk 🙂
Thanks!
Yes, I’d go with your gut here. Keep it simple.
Hey, I have a quick question. Under education, do I put the last level of education that I have completed or the one that I am currently in? By the way, I am in my second year of college.
Stick with what you have completed.
If you are applying for a student visa, your paperwork should show all the other necessary information.
My permanent address is different from my passport address, as I changed cities. My parents still live at the older address and it remains my contact address. Do you think I can apply for my UK visa without changing the address in my passport?
I know nothing about applying for a UK visa. This is information for getting a visa to enter India. Did I understand you correctly?
oh yes… UK visa form too looks very similar. Thanks
Neil, I’m in a very peculiar position regarding the vapplication. I was an indian citizen and just became canadian national. So on page 4 of the application, the question ‘Have you ever visited India before?’, my answer is yes. But then it asks me my previous visa details, which I don’t have. There’s no option to say ‘Indian Passport’ in the drop down menu. So if I said ‘yes’ to the question, I don’t have the information that they’re looking for. How to deal with this scenario?? Would it make sense to say ‘No’ to the question and submit the form? Your insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Is there a reason why you are applying for a visa and not an OCI card? That would solve most of your problems.
That’s a valid point. Will definitely get the OCI for future travel.
To close on my doubt, I called a visa processing agency. Their response was that it’s okay to put ‘No’ to that question, since I haven’t visited India on my new passport. It doesn’t sound ‘technically’ correct, but I guess that’s how the question is interpreted on the form.
In any case, thanks for this tutorial and helping us out!
Yes, do go ahead with the OCI application.
I would agree with the agency. Being ‘technically’ right isn’t the point – just giving them the information they want.
See https://learningindia.in/how-to-please-the-babu/
I am on my gap year, so going to uni next September and am travelling to india in January. when putting down the occupational details of applicant I select student. and then it promts me to specify occupational details of following so I select ‘father’, and fill in my fathers occupational details accordingly. I am a bit worried because on the pdf document section G. Professional Occupational details, of father it now says Present occupation – ‘student’. but is that still just indicating that I am a student???? I have already booked my appointment I hope this isn’t a mistake, please reaasure me Neil!
Probably no reason to worry. These things should be clear to the person reading the application. This is a bit of bad design in the form, and I’m sure they encounter this a lot.
Hi Neil, Im in Sri Lanka applying for the tourist visa, after looking through the questions, when it asks what countries have you travelled to in the past 10 years. my last trip away was 7 years ago and went to india twice, but I travelled on my british passport. Im now travelling with my NZ passport that doesn’t have any information of previous travels. Im unable to get hold of past visa details from my other old passport, do I just go ahead and say no to previous travel to india since its not in my new passport?
Thank you for any help
Harry
Yup, Keep it simple.
I am due to go India in 2 weeks and have an appointment for visa tomorrow, the problem is I have made the payment but have just realised my middle name is not on the application form? Would it be refused?
Not refused outright, but you may have to reapply. Bring a new printout with you with your middle name on it to the interview.
I am applying for a tourist e-visa. I travelled to India 27 years ago and I no longer have the old passport or the tourist visa that I had at that time for my visit. However the application form asks for these details if you have travelled to India before. Any thoughts on what I can do?
If there is no record of your visit in any of the documents you are submitting, then just say that you have never been. Keep it simple and easy.
I have just completed the visa application form and realise that the period of visa is only 1 month. Whilst I will not be staying longer it only gives me a week to to make an appointment submit visa at the Sydney office before I leave as it states what the visa is one month from when it is issued. Should I have applied for longer than one month? Was there an option for this? I am thinking I will have to redo application form. No money has been sent as I was always goings to apply direct.
Thanks
MM
There should be an option to chose how many months you want the visa for. Each country has different agreements with India. Not sure about what the typical Australian tourist visa is. There are usually preset amounts (6mo, 1yr, etc) – however these aren’t visible on the form.
Your best bet is to redo the form since you haven’t paid anything yet. Ask for a 6 month visa and see what happens!
Hi! I’m from Canada, and I’m travelling to Nepal in early January, and then am flying to India in the last week of February. I am trying to complete my India tourist visa application before I leave home here to keep everything easy, however I have a few questions.
– What is best to put for ‘religion’ if I am not religious? I read that most North Americans just put Christian, however I am really not associated with any religion. Is it simplest to just put Christian anyway? Or select ‘other’ and write NA?
– For ‘profession’, I have completed my bachelor’s degree, and have been working temporary (6 month term) jobs trying to figure out what I want to do. Now I’m just going travelling for awhile. Technically I do not have a profession. I will go back to school at some point once I’ve figured out what career path I want. I usually just tell immigration officers I’m a student, but I read that that would pair with a “student” visa to enter India. Is that true? What should I put as my profession then? I did an environmental science degree, and my last job was with an environmental consulting company. Should I write that? Or is that too complicated? Please help!!
– For ‘SAARC countries visited in the last 3 years’ as of right now, when I am applying for my visa, i have not been to any of those countries. However, once I arrive in India in February, I will have been to Nepal. I am unable to select “2016” from the drop down menu (only up to 2015). Do I have to include this? Once I print my application off can I write on the form 2016 and cross out 2015? I didn’t know how best to compete this section.
– For ‘Countries Visited in the last 10 years’ – do i again include Nepal because once I reach India I will have been in Nepal? Or no, because at this time I have not been there? And do you have to include countries that you just fly through the airports (and do not actually travel there?)? My flight to Nepal goes through Abu Dhabi. Would that be a country I have to list? And if my exceeds the space provided, I just attach an additional sheet with the rest of the countries I’ve been to (any other information?)?
Thank you so much in advance – sorry for the novel of questions!
Hi Kelsey – It would be good for you to check this article out first to give some perspective:
https://learningindia.in/how-to-please-the-babu/
Just remember – the form is for the Babu – not you. Never handwrite anything in the form after you print it!
Some specifics:
-If you are from NA, then you are Christian by heritage. This isn’t a quiz on your religious beliefs.
-You are an Environmental Scientist. Keep it simple.
-You have not been to any SAARC countries.
-Only include countries that you actually have visa stamps from in your current passport.
Chill out, you’ll be fine ;-). Have a great trip.
Dear Neil, I have visited India on my Indian passport in the past (this is twenty years ago) and don’t have it on me anymore, but recently I hold an American passport. Now the question in my visa application about if I have visited India, what should I say? If say ‘YES’ they asking me visa details. Another thing I would like to ask you is, as you mentioned US citizens should not write Social security number for ‘National ID number’, people on other blogs faced delays getting visa because they typed NA. Please help me. Thanks in advance.
I would put that you haven’t been to India since there is no record on your current passport.
For the ID number, no one really knows for sure. I’ve never heard of anyone getting delays by putting NA, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens. I don’t think it will hurt you too much to put in your SSN, but I don’t know 100%.
Good luck!
Hi I was on an india passport when i last travelled to india. Now I am an american citizen. Should I just say no on previously visited India? By clicking yes, it is asking me for a visa no which I dont have.
You can see the other comments. My advice is just to say no as it is easier. Better though is to apply for a OCI card.
Will they ask how much money you have before you go to india? Im worried that i might get rejected if they think what i have isnt enough. I have more than enough for an emergency ticket back if needed and for food etc.
Just wondering if theres a set amount you have to meet? or if you have to write how much youre taking?
Hi Beckie. Sorry to get around late to your question.
No, they won’t ask how much money you have. There may be some instances where they would want to know, but in general this is not a question they ask of the average traveller.
The form allows me to insert ‘Retired’ but if I leave ‘Employer’ blank I can’t save the page. Should I put my last employment in? Thanks
Yeah, just put your last employer. Not a big deal.
Hey,
I am applying for a Tourist Visa. On the first page, where it asks when i will be leaving for India (date of travel), If i write say Feb 1, does that mean i have to leave on that specified date or anytime within 6months?
The date you enter in the application is not binding, but an estimate. The only thing you need to remember is that the visa starts its validity from the day it is approved by their office.
Thank you very much 🙂
Hey there,
thanks for the helpful post. I have lost my last passport which had my old visa on it from 3 years ago. How can i bypass the old visa question?
Do you have any electronic copy or other document that shows the old visa number? Do what you can to try to give the right information to make sure there are no issues.
If there is no way to find the old visa, and you have a brand new passport with a new number, then I would bypass the question and hope for the best.
Hey Neil,
Hope you are doing great. I am applying for a tourist visa and have already registered an online application but when I printed it, I have found some issues in it. (I didn’t submit the application to embassy yet.)
The question is that, where can I go to get the issues corrected?
How many online applications can I fill out and register?
May it create any problem (refuse/prohibition of entrance to India) if I fill out another online application?
Shukria Yaar,
someone write me sth plsssss
You can create as many online applications as you want. They are saved electronically in the system, but aren’t used by the agency.
Sorry for the delay…was travelling outside.
I have a question. Applying for a tourist visa and received it back with a VAF stamp. Not sure why it wasn’t approved but noticed in the copy I kept that in the signature box we did not include middle name in the signature – should we just reapply and make sure to sign with middle name?
Hi Neil I’m an Australian on holidays in Bali and then Bangkok,I have decided to book a cruise to far east Asia stopping for a day in India leaving on the 3/3/16 and will not be returning home prier to the Cruise as we are arriving by boat I’m unable to do a electronic visa .how the hell do i get into India??? Can I just rock up to the Indian Embassy in Bangkok .Would love some feed back as Im really keen to join this cruise Cheers Cindy
Yes, you can go to the Indian Embassy in Bangkok. You don’t need to be Tahi to use their services. You can try to apply for a transit visa which is valid just for three days. They will guide you at the embassy. You can even fill out the application form ahead of time. One of the first questions is where you are applying from. Just choose the Bangkok office.
My father died and my husband took sannyasa, but i have to fill in the details of their occupation for a student visa application. What to do?
Hi All , please help . I done online application form and submit but when I printed double check and bingo – citizenship/ national ID I wrote BRITISH ?!? Perhaps they gonna reject application. What I have to do now ?new one or just wait ? Please advice,many thanks
Just redo the form and print out a new one. Don’t send in one with the wrong information.
Thank you very much!
Hi Neil, can I not fill out the e-visa online form now for travelling in March and save it ready to send nearer the time? I have just tried to start the application but it is telling me that the journey date can not be more than 34 days than todays date? Looking forward to the holiday but panicking a bit about the visa. Thanks
No need to panic. This is a good lesson for India. Don’t make plans too far ahead of time.
Your visa is valid from the moment it is granted; so it’s actually better to apply about 3-4 days before your travel. If you get it too early, it will have expired by the time you leave!
The visa only takes 1-2 days to process and is pretty efficient.
I tried to enter all the countries visited in the last 10 years (21 in total) but it will only let me enter 9 of them, what should I do?
Just pick your nine favorite!
Hello,
I am applying for Tourist Visa and I need to provide proof of address. I have Council Tax electronic bills (because now everything is ‘e-something’), which means it is not a proper statement, is the internet page saved as .pdf but with my name on it, address, date when the pdf was saved, date since I started to pay council tax (which is 3 years ago) and the current date. Basically is all the information that I need.
I am just wondering if they will be sceptic about it being a print and not a letter…
I have the driving licence for the same address. Do you think they would be enough?
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Thanks
Electronic pdf are usually fine for these things. No need to worry.
Hi Neil, I’m a freelance travel writer and translator but I want to go to India as a tourist. Will they insist that I apply for a Journalist visa even though I’d like to apply for a Tourist visa? And from the list of occupations, do I pick Freelancer or Writer? Freelancer is more appropriate. Also, on my application form I put the approximate date of my flight to India: will the visa (if granted) start from that date or from the date they issue the visa?
If you say you are a writer, they may want you on a journalist visa. Freelancer is better, and you can qualify it with Translator.
The visa always starts from the date they issue it, regardless of the flight date you put in.
Enjoy your trip!
Thanks, Neil!
Hi,
I entered India via a Business Visit Visa two years ago. I got the business visa late and missed the meeting. Hence utilized the visa for personal purposes and stayed at my friends place. Now after two years when I want to apply for another business visa, they are asking me if I ever got a visa before and when I select yes, they ask me the place of Stay. I am afraid if I write that I did not stayed in the place I mentioned in the form, they might reject my visa. What should I do? I am originally Pakistani but hold another country’s nationality
Not likely to be an issue as I’m not sure how much they cross-reference former visas. However as a former Pakistani, you’ll be under more scrutiny. I would just be honest about the place you stayed.
Hi Neil, in my passport, place of issue is written in Vietnamese, do I have to translate it into English or not?
Thank you very much!
Just write it in English characters on the application form. Otherwise, no need.
You mean I just need to write it the same as on passport, only change it from characters with accent to characters without accent?
Yes, I would guess.
Hi Neil,
I applied for my india visa yesterday. For my india reference I’ve put in my hotel of stay. I only think I filled in the phone number wrong. The number started with + and I changed it in 00. Not thinking this is properly not the case for an India number. Is this going to be a problem?
Thank you
Highly unlikely. No need to worry.
Cheers! Thanks for your help. Website is great
Me again.. I put the address down from my company but forgot the postcode and city
Not likely to be a big problem. I wouldn’t worry about submitting it again unless you were in very strict circumstances.
Well I have a dutch passport and I cannot prove I live in the UK for 2 years. That means my application will take longer than normal (10-15 workdays). As I’m leaving in March I actually cannot afford a refusal. So I guess I’m in a very strict circumstances?
I only found this out the other day and its stressing me outttt ha!
I would still bet on the fact that it won’t be a problem. Are you applying for a tourist visa? Could you get the eTourist visa instead? It’s much easier and faster.
Hi Neil,
I know you said that “The visa always starts from the date they issue it, regardless of the flight date you put in.” However, I read from https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html, on the tab “Instructions for Applicant”, the point 7 says “The validity of visa will be 30 days from the date of arrival in India.” Will it contradict with your state? I will travel to India on 13/3/2016 for 1 week and I’m doing e-tourist visa now. But I’m wondering if it’s too soon. Please help me out, thank you so much!
I see the point that you’ve raised, but I’ve not heard of this anywhere else. I had a relative get the visa and it was listed as valid from the date it was issued. The visa is issued very quickly, so I would still wait in your situation until about a week before you travel.
I’m wondering if your relative got the visa through e-tourist. I mean it could be a difference between getting visa through “e-tourist application” and other ways
Yes, it was e-tourist. Logically, the visa has to be valid when it is issued. If they didn’t, they would also need to set a date when your visa would expire if you delayed your trip.
I would wait to apply for the ETV. You have nothing to lose by waiting.
Does canada have a nation id number
Not that I know of.
Where do i give me printed from to? I live in montreal
Your first option on the form was to chose which consulate you are applying to. Call that consulate and find out their procedures.
So the airport of arrival right
All i have to do is print the form and give it to delhi airport when i arrive
No, they won’t let you on the plane without a printed visa from the consulate in your passport. There are consulates in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto.
If I print it on friday feb 19 2016 and my flight to india is on 25 feb 2016 (this thrus upcoming) Will i receive my visa
It it is e-tourist, then maybe. Otherwise, no.
After i finish the application, do i submit it online or where
No, you have to mail it to the consulate that you plan to apply from. Check their website for specifics.
Hey Neil,
Had a couple of questions for you. Me and the GF are planning on travelling to Nepal through India in April. I noticed the E Tourist Visa is only for a single entry.
If we plan on leaving India to Nepal then coming back to catch a flight out of India, I assume I will need a double entry Visa?
Does that mean I am not eligible for the E Tourist Visa and have to do a regular Visa application?
The E Tourist Visa cant be done until 34 days out of the trip, does the same rule apply for the Regular Visa application, or can I start that process now?
Question about dates: If the visa is valid when its issued, then if I apply now for a Visa for a trip in April (2 months away), should I specify a Visa for 2 months? Is there different costs associated to time you request?
Outside of a hard copy application ,signed, and photo glued to it, what else do I need to bring to the consulate?
Thanks!!
Tricky one. Yes, the e-tourist visa is single entry, so you can’t use it twice. You can apply for two in a year though, so you could possible get one for your first trip and another one for your second.
However, the safer bet is to get a regular tourist visa. It’s not too hard or complex. You can apply for the regular visa at any time, but the same rule applies about validity – it starts when it is issued, not when you arrive. But, your will likely be for at least 6 months, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Ask for the longest visa you can. The costs depend on the consulate you are applying from. Check their website.
Bring extra copies of any kind of documentation you can think of if you are going to the consulate.
Check out this page:
https://learningindia.in/required-documents-for-india/
Hey Neil,
Just another question. What should I put for Duration of Visa (in Months)? My actual travel time will be 2-3 weeks, should I put 1 month? Or do I have to put 6 months?
Thanks,
Go for the longest time you can that stays in the same price. In most cases, the 6 month visa is the shortest one you can get anyway, so I’d go with that. Check with your local consulate.
Hey its me again i was wondering what do i do if i am a student 14 year old and they ask me about my job and my marriage status
Just put “student” for your job. Marriage status is single or not married.
Hi Neil,
1 Question – I submitted the ‘Entry Visa’ application for my 2 years daughter and made the payment. Now I read on your site that Perm Address should be the perm address from India which is on Father’s Indian passport.
Do you think I should submit the form again with changing the perm address from US current address to India address? What about the payment that I already made?
It just depends on how urgent your situation is. There is a decent chance that it will go through without a problem, but also a good chance it will be rejected. If you are in an extremely urgent situation, I would resubmit (including paying the fee again). If you can afford to wait a bit, I’d wait for them to come back to you.
hello, i’m applying for a visa to do a 1-month yoga teacher training. should i do a regular visa or the e-tourist visa? also, i’m leaving in a month. is this enough time? thanks!
To be very technical, you should probably be on a student visa, but that will be hard to get. The e-tourist is fast to get, but only good for 30 days, and that is from the time it is issued, so it might not be enough for you.
A regular, 6-month tourist visa is probably the most ideal. It doesn’t take long to get (1-2 weeks or so), but I would apply pretty quickly.
thanks! and to be clear, I’ll have to send my passport in if I’m mailing the form correct? I tried using the site last night and three times when I got to the end before I could access the fee calculation page, a message came up saying my session has expired. this is frustrating! I may just go to sf and do this in person!
Yes, you will need to send in your actual passport. They will put the visa into the passport. Good luck!
Hi I am applying for the E tourist visa and I don’t have my old visa number as my passport was stolen with my old visa on it. I cannot remember the issue date either as I have been visiting India for many years to visit family and have had many visas over the years, so I cannot remember the last time i applied for one. What do I fill out for the area it asks this information? Hope you can help, many thanks!
For the application, I would only put in information that you have the documented proof to back up, meaning that if you’ve lost something, just apply as it if doesn’t exist. If they want to question you, you can explain it on a call or in person.
If you have a lot of family there, have you considered applying for an OCI card? It might make things easier in the future.
Hi Neil. Thanks for you help.
Someone else suggested to me on another forum that I should do the following instead:
1) type ‘000000’ or ‘unknown’ in the visa number field
2) type any random date or type in the closest date to the last visa
They suggested this as they said that the embassy are not overly worried about the last number but more that the individual has not been refused a visa in the past to enter India.
What do you think? Or do you think I should contact them about this issue before applying for the visa as I really don’t want to risk it and then be rejected.
Another query- my brother is also applying for his visa and we don’t have his last visa information on us either. However, I do have his visa from before his last one. Do you think I should enter the visa information from the one before his last? What should I do?
Sorry for all the questions. I’m just so confused.
Thank you very much!!
My policy is to not ask for any trouble. Especially for the e-visa, it is processed largely by algorithms I would guess and so, they are just looking for red flags that point out.
I wouldn’t contact them ahead of time as it will be difficult to actually reach anyone, and what one person tells you may not be accepted across the whole system.
For your brother, I would use the same policy. Submit any information that you can back up (like the earlier visa). If you don’t have something, don’t mention it now.
Don’t worry, we are mostly all confused!
Hey, I will fly to from Kathmandu to Trivandrum via Dehli soon. Rigth now I am trying to fill in the e-visa. Which ist my port of arrival? Is it Dehli, where I have to change the plane and am on Indian grounds for the first time or Trivandrum, where I actually leave the airport and enter the country? Thank you for your help 🙂
Delhi!
Hello, I made a error on the spelling of my name and my VISA was issued, how do I correct this?
i have no references in india and i dont know my hotel till i get there what can i put
Dude, I appreciate your adventurous spirit, but you need to do at least a little planning. Find a hotel online to stay at your first night. MakeMyTrip is a good resource.
Think of it from India’s side. Why would they want to allow someone to come into their country who knows no one and has made no plans?
Hi Neil,
Are you able to choose how long your Tourist Visa is valid for? Since you said it is valid from the date of approval, not the date of arrival in India, I am curious if I should apply for mine now- we are leaving on a year-long trip in June and will be in India from August to November. If it’s valid for 6 months, even if I apply in May, that would not be good until November. Please let me know, thanks!
Keely
Different countries have different visa validity dates. You will need to check with your local consulate. For example, I think in the US, you can only get a 10 year tourist visa.
Hi,
I applied and got my India visa already. but just found that a minor error on my surname.
should that is a big matter or I still need to re-do the application?
Eek. It could be no problem, or it could be the bane of your existence. What kind of visa? How long do you plan on being in India?
If it’s an e-tourist, or a short term tourist visa, then I might not worry. But you if you are planning to be here for a while, you will be filling out forms and they will require this page and will be upset when it doesn’t match. I would probably get it changed. if that is the case.
Was it their error, or yours when you filled out the application?
Hi I have question on India visa , I wanna apply tourist visa but I’m un-employed , there application form filing present occupation I put unemployed it still appear business address name . What shud I do for this when I can not skip to next page ?
Any problem with unemployment for tourist visa
Haha, yeah, that doesn’t make much sense, does it? I’d would recommend to just put in your home address there.
Why it shud be my home address in occupation blank ? Can you say me more detail I’m sorry that is my first time apply .
Thanks
Len
Put your home address because you don’t have a work address.
Does any other names mean your maiden name?
Yes, I think that would qualify. However, I would only bother with it if you had a passport issued in your maiden name, or especially an Indian visa. Whatever you put in you will likely need to back up with documentation.
pls i filled in the wrong referee in india and in my home country, should i re-apply
If you have already sent off the form, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you haven’t mailed the form to your consulate, I would do a new one.
Hi,
I am travelling to Bhutan from Bangladesh by road, so I would need a transit Visa from India as I have to cross and stay in India for a night.
I have graduated a year back but I still have my student ID with me. I was working in a private company for a 6 months but I quit the job a few months back and currently trying to set up a business. I don’t have trade license or TIN yet.
So basically I am neither a student now nor employed anywhere. I would also like to mention that I do not have any personal bank account at this moment.
How should I apply for the VISA and how should I present my documents?
For a better understanding of this case i am attaching the link to the Bangladesh High Commission of India.
http://www.ivacbd.com/visas_and_document.php
Thank you so much.
It looks like the local Bangladesh consulate requires more information than others do. Where are you a citizen of? It may be that these documents are required only for Bangladeshis.
I don’t believe you can use an e-tourist visa at a road crossing, so that isn’t an option.
I would go for the transit single entry visa and give as much information as you can. Looks like the student route is better for you.
Hi, my son (14 years old) and i will travel to India next month. Can he get a e-travel visa online form the official government website? If os, does he need parental authorisation to travel form both parents? Should authorisation be uploaded with visa application or only be presented at immigration on arrival in India? Thank you
I honestly don’t know for sure. As long as they have their own passport, and you are travelling with him, I don’t think it will be an issue. But this is uncharted water for me. Let us know what happens.
I know u can get two evisas in a year, but does that mean you need to wait six months to be able to apply for the second one?
Officially it just says it can only be obtained twice in a calendar year, so I don’t think you need to wait 6 months.
Do you know of a way to find out? I called the embassy in Thailand where I live and they didn’t seem to know and just wanted to get off the phone. Would be awful if I got to India and they didn’t let me in cuz I was just there in January.
There is never a way to know for sure, but I would be shocked if you didn’t get it. Just apply online and see what happens. It’s only $60. If they deny it, you can apply for a regular tourist visa.
Just wanted to let you know that I got in. You don’t have to wait six months, in case anyone else is concerned about it. Your site is very helpful. Much appreciated. Cheers!
where you in India while applying for the second?
I would assume that you cannot get another evisa while you are still in India on the first one in a year. You would need to leave and then come back in. But I would imagine that it would be pretty quick and straightforward if you left to Sri Lanka, Bangkok, Singapore, etc, and then applied from there.
Hi there, thanks for all this info! Just to make sure I am understanding this correctly.. If have an ETV for India and plans to travel to Sri Lanka with the intention to fly back to India 5 days later, it is best I apply when I arrive in Sri Lanka to get my second ETV granted, correct? Or should I apply for it in India once I’ve arrived. Any recomenndations are appreicated!
Hi, for some reason – since I put that I was applying for the visa from Sri Lanka, the tourism visa application e-form asks me to list a referee from Sri Lanka – where I am just passing through and know no-one (and not my home country). 1. I can just put my hotel I guess? Do you need to have the name of a person when listing a hotel in india, for example, or will just the hotel name do? But also wonder what the problem is. 2. Have you heard of this before. Clearly they would want a home country contact and there has been a glitch/operator error …but have triple checked the form….Many thanks for your help on this page. Anna
Just put the name of the hotel. That shouldn’t be a problem!
Thanks Neil… Was just puzzled why Sri Lanka referee was coming up and not my home country. I think it was operator error :), and somehow resolved now…
Hello sir. I am form Bangladesh.I have only single name “Abdullah” and it is same for all my educational documents and passports. but in passport it is written in surname and given name is blank. i am facing problem to process the indian visa. Cause given name is mandatory for indian visa. please give me a good advice
Yeah, that will be a problem. Can you fill in the form using your Father’s name as Surname and your name as Given Name?
I have a training to attend In India. It’s being organized by Eurotech Ass.&Cert. Services an international agent of the American welding society,actually a certification course that will last for 7 days. I work with a construction firm in Nigeria. What category of visa would I apply for? Also what would I include in my purpose of visit?
There is such a thing as a conference visa, but that is more for tradeshows and it is a little complex if it is a private one. It’s best if you are attending a state-sponsored event.
The Business Visa would be good, but you would also need an invitation letter from a company in India.
I think your best option is to contact the agent and ask for a letter of invitation to the course. Also get a letter from your company that wants to send you. Then apply for the business visa. If they want you on a different visa, they will tell you. You might also contact your local consulate for more details as Nigeria might only be able to allocate certain visas.
I am an American citizen. I had my legal marriage done in India. My wife is Indian but she doesn’t have a birth certificate or passport. She does have her Aadhar Card, Voter Card and PAN Card. My current visa is finishing and I have to go back to America. What visa should I apply for now? I’m very confused about what to do…?
A bit confused here, but I’ll give my best shot. Do you currently live in India or the US? What visa are you on now?
If you are an American citizen married to an Indian citizen, you can apply to be an OCI, which is the best option for you.
However, you will certainly need the passport copy of your wife. So, you will likely need to start there.
In the meantime, you can do an Entry Visa, or Tourist Visa as long as you are not doing any business.
Hi Neil,
Thank you for this detailed post! I have two questions.
1. I am a waitress, shall I just put other and then write waitress?
2. I will be visiting Nepal before I visit India but at the moment do not hold a Nepalese visa as (I need to do more research) I may be able to get one on arrival. What shall I put for the SAARC countries? I’ve never visited Nepal or any of the other countries before however.
Thanks once again and I look forward to your reply!
1. Other + waitress is fine.
2. You have never been to Nepal at the time of application, so don’t worry about putting it there.
Have fun!
Hi, if my tourist etv was rejected, can i reapply online again? How long do i have to wait before reapplying or can i reapply immediately? Thank you.
There isn’t a set rule about this. You may have entered some data wrong, or they may just have decided not to let you in. If it’s a data problem, you can apply immediately again, but don’t be surprised if it is rejected.
A question I cannot find the answer to, wonder if you can help? I’m currently in India, coming to the end of my 6 month paper visa. There are a few things I would still like to do so wondering if I can apply for an evisa, leave India for a few days (Singapore) and then come back in – either once my paper visa has expired or even a couple of days earlier?
Have you heard of anyone doing this successfully? I cannot see mention of it not being possible…
Many thanks
Not heard of this exactly, you are in the land of the undocumented.
I would expect there to be some friction if you are applying for another visa while already having a valid one. So, I would guess it is better to wait until the 6 month visa expires before applying for the e-visa
Hi, thanks for the advice above, really helpful in filling out my business visa application. I am struggling with one bit though and wonder if you know of a work around….
The box for ‘countries visited in the past 10 years’ has a 100 character limit, which stops me about half way through my list and I cannot find a way to override this on the form. Would they accept country codes or is this likely to lead to a rejection? I’ve seen that you’re not allowed to manually write things on the form either so not sure where to go from here? I’m having a similar problem with the address boxes as there are not enough characters for me to fill in an address which matches the reference letters I have, which I read on another forum must match exactly.
Any help/suggestions would be really appreciated! Thanks
In both cases, just fill out as much information as can fit and then just stop. You won’t be penalized. Don’t use abbreviations.
Hi.. I accidentally misspelled my surname on the visa application. I have not yet shipped the application form and I know I can complete a new application to correct the spelling…..but I have already paid the application fee which is connected to the application ID number. It seems that if I correct the application form there would be a new application ID number and my payment would then not be connected to the right application ID. What should I do? Thank you!
Tough one! Sorry for the late response. Who did you pay the application fee to? In general, you are always going to need to make sure your name is spelled correctly, so a new form is needed.
I have a similar issue. I’ve completed the online application process, made payment to CKGS and now realize I have made an error. Can I complete a new application without paying fees again? My address does not match exactly. My california drivers license says Saugus, CA. Saugus is technically within the city of Santa Clarita, which is what I used for the application. Thats how all my mail comes addressed.
Have you already mailed the application to CKGS?
If not, I would get a fresh printout of the online application with all the correct details. Mail that to CKGS with a letter explaining what happened. Also give them a call.
If you’ve already sent it, you may have to wait and see. More than likely, this will not cause a major issue, but you never know…
Already sent along with a letter explaining the discrepancy. Hopefully that works, thanks for the help! This trip is a big deal for me and this process added a few more grey hairs.
I’ve got my fair share!!
Did you have any problem? Ive got the granted status on visa but my surname has still the spelling mistake, so I am Worried.. Thanks 🙂
How did it go Sandra? I have same problem. Believe it or not i misspelled my first name. The visa is approved, status granted. do not know what to do?
Hello Neil, I visited India 10 years ago and the visa was on my old passport which could be anywhere and I am mid an around the world trip. Do you think I should say that I haven’t been to India before just to get through the process then explain at boarder control? Thank you for your help.
Yes, keep the form application simple. If there is no record of you ever travelling to India on the passport you are on now, then leave it off. You can explain it later if they require additional information.
Thank you very much. One more question if you don’t mind. We are from the uk but applying for our visa at the Bangkok office. The question ‘have you lived for a least two years in the country from where you are applying the visa’ is confusing. I have not lived in Thailand for 2 years so is the answer no? Or Are they talking about whether I have lived where my permanent address is which is UK in which case the answer is yes. Thank you very much again!
Yeah, that’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? I would guess it is the present address based on the wording, so the answer is no. I don’t think it will affect your visa acceptance that much.
i have applied for the uk tier 4 general depenent visa but in visa sticker my passport no is wrong i have submitted my passport to visa application center than i asked them what time it will take to get correction so they told me that you will get email from embassy that time you need to come.
4working days completed still no reply from embassy …i am worried about this when i will get my passport in hand.
Sorry about that. You can only pray at this point…
Hello Neil Miller,I visited India 6 years ago with my old passport.Unfortunately I lost that passport so I applied for new passport.In my new passport there are no information about my old passport.Now I applied for indian visa but I told that I already visited to India and luckly yeasterday I got my old passport.Now what can I do? Please give me a solution.My e-token date is 5th june,2016. Is there any difficulties to get visa?should I bring the old passport with me?
I Repeat,in my new passport,my old passport number is not issued…:(
This one looks like a sticky situation. Just bring every shred of documentation you have with you. If they don’t ask any questions don’t worry. If they do, then be ready to pull out everything.
Does a little typo error in the surname of Visa will not work? Do we have to apply again & pay the charges all over again to re-apply for the application. Pls help
Hi Niel,
I have been living in US for past 4 years as a dependent with my husband. Yesterday, when I landed in Bangalore to visit my parents, I was told my visa had expired even though the validity there shows 2020. I guess it may be because it was issued in 2000 and my details are hand written.
I am filling the visa reissue online form and it asks for 2 references in my city. So is it the references in US city where I live in? Will that not delay the issuance of passport since police verification there may take time?
Also, I have a change in US visa status interview scheduled for July in Chennai. I took the appointment using my current passport details. I want my new passport at the earliest.
thanks!
Your visa to the US has expired? If so, I can’t help you much. I only know about Indian visas. Please help me if I’m misunderstood.
Oops! Sorry. I meant passport, not visa…how stupid of me😋
No worries. I don’t have a lot of experience in renewing US passports either though, so I’m afraid I can’t be much help. I don’t know if they do police verification of addresses. All the best!
Hi that was really helpful but i have another inquiry i.e i’m still a student and i tend to apply for a tourist visa. But in the occupation column it required me to fill in the details of my late father or spouse. But im still single. Thus what am i suppose to do? tqvm
Just fill in the job your father used to do before he died.
i am in the same ituation but my father never worked before he died….should i fill out my mothers work?
That will probably work.
Hi,
I’m going to India from Mexico, but currently living in Sydney with Slovakian passport..when should I fill up my application when I’ll stay in Australia till end of this year and then I’ll be in Mexico for one month in January 2017? Where do I put in application that I’ll fly from Mexico?
Thank you!
Are you doing the e-tourist visa? If so, it doesn’t matter where you apply from. Just do it about 1-2 weeks before you leave, depending on how long you plan to stay.
If you need a different visa, then you might have to be more strategic.
No,I will apply for regular tourist visa (6months) so I’m not sure when should I apply it for..probably from Australia at the end of Dec 2016? Because when they’ll give me visa, tourist visa will count from the day of their approval,is that correct?
I would love to have them from end of the Jan so I can stay in India for full six months..that’s why I’m struggling with it a bit
Yes, your 6 months starts from the day you are approved. So, wait until closer to your departure. You can apply from Australia without any problem. However, a tourist visa is often approved within a week, and not usually longer than 2 weeks. So, you might be fine doing it from Mexico if you begin the process as soon as you get there.
I am applying for an employment visa from the USA. My employer is setting up my housing, but it isn’t confirmed yet, as I don’t have my visa. We’d like to not have to put a down payment on anything until I am granted that visa. However when I printed it, I saw a line that asked for “Address of Place of Stay/Hotel”. I don’t currently have anywhere to stay, I planned on getting that when I buy my plane ticket. I know employment visas are hard to get and I don’t want to spend $1000+ on a non-refundable ticket and housing reservation only to have a visa rejected.
Do I need to fill that out anyway and go ahead and reserve housing before I send in the application?
Just pick a hotel that you might stay at when you first arrive off the plane. It doesn’t need to be a permanent thing. They just want to see that you aren’t going to wander around the country with no plans. No need to spend any extra money. You can always put the address of your employer or the person who is helping you out too.
Will I need to officially register at the hotel or can I just list one without reserving it?
Hi,
I’ve noticed that I write my ID number instead of passport number and I have sent the application. Is any way to correct this error?
If you’ve already sent the printed application in, then your best bet is to wait and hope that it’s not a problem. If you’ve not printed it out yet, just start the application over again.
Hi,
I am currently in India, and is about to renew my visa in India itself. but i have no idea where to do this. it is stated on the web site ‘INDIA-ATTARI ROAD”. Do u have any idea where is this?.
The only visa you can renew in country, as far as I know is the employment visa. All others have to be done outside of India.
hi, i am filling out e-tourist visa. the occupation section; i am student so it asks for spouse/fathers occupation details. i am single, and my father is dead. before he died he never worked. should i put my mothers work details?
Hello I need to give the place of issue of my last indian visa. It was an etv should I just write etv for the place of issue?
Yea, that’s a grey area. ETV should be fine.
The online visa application has only one section for “reference” in India. But the printed out form has a section H, “Address of Place of Stay/Hotel” which did not appear on the online app and which is now blank on the printed copy. Can you help?
Hmm, there should have been a place in the online application for place of stay. Maybe you overlooked it? If I remember there is both a reference section and a place of stay. But something may have changed as well…
This was the exact problem I’ve just experienced (no online question about place to stay)so i emailed them asking if i should leave the box blank or fill in the info manually. Helpfully they have replied pronto confirming the online form does not ask for place to stay and the box on the print out should not be tampered with. Just left blank.
I realise this is too late to help Amy but may be useful to others who experience this problem.
Hi,
I am applying for the e-tourist visa for India, but I am currently on a tourist visa in Sudan. This question on the online form is confusing “Have you lived for at least two years in the country from where you are applying for a visa?” – does it mean Sudan, UK or India? I have only been in Sudan for 3 months, but obviously lived for more than two years in the UK. Hope you can help, thanks!
Do you have to put Sudan anywhere else in the application? If not, I would assume they mean the UK.
If you’ve mentioned Sudan elsewhere, then I would assume they mean Sudan.
All the best
Thanks for this page, very helpful. I will be applying for a tourist visa. I am confused on if I should “send it” or “walk in” in regards to sending off the application. I will be applying for the visa outside of my country as we are traveling. I have no way of receiving any info my mail. Would you mind to clarify this for me. Thank you!
If it is an e-tourist visa, that will come by email, so no need to wait for the post. If you are requesting a regular tourist visa, then you will need to have a mailing address they can send it to. A hotel works for that.
Hi,
I did an e-visa application as a Swedish national and I just found out that we do have a National ID no. As I was filling the form out with a Germanand Germans do not have such a number, I put “NA” instead of the National ID no and I already paid.
Any suggestiona of how to proceed? Is it even a problem? Btw: the number is written on the passport picture I uploaded.
Thanks in advance
Not likely to be an issue. You should know pretty quickly if they reject it.
And a second question:
My German travel partner has visited around 50 countries within the last 10 years and the maximal space is not even enough to fill in the countries having a stamp in his current passport (2 years old) Will it cause problems if the list is incomplete?
No problems if it is incomplete. Just fill as many as you can.
Hello,
I have emailed and called the Indian visa online people , both times I got a very disinterested young man whom I felt was just saying yes to everything I said….
I’m currently filling out an evisa application. However my port of arrival is Dehdra Dun with a 2 and a half hour stop over in Dehli, will I be able to pick up the visa in that time?
Thanking you in advance.
The evisa is sent out by email, so there’s no need to pick it up anywhere. Just print out the form and bring it with you. You arrive first to Delhi and then to Dehra Dun, right?
Hi! I just got my ETV visa and the status it´s granted, but Ive realised there is a spelling mistake with my second surname (everything else matches with my passport)
I´ve written etv and they say it´s ok and they won´t change it but I do not want any problems at the border and I am worried. Who can I speak to? Thank you sooo much!
Well, there’s no one you can speak to actually. You are in a tight spot. You can’t reapply for a new one, because it would overlap with this one and they probably wouldn’t give it. They might let you through, but they might give you trouble too.
Your best option would be to take a printout of any correspondence you’ve had with the eTV office and bring it with you as well.
Good luck!
Thanks a lot for your time 🙂
Hey Sandra, I have the same problem as you, with a spelli g mistake. How did it go for you? Did you have any problema with it? – Emma
I have same problem. Believe it or not i misspelled my first name. The visa is approved, status granted. do not know what to do?
I actually applied again, with the right spelling again, but 24 hours later got that application rejected, since it was the third time I applied this year.
Is there a possibility that i am returned from the airpot if I try?
I also wrote that I will arrive at the Goa airpot but found out that Mumbai is better choice. Can I use Mumbai airport and not Goa to enter the country?
Neil, any advices?
Oh dear. This is a gamble. It is possible that they could give you trouble. However, the likelihood of you being turned away and sent back on a plane is not very high.
What I would do is have as many other supporting documents as possible with you (extra copies of ID cards, Driver’s License, Birth Certificate). For extra measure, you could get a letter notarized that says this is your official name, but it was misspelled when the visa was processed. Even better if you could get it signed by your local Indian consulate, but that would be very hard.
However, when you reach the airport, don’t give any of this right away. Let them question you first. There’s a decent chance they let you through without a bother.
I don’t know the difference in visa stuff between Mumbai and Goa.
Hey,
nearly the same question as Lauren Burrows had, just that in my application it says:
“Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa?” – so the “from” is missing and I am doing that on the official page … Since the “from” is missing, it is clearly targeting India with the question, so I denied to have lived in the country for at least two years.
Any idea why the application changed? Did they redo the forms and now there is a typo? I already payed for the visa application, so I can’t change anything anymore … 🙁
Thanks in advance.
This is just bad grammar on their part. They want to know if you’ve lived in your current residence for more than two year. This question is not about India.
Thanks, we both, me and my girlfriend got the eVisa.
If I do understand correctly, we have to bring the printed version of our Visa with us.
In the top right cornor is a blank field which says “paste your unsigned recent color photograph” Size: 2″ x 2″
Does that mean that we have to bring a color photograph with us? Why did we have to upload one in the application process in the first place? Plus we don’t have any realy color photographs, we used digital ones, only thing I could do would be printing out the picture we used during the application process. Would that be enough?
Thanks!
Yes, bring a printout of the visa confirmation letter you got.
You will need to bring a physical printout of your photos as well. (Don’t look for the logic as to why.) Just go to any print shop, or you can use a service like this one (https://www.oddprints.com/passport) to create a 4×6 picture that you can get printed just about anywhere.
Hi.
I would like to know to how to do this.
My parnter did answer on this field: Country you are applying visa from* is Spain. He was in hurry a little bit.. and he forgot that he is currently living in Portugal. Also,he put in his present address and permanent address as Portugal.. Do you think it can raise a problem?
We are still reviewing our application, is there a way to Change the answer for the field:Country you are applying visa from?
Please help.
Thank you in advance.
As far as I know, and that knowledge is based on reading stuff here and elsewhere in the internet, there is no way for you to change anything after you have submitted that formular.
I’m sorry.
Is it ok for him to start all over again? even if he has already an existing application ID?
As long as you haven’t mailed anything in, you can redo an application as many times as you want. They don’t store the application IDs. Just log in again and do a fresh one. The only time you will have trouble is if you’ve already mailed it in.
This is different than the eTourist Visa. The eTourist visa goes directly to submission when you click submit. All other visa applications have to be printed out and they don’t check them until they receive the paper copy at the office.
Hi! Thanks for your useful site and and answers.
I just tried to applied for e-tourist visa tonight to see ahead of time what is the content of the application form.I already quit filling out the application form when it ask me to upload my photo etc. Now, I am worried that this may cause to track my information in India Embassy/Immigartion if I will really apply for “sure” in the near future that I did not continue my application now.They might think that I am bot serious in applying and this might cause that my application in the future might be denied. Also, I track my initial application to their “track temporary application” and I could see my details to it. It is all exact and true in details. Now, Im worried. I think, I am getting paranoid now, because I already had a trauma of getting visa denied from other country. I want it to be “sure” in applying this time in India,that’s why I did this. (Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see your blog before I was trying to apply.This would be a big help for me. )
I am looking forward to your response. Thank you.
No worries, Abby. They do not track these unsubmitted applications. When you are ready to do it for real, you can either complete your unsubmitted application or start a new one. Either will be fine.
Enjoy your stay!
Hi, when filling out my e-tourist visa is missed out a couple of countries that I have visted, which I have stamps for in my passport. Will this present me with problems?
Thank you,
Julie
Not at all
Hi, I’ve recently filled out the online application and am not a UK passport holder but have been living in the UK more on than off for 5 years. I selected that I have been a resident for more than 2 years but am unable to provide any proof of residency that they ask for, will they accept the supplementary form or is this only for people who have been in the UK for under 2 years?
Many thanks.
19 times out of 20 there is not problem. I wouldn’t worry about it for now.
Thank you so much! Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! 🙂
The visa application asks if I am married or single. I have been in a de facto relationship for over 20 years. What do I do?
That won’t cover it in India. Officially you are single.
Hi! I am a USA citizen on working holiday in New Zealand at the moment. I am planning on visiting India in Feb. and would not be returning to the states beforehand. Would I apply to the mission here in New Zealand? Also I am living with a friend and do not have any official proof of address. Any advice?
Thanks a bunch!
It depends on how long you want to stay in India. If it’s less than 30 days, you should use the eTourist Visa which you can get without having to worry about local consulates. If it is for more than 30 days, you will need to apply through the New Zealand consulate. I don’t think you need to show proof of your current address, but would definitely need it for your permanent address in the US.
I am applying for a student visa, i am out of my home country applying. As it is asking for a present address ( i am using the hotel) along with references from the county i am applying in. is it okay to also use the hotel as my reference as well as present address? Thank you
this is NOT for a tourist visa
Hmm, do you have someone else you can put down for a reference where you are? A friend or something? They will not likely be called, but it would look better if there was a different address, especially for a student visa.
what if I used a different hotel (one i never plan to stay at) as my “address”. Any thought on that?
Friends are best.
Hello,
I have made the mistake of applying for a tourist evisa too early, which means I need to apply again.
The visa I got was granted to me with a date of arrival between 27/08 and 30/09. It turns out my date of arrival in India is actually 07/10.
– Will applying twice within such a short amount of time cause any problem? I read that one can apply twice within the same year.
– Is it a good idea to ask for a new visa already today? It will overlap with the previous one, could this cause any problem?
– Or should I wait until 01/10 where the previous visa expires to ask for the new one? In this case, will 6 days be enough time to have it granted?
Thank you very much for your answer.
You can apply twice in a calendar year. I would wait until your first one expires. You only need to apply about 2-3 days ahead of time.
How quickly was your first one approved? Expect about the same time frame.
Thanks for your answer, it actually worked out before the end of the first visa.
More about this here:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293860-i511-k8867495-India_e_visa_can_I_get_two_within_one_month-India.html
Hey, that’s good to know! It’s always great to hear stories. Thanks for the link too. That’s helpful.
I filled out the tourist visa for my Dad. In the section where it ask about parents i accidentally put down that Grandads nationality was Indian and not in fact British. Will this mistake make a difference to my Dads application?
Not likely. It’s just a good thing you didn’t put Pakistani. That would have been trouble. You should be fine.
Thanks Neil! Dad as an appt to hand in the form on Monday so hopefully all goes well.
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Hi! I’m applying for a tourist visa. Im a Swedish citizen and a student. Therefore have o give them information about my father or my spouse. Unfortunaly I don’t have neither a spouse or a living father. What should I do?
Just give details about your deceased father.
Hi again!
My visa has been put on hold for the following reason:
“Photo mismatch, hence the Applicant requested to apply for new passport with current appearance or provide an affidavit.”
I have grown a quite a big beard since my passport was issued and the reason for a change in appearance. How do I go about getting the cor rectangular form for a affidavit?
Thanks in advance!
Ooo, and I guess shaving the beard isn’t an option. 🙂
The affidavit should just be something official from your government that indeed assures the Indian government that you are who you say you are. Not sure exactly who you should get it from, but someplace official that likes to give lots of signatures and seals and don’t forget to get it notarized!
i have visited India twice before long ago, but I have lost my former passport and hence have no idea what the date of issue was or the number for the visa for either trip. I think this was before we had online visa applications. I’m not even sure on which dates I went. How do I fill out the requisite section about past visas and trips? There is no option for “lost” or “don’t know.” Thank you!
If there is no record for it and you are using a new passport, then you can just assume that it never happened, for the purposes for this visa at least. If they ask for more information you can inform them later.
But I just went 2 years ago. Had to renew my passport just now because it was going to expire 2 weeks after I leave India in April, and they want it good for 6 months AFTER (very annoying, and forced me into an expensive “expeditied” situation, and now crunch time on my visa). So I’m very concerned nothing holds up my visa app. I remember my old pp # and the dates of the (last) visa, but not the # . Should I give them the info I have (on a separate sheet)? I don’t feel comfortable with just leaving it blank, as I don’t want to appear evasive …
I have put in 30 days as my duration of visa (evisa). When I am checking the final thing it keeps coming up 34 days. Can”t seem to change this. It will be rejected if the final one says 34 days. Please help!
Not sure. Maybe it is autocalculating based on the dates you entered?
Thanx, sorted. It has been accepted it’s just confusing when you say you are requesting a 30 day visa then when it comes up to check what you had filled in before applying it kept saying 34 day visa. They need to make this clearer
Is it acceptable to leave “Employer Name” and “Work Address” blank, when my occupation is “Retired”? Also, is it appropriate to list my previous Indian Tourist Visa (6 years ago) if it was issued on a now-expired passport?
Hi, Thanks for this guidance document – it really helps. A few questions, if you find a moment.
No of entries – is this if you enter the country numerous times, or have internal flights or otherwise?
Reference UK – can this be a family member
Photo – does this has to be a passport equivalent photo.
Thanks
Entries is only for when you exit the country and come in through immigration. Internal flights don’t matter.
Yes, references can be family members.
Photo – yes, a passport-like photo.
Hi, I’ve just completed the online application process for the e-visa and I’ve had an e-mail confirming that it has been granted. The e-mail is very ambiguous about what actually is actually required to be printed and carried. I have accessed the pdf of my e-visa which seems fine accept I’m requested to attach a 2×2 photo which seems strange as I have already uploaded a photo which appears on the LHS of the visa. When I queried this at indiatvoa@gov.in I received a reply saying I only need to bring the granted visa e-mail and my passport, this seems a bit strange to me and contradicts your advice. Can you help me with any of this please as I’m struggling with it. Thank you, Neil.
eTVs are much more streamlines, and I think the email you received was correct that you only need a printout of the email and your password. BUT, enough time in India suggests it’s always nice to have backups. Have a few photos in hand, have a few extra copies of your passport. But most likely, just the printout and your passport are all you will need.
I have the same question as Mary below. I just renewed my passport, so although I did go to India 2 years ago, I no longer have access to the visa number (though I remember the old PP # and the visa dates within a day or two. Will this hold up my application?
My general advice is only to put things on your application that you can back up with documentation. If there’s no documentation (no visa number), then better to assume it never happened. You can handle it offline with them if they have a question.
If I select ‘Retired’ as my occupation on the etv application, should I enter “Retired” under Employer Name and “None” under Work Address?
That sounds fine, but I wouldn’t put none on the work address. Just reenter your home address. The Babu doesn’t like blanks.
Thanks you! One more question — my last tourist Visa to India was issued in Afghanistan, where I was temporarily assigned to the NATO staff as a US government civilian. Do you think the place-of-issue of the past Visa (I have the old Visa number) will cause problems with the etv application?
Shouldn’t be a problem since you were connected to the government, and especially since it wasn’t Pakistan!
Thanks for your help!
So.. Im driving through Pakistan. What to do about ‘Have you visited SAARC countries’?
Not yet, but I will…
Any advice?
No, you have not been there at the time of applying for the Visa.
RE: Visa application at the Indian Embassy in Athens, Greece
Hi,
My wife and I completed the online application for Indian Tourist visas (we are stopping at 3 ports during a cruise in November 2016) on 2016-10-17 (4 days ago).
When I check the application on http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in the status is “Under Process”.
What do we do next? It appears we need to visit the embassy to do biometrics and supply photos. Will they contact us when we can come for a visit? We have sent them 2 emails, tried calling during the visa office hours (2pm-4:30pm) only to get a machine message, and we have sent them an old fashioned Telefax. We have not had any replies yet, and have not been able to speak to anyone at the embassy up till now.
Also, we live on the island of Rhodes and will fly to Athens to go to the embassy. They will presumably keep our passports a few days. How can we then fly back home without passports?
Flummoxed.
Wow, you are in bad shape for sure. How did you know you needed to visit the embassy? Did they send you a notification?
Persistence and patience and some serious resilience tend to pay big dividends when dealing with the government.
On http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in towards the lower half of the page are the 3 steps of the “Visa Applying Process”
1) Apply online
2) Submit documents
3) Receive passport, visa
We completed step 1 a week ago, and my question is what happens now? I am only guessing we have to visit the embassy to submit documents (passport, photos, etc.).
We have not heard anything from the embassy, and we can’t reach anyone to talk to.
The visa status is shown as “Under Process”.
It would be nice to know when we should visit the embassy as it does require us to book air-tickets from the island of Rhodes to Athens.
Edit: I just read my own message and realized it sounds pretty angry. That was not the intension.
where it asks countries visited in the last 10 years, i went around europe for 1 month 6 years ago on a child minor australian pasport which only lasted 5 years if i recall, however since then i now have an adult passport and this is my first time overseas using it, will they want to see stamps from the old minors passport of european countries if i list them down?
thanks
Nope. If you can’t produce the document, just pretend like it didn’t happen.
its an expired passport which i no longer have, what would they see fit as documentation of travel,? it was multiple countries accross europe
Hi,
I’ve got a problem in that I visited India 21 years ago. I’m trying to fill that e-tourist visa form for a visit this month and it requires the visa details from that 1994 visit and that old passport is well gone. (I’m not even sure I needed a visa back then). What to do?
Yup, seems like it works for others.
Perhaps all countries should have to list just how difficult and annoying it is to secure a visa so I can make simple choices… this is even more tedious than Brazil!
Hi I am trying to apply for medical assistant visa, from Bangladesh. I have to go with my brother for his treatment. But I am unable to fill up the online form because of time. I saved the id for re enter, I complete the first page of the application but I am unable to fill up the 2nd page because of time, after typing all info when i click in save it show me time out, then i set the id but 2nd page is lost again,, i tried to complete it in 1.5 minute but it’s getting time out what can i do,,,Please help…
That form can be very frustrating. I wish it was easier. Sorry I wish I could help.
Hi I’m going on a cruise next March that will call at 2 ports in India and have been told I need a multiple entry visa, I’m a British passport holder but live in Spain so have to apply to the Indian Consul in Madrid, the online forms are in English so not too much of a problem, but my question is what or who should I put as my contact in India (I can put the name of the cruise ship but don’t have an address or phone number), can anyone advise please.
I guess you aren’t staying at a hotel at either of the ports? You can make a fast friend on IndiaMike, perhaps?
What to write in occupattion/proffesion if child has 7 years and goes elementary school ?
Student
Hi, for the question “Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa? ” does it mean the country you are applying FROM?
Yes, that’s my understanding.
after entering all the data, when I click “upload image” it just opens a web page “https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html” and thats it. What can I do?
Hi — thanks for this incredibly helpful post! I have a question about proof of address. What kind of proof is needed and when? (Do I need to show proof when applying for the evisa?) I’m asking because I just moved a few months ago and haven’t changed the address on my driver’s license yet.
Hi — thanks for this incredibly helpful post! I have a question about
proof of address. What kind of proof is needed and when? (Do I need to
show proof when applying for the evisa?) I’m asking because I just
moved a few months ago and haven’t changed the address on my driver’s
license yet.
Hello, I sent my visa application for India and paid for the fees, I know I have made a mistake on the form I put the wrong date on my passport when it expired doesn’t expire while 2020, I checked on line this morning, they had recieved it, I have just checked now they is no details about it. I have been going every year for 17 years never had a problem before, if they send them back and voided it what happens to my payment, I payed £250 fo me and my husband, I ham out my mind with worrie. Pat
The payment is gone and can’t be refunded. Most likely, it won’t present a problem, but let them contact you rather than going after them.
Hi,
one of the questions in the application for e-tourist visa is details of previous visa issued and visa number. We visited india a long time back (I visited in 2008 and my husband in 1999). Neither of us have the visa number / visa details with us now. What to do? We of course cannot choose never visited india as we were indian citizens before 2007 and 1997 respectively.
Please help…what to do?
If there is no documentation, I wouldn’t put the trip down. If possible, you can list the trip without putting the visa number, but it raises unnecessary questions.
Hi,
another question –
we will be traveling to Kolkata with transit in Chennai. Where will the immigration be done? At Kolkata or Chennai? We have around 2h 20 min transit time. If we have to do immigration in Chennai, is it enough time?
Thanks a ton for your answers!
You will need to do immigration at the first point of entry, so Chennai. Your transit might be a little tight, but it should be manageable.
The biggest thing is that after you’ve claimed your bags, you’ll likely need to go to the domestic terminal (quite a long distance). Ask the airline when you land if they provide some kind of shuttle service.
Hi I have a query regarding to fill the visa application form. As mentioned on the official India visa website that a person must enter his/her particulars as mentioned in passport. I am a British National of Indian origin. I had only my given names in my Indian passport and no surname. When I was issued British passport my given names were put into surname section and xxx in given name section as a rule a person without surname will be issued British passport in this format. So when applying for Indian visa, shall I put xxx in given name section and surname in surname section as mentioned in British passport? I have not changed my name.
Yikes, the challenges of names! For your Indian visa, I would put your name EXACTLY as it appears in your British passport. So, just follow that process, however weird the entry might be.
Hi i am applying for the tourist visa for my aunt and it asks applicants marital status, the options are single and married and she is widowed , what do i select?
thank you
Single might be best, as if you choose married, you will need to give all the husband’s details.
Hi .re photo upload for an INDIAN tourist visa is this actually required or Not ?
I can`t find a definitive answer , I understand for the eTOURIST visa it is required though .
For regular visas, I don’t think it is required, but helpful and might speed up your processing.
Am looking to apply for an eTV visa.
I recently acquired UK citizenship having previously held an Indian passport and resided in India. In the section on whether I have visited India before do I put yes?
On the associated visa section what do I select as I see no option relating to fact I had an Indian passport rather than a tourist visa.
For cities visited, I have visited many when resident in India (more than I can remember) – is it necessary to include all?
Any advise will be appreciated. Thanks.
I don’t think there is a clear consensus yet on this issue. It would seem that you have never had a “visa” to India before, so you can put no.
No need to include all countries you visited before, just as many as will fit.
hi,
i was applying for minor child,in the occupation section do i put in fathers details?
Just put “student”.
But he’s just a few months old. Will the application be rejected if I put in the fathers details?
Student is fine even for an infant. I did the same for mine.
Hi ! Thank you very much for these useful informations. I still have a few questions though 🙂
– I am applying for an e tourist visa from Chiang Mai, that is supposed to last for 30 days. But at the end of the procedure when I have to check the infomations I have send it, it is marked that the duration is for 34 days although I didn’t even enter my dates of flight, and I can’t change anything about it because it was written down automatically. What should I do?
– Also, I am arriving at Mumbai international airport, but flying directly to Goa after without getting out of the airport, so should I put that the entry point is Mumbai or Goa?
Thank you in advance for your answer 🙂
I wouldn’t worry about the 34 day thing. It might be for four days of processing and then the remaining 30 it is valid.
Entry point is the first place in India you land.
Hello,
Thanks for the helpful guide!
Working on the visa application.
1) Is a drivers license an identity certificate (IC) ?
2) I heard no punctuation should be used. Does this include in phone numbers?
Kathy
1) I would assume so, but can’t guarantee
2) Yes, I wouldn’t use any dashes or dots.
Thanks much! And dates? Dec 3 2014 = 03/12/2014 ?
And just to be sure as I don’t have time for delays: no commas in addresses, etc?
You are smart to be so detailed!
Yes, day comes first, month second.
Commas in addresses are ok.
My name is Arianna Mehrafza. I just applied for a visa, but i accidentally put my name as Mehrafza Mehrafza. Will my visa be rejected? Can I call to have them edit it?
Oops. That could be a problem. Was it an e-Visa? You will likely just need to apply again, but you may have to wait until they process it there.
Hi,
I am applying for a tourist visa from the UK. I visited India 10 years ago, but I cannot remember where I stayed. What should I put?
Also, If I have another nationality (iranian) do I need to bring both passports with me when I go to India?
Do you have a copy of the old visa you got from 10 years ago? If so, I would just put the name of the city where your passport was stamped. If not, I wouldn’t worry about it.
It’s always a good idea to bring backup documentation, so yes, I would carry your Iranian passport with you, but no need to show it unless there is an issue.
Brill. thank you for the quick response.
Hi Pedram,
I last visited in 2001 and will be making another visit this year. I have the same question as you as to what to put down on previous stay. May I know what you wrote down for the previous stay information on your form and how did it work out?
i have been trying to apply for a conference visa, at the stage of application, all i get is
Date must be less than or equal to todays date. Please help
Sorry, I’ve never done that one before. Seems like there is a problem in the data validation in that field. You might just try changing the date to suit the validation.
I am coming from a country where religions are stated in the ID records and my true belief differs in the official recordings. Haven’t changed it, but while filling the online form I entered my unofficial belief. And now I fear for my application being rejected. What can happen? Should I re-apply?
I don’t think it will be an issue, but it’s always better to stick with what is there on your official documents. The Indian government isn’t really concerned about your private beliefs, but more the community you come from.
I would wait this one out to see what happens. You can easily clarify it with the consulate officer.
There seems to be another error too, so I am ditching this first appointment and re-applying. This time I will play safe.
I am currently filling in an evisa application, I am retired yet it asks for employers name and address, what do I put in?
You can either just put “Retired” on the line and put your home address, or put in your last employer. This information won’t be checked.
Thank you.
Received my visa today, a big thank you to this forum for all the information provided. It made a very daunting task a little easier.
Great to hear it!
hi,
i filled form online but forgot to note down appilcation id number and also forgot to print it out……how can i know my application id number and can i refill the form with same details……will it effect my visa process…..reply urgently
You’ll have to start a new one. It won’t affect anything.
any system to earn money jobs here
Hi there, I just submitted online my tourist visa application, because I am unsure as to where I am staying as yet I left blank the section which asks where I will be staying,I also put na for the reference in India section. I am realising now this will probably result in rejection. What should I do next? I have also submitted an online payment. Should I fill in a new form and start the process again? How do I avoid paying again? Many thanks
Well, your best option is to just wait and see what happens. If it gets rejected, you will just have to apply again and pay again.
Do I need to mention my old passport details in the field any other passport/ID held? I did the last time.
If you have all the details, then I would put it. Otherwise, no need.
The old and expired passport is stapled with my new passport
Thanks. My previous/expired passport is stapled with my existing one. For Bangladeshis it is mandatory to submit old passports during visa application. Most people believe that the field “any other passport/IC held” means if you have dual nationality and they leave that field blank. I guess mentioning old passport details or not in that field is immaterial as old passports are being submitted with the current one during visa application. What do you say?
I don’t know for sure, but if you have the documentation, I would put it in and not leave any fields blank.
I’m applying for a 10 year visa. I have no idea when I will be going. It could be this year or next year. What should I put in the travel dates and what should I put in the where I am staying. I want the visa done since the trip will likely be last minute. I also need to put something in the dates for the parental authorization form.
Travel dates, just give an estimate that falls within the next 4 months. Do you have any family you can put for where you are staying? Otherwise, any hotel at the city you are flying into should be fine.
Thanks! One more question- if I put a date in the next 4 months and my travel is after that (very likely), do I have to complete a new visa application or am I good for the next 10 years at that point without doing anything else.
Nope! You’ll be fine for 10 years from the date it is issued.
Thank you!
After filling in Indian tourist visa and paying I noticed I put in the wrong passport number.
Will I have to fill another form in and pay again or is there a way of changing the visa form?
HI I VISITED INDIA 25 YEARS AGO I HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THE VISIT DETAILS DURING THAT TIME…HOW DO I ANSWER ON HAVE YOU VISIT INDIA BEFORE
Hi,i visited india 25 years ago, i have no details of that visit, i was 21 then, how do i fill guide 4 on have you visit india before
If you have no details, don’t list it. Please see the other comments here.
I’ve just joined the forum and 45 minutes ago posted a query. This seems to have been wiped from the forum. What am i doing wrong to post a message please?
Hello Neil
My query message via discus keeps getting wiped as suspected spam.
My problem is that the online form does not show an area that needs to be filled in so the resulting PDF prints out an uncompleted box.
Can you advise?
Question just answered by the Visa office. Very quick and efficient.
One question ref photos.
Form says paste unsigned photo here – so that’s self explanatory. But what about the other photo – does it just float loose in the package or is it attached in any way and should it be signed on the back.
Like many things I can’t find the answer on the Visa office website.
Glad you got a quick answer from the visa office!
I think I always paperclipped it. No need to sign the back.
Thanks Neil.
The answers on this forum have been so helpful in my form preparation and the insight into India ways on the website is invaluable.
What a great job you do here!.
So in section about visiting SAARS countries,if I have been last year in India shoudl I check yes? It is a bit confusing as previously there is a question about if I have visited india before.Thanks.
No, only let it apply for the other countries, not India.
On the “India Particulars Form” at the bottom of the page where it ask for “Place:” what do I put in there?
I’m assuming it’s the place that you will be visiting.
Hi Your comments are of immense help – Thanks. I have 2 queries though 1) Does countries visited include all countried even if there is no stamp on passport (eg Europe,) we briefly visit many countries from cruise ships. 2) can I give the name of the ship (cruising again) as address staying in India?
1. I wouldn’t worry about it if you don’t have a stamp. There are a limited number of spaces anyway.
2. Probably not. They’ll want the address of a hotel where you might port.
Hi..I am a pakistani national married to an indian and i am getting some more options to fill in the form.I want to know about sonsorship certificate?What it is and does it need any attestation? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/43e4b05ee7e7d42b6ad7179ec25628e47dd653c6f16feda7cc223973f624d653.jpg
No idea. Pakistanis will face a lot more challenges in getting a visa.
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Hi,
I live in Pondicherry, my close friend living in Philippines he wants to visit India, he is not aware of computer and quick typing. so can I fill up the form online and pay using my debit card. I have all the full details of his documents he had given me already is it possible that I can apply from India for my friend ( or ) can I fill up online all details and save it and pay later, so my friend in Philippines can pay online payment, will the visa rejected. any idea. please reply thanks.
No idea. You can probably do it for an eVisa. There should be a way to save the form and then access it later (or by someone else). good luck!
Hi am takin my children to goa in March and really struggling with filling in there visa applications and what documents to supply am a single parent the fathers name is not on their birth certificates so both parents can’t sign please help i don’t no what to do or where to start we all hold UK passports and I currently hold a valid Indian visa as I was there in November. Thank you
Hmmm, that is a problem. They will ask for both parents signatures. I would recommend calling the local embassy/consulate and getting their advice.
Hi I have filled in the forms for myself and wife and submitted and printed both forms but can’t make it go to the next section to book an appointment.
When I type in the capcha code it keeps saying the code is wrong. It shows a numerical number in bold and one in normal case. How do I do numbers in bold. I know when I need capital letters. But does it work on bold numerical.
Yikes. Sorry about that. I can’t help with the captcha settings! If you’ve already printed the form, you could just turn that in and you might be ok. You can get an appointment another way.
Hi!
i am applying for indian visa from Pakistan and I have also a valid visa for malaysia but i have not visited yet, so do i mention in “countries visited in last 10 years” or not ?
No, only those visited
Hi
I have an oci in my maiden name but have since changed my passport to my married name. I did apply to have my name changed in my oci but for one reason and another it hasn’t happened and now I’ve run out of time as I’m attending my cousins wedding in Goa in a couple of weeks. I decided to just get a regular visa but can’t figure out what to put when it asks what visa did you last travel under as oci is not on the list! Would you know what I should do please?
I would bet that you can get in just fine using your OCI with your maiden name. But, I would bring wedding certificates and alternate ID forms to support you, just in case.
And go ahead and get the OCI card switched right away.
Thank you for your help Neil!
Hello,
Couple questions:
1) I don’t have my old passport with my old visa number. The only way to get to the next page was to put in XXXXXX. Is that ok?
2) I applied today, but never received a application number or any confirmation email that my application was submitted correctly. All I have is my temporary application #. Do I need to be patient or did I do something wrong?
FYI, this was for an online visa. No mission or appointment was referenced.
Thanks in advance.
Jay
Hmm, hard to say on both questions. I would usually say don’t worry about putting an old visa if you don’t have the passport as XXXX tends to raise more questions.
Did you hear back?
Hi, what is the difference between “REGULAR VISA APPLICATION”: from “E-TOURIST VISA”? And what is suitable for me. I am from Philippines working in Singapore and wanted to go to India on April fro 7 days to attend by fiance’s brother marriage. Please thanks
eTourist is the way to go. Regular visa can be good for 6 months or more. eTourist is only for 30 days, but you do it online rather than through a consulate.
I’m really confused by this visa I leave the country in 12 days and I’m doing the e tourist visa does this mean I have to take it personally to the consulate or do I just print all the forms and take with me and visa on arrival
Just print the forms and take them with you. But don’t apply for the visa until about 3-4 days out from your trip.
I filled in my visa form but I haven’t received anything by email and everytime I click on (to make an appointment) it closes down. Now I’ve filled in my form and printed a copy what should I do as there are no instructions whatsoever. I have a feeling India just doesn’t want tourists.
:-). Sorry for the trouble. Find the consulate nearest to you and give them a call. You can likely send your documents to them to schedule an appointment.
Thank you, I’ll try that.
Hi I am filling in the application form but I have not finished. I have saved it temporarily so that I can finish. I have saved the apllication ID number. I want to continue filling in the form how do I go about it?
Pls let me know asap
There should be an option to enter the temporary ID at the start of the form.
Which r the 12 character application ID numbers cause the one I have is more than 12 characters
Hmm, maybe try knocking some numbers off the front of it? Not sure the answer.
I made a mistake in my visa duration section of visa application form . can someone tell me what should I do?I am a us citizen and applying from US
Just start over. There is no penalty until you mail the forms off.
Hai. my father was dead for the past ten years when iam still young and i am also have step father. So, how i want to fill detail of father. The detail can fill is for the father or step father?
abount the occupation, i am also forget about my father occupation, so how?
You can use your step-father if you want.
What do i do with it after i print it?
Hi i have filled in the form now i need to do the payment however whenever i press pay now and put in all my details it says page cannot be displayed. Ive been trying since yesterday. Pls tell me what i can do i need the visa urgently.
Sorry, not sure what you should do!
Hi… Im planning to visit India in May.. Planning to bring my cousin brother who is 15 yrs old now… We got no idea where is his parents are… Out of curiosity can we apply e visa for him? And any issue if he follow us to India?
There are 2 required previous name fields id you say yo had a previous name. I filled out the 1st with my old surname, and the second with my complete old name, even though the only change is to my surname. On the PDF it now says for previous names: First Middle Surname Surname. Is this going to be an issue?
Hmm, you can work with the form to make it read correctly. But it might be fine on its own.
What do I do after i finish and print the application?
Send it to the consulate you chose at the start of the application
Hi, I accidentally applied for the regular visa instead of e-visa. Is there any chance of getting this application deleted despite of having completely finished and printed out? Hope you can help, thanks!
If you haven’t actually sent in the regular visa application to an Indian consulate, then you haven’t passed the point of no return. You could still do the e-visa.
Hey Neil,
I did the same mistake! But I didn’t send anything.. So you think there will be no problem in changing the type of visa we apply for ? The system won’t lock ? Have you already experienced anything similar ?
thanks a lot!
Yes, you are fine. The system won’t lock you into a type of visa until you actually send it into the consulate.
Hi, My Surname written in passport like AFTUB-UZ-ZAMAN but whenever I am going to apply in online it doesn’t take the character “-” So I have no other option to give a space instead the minus sign like AFTUB UZ ZAMAN. Will it make any problem for visa processing?
Should be ok.
My visa has come back with one of the letters incorrect – my surname is starting with V rather than W. Does anyone think this should be a problem? Should I reapply?
Yes, that could be a problem. You might want to check with the local consulate who issued it and see if they can get it replaced.
I appreciate the step by step layout you provided. My question is, on which site, the .gov site, or the cox and kings site should I be able to make a payment? , is there a delay before I can make a payment and my web id number is recognized and “catches up” w the gov web site visa app updates? (For example, if I fill out online app during the weekend?) Thanks for your time!!
JM
Hi
I forgot to mark that I was visiting SAARS country(Sri Lanka) 3 years ago.But in section about countries visited in last 10 years I did write Sril Lanka.Is there could be a problem?I applied for visa from UK.
Hi
I forgot to mark that I was visiting SAARS country(Sri Lanka) 3 years ago.But in section about countries visited in last 10 years I did write Sril Lanka.Is there could be a problem?I applied for visa from UK.
HELLO,
MY E-VISA APPLICATION WAS REJECTED FOR AN ERROR. CAN I RE-APPLY FOR ANOTHER E-VISA OR DO I NOW NEED TO APPLY FOR A REGULAR VISA.
If it is a simple error, then you should just be able to reapply. If they refused on some other grounds, you may need to do a regular visa process.
Thank you. I called the local NY Consulate and they told me I can re-apply as well.
Appreciate your assistance.
I am applying for Indian tourist e – visa! I am un-employed at this moment and I am single, so I can not write housewife. What I should write under employer name and address? I hope that this will not cause delay. Maybe you can suggest something else.
Either your most recent job, or just put self-employed and put your home address.
I am trying to fill in my application for regular visa. I am stuck on page 4 where it asks for previous Indian visa. This is my first time applying for Indian visa, before I has my Indian passport. What is the best way to address this question. Thank you.
I would leave it blank since you’ve never had an Indian visa before.
Thank you.
I thought I could leave it blank but it has an asterix on stating it is mandatory. This doesn’t make any sense.
Hello Neil, Sorry to get back on this. But what I don’t understand is. If I have previously traveled to India but on my Indian passport what should I put for previous visas. If the question was have you traveled to India – then yes I have traveled but not on a visa but as an Indian national, and this part is nowhere on the option list. This is just frustrating for a first time visa application. Thanks for understanding.
“Have you travelled to India?” Just answer this question with a no. You have never travelled to India as a non-Indian citizen, which is what they are actually asking.
Did that. Thank you.
Hi I am Malaysian applied online tourist Indian visa and it’s approved as well but the problem is I forget to type alphabet A with my passport numbers so how do I do correction….please help me..thks
Hi I am Malaysian applied online tourist Indian visa and it’s approved as well but the problem is I forget to type alphabet A with my passport numbers so how do I need to do correction…please help me..thks
Hmmm, not sure. You are talking about an eTourist Visa? The A is a prefix to your number? More than likely you should be ok, but there is a decent change you may face some trouble. You could gamble and go with it, but if you want to play it safe I would reapply and get the correction made.
Question: I applied for an e visa online and was subsequently sent an email that said it was granted. I printed out my visa application form which was emailed to me and on the front is the picture that I had to upload to the website when I was applying. The problem is on the top right of the first page, there is a blank spot where it says “paste an unsigned recent color photograph” size 2 x 2. Do I need to do this even though the picture that I uploaded is already on this same page on the left hand side? So I would need 2 different pics? Please help. Thanks! its an e -tourist visa (eTV).
Yes, please go ahead and put the second picture, just in case.
Hey, in 30 minutes i need to speak on the new traffic rules that can be made in india in front of the traffic minister of india. Help me out. It might become a law.
Whoa, buddy. I think you should have planned ahead for that one!
if family going what trype of tourist must click?
You would need a tourist or e-tourist visa for each person in your family. (Difference just depends on how long you want to stay.)
With regards to the question: “Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa?”.
I am a UK citizen and lived there all my life but am applying for the visa from Cambodia where I have been for 2 weeks on a tourist visa.
Should I answer yes or no?
Many thanks in advance
“Where you are applying visa”, I’ve always taken to mean the country that currently has your present residence. So, if you are just holidaying in Cambodia, but you are applying as a British citizen with a British permanent address, then I think you can say Yes. But that’s just me!
I was adopted from India at age 3 months. I had an indian passport when I came to the US. I have no info about birth parents. I was naturalized and My name was changed upon adoption in the US. I need to complete a renunciation with my VISA application.
Regarding the questions of name changes and parents….which are they referring to? Birth name? Birth parents? Or current name on US passport and adoptive parents?
Got any idea? Info from CKGS has not been helpful
tonya
This is outside my league, but here’s my perspective.
If you try to answer with your birth name, birth parents, etc, then it will trigger all sorts of unnecessary questions and requests for documentation.
If you use your current name according to every piece of documentation you have and you use your adoptive parents, it will be very easy and will go through. There is a slight chance that they may have additional questions, but not likely.
When in doubt, my policy is that if you can’t provide documentation about it, then don’t mention it. So in your case (assuming all of your documentation has your current name only), I would stick to your current name and adoptive parents.
My wife is a US citizen (was born in US). Her parents are also US citizens, but previously were Pakistani citizens. Her grandparents are all deceased (all died years ago in Pakistan). On the application through CKGS there is a question on her grandparents current and previous nationality. What do you recommend I put down?
Pakistani relatives is a red flag for getting an Indian visa. However, in your case, it just likely means that there will be a bit of a delay in processing. Honesty would be the best policy here.
Absolutely agree. Challenge I have since learned is to simply get the application submitted you must have an in-country sponsor who the India govt may want to check in on to confirm they know the traveler before granting her a visa. Reason this is a challenge for our situations is is we have no family/friends there (all left in the 60s). Should you have any suggestions, am all ears. no worries if you don’t.
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. Are you going just for a vacation to India? Is there anyone you are meeting there who might be able to vouch for you?
Otherwise, it may be tough. I didn’t know about the in-country sponsor. That’s good to know.
Pretty much going to take selfies in front of the taj mahal, etc. and not meeting anyone.
Last resort before giving up – am trying to get through to the consular at the embassy in DC for any helpful guidance for my predicament.
I am applying for entry visa for 3 month old son. What should be the value “Profession / Occupation Details of Applicant” as he is just infant, cant put student right.
Just put “Student” or “Infant”
Hey there Tom! I’m currently a student in the UK for about 1.5 years and i’ll be applying for my Indian E-Visa from the UK (my home country is Malaysia). Should i select ‘I have NOT lived in the country i’m currently applying my visa from for 2 years?’
Yup
Hi,
I have an odd question hope you can clarify.
My passport and business card has a slight different first name.
Passport is official full name
i.e. Kuat K [Last Name]
Whereas my business name with Christian
i.e. Dennis [Last Name]
Thanks,
Dennis
Go with your passport.
I have a indian visa which entry is by bus and train.now for urgency medical purpose is want to go air. How is change my visa for air
Not sure!
How root change on indian visa.is want to go by air.but on my visa mention bus and train.how change possible please mention me. Very emergency.
Sorry. I don’t know how you can do this.
what a great post! thank you!
i have just applied and seen that i haven’t included my middle name in my application AND the picture cropped the top of my hair off… are they likely to reject my application?
fretting!
Yeah, I would redo it if I were you.
Hi, this post was extremely useful thank you!
However I was wondering whether you could apply for a e-visa three months in advance because I was not to sure whether it would start from the day they issue the visa or the day you land in India? Since the new law is that you can get an e-visa for 2 months now?
Also I was struggling to complete two sections. One section where it says about your occupation. I am a house wife and so it tells me to fill in details of my husband and his employer’s name and address, but he is retired. So would it be okay to put ‘retired so not applicable’?
The other section was for the question they ask of “Have you lived for at least 2 years from in the country from where you are applying the visa?”, because i was not too sure whether they meant India or UK because i live in the UK. However, I used to live in India since childhood, but have been living in the UK for many years now. So would that be yes or no?
Your help would be highly appreciated.
Thank you
Your visa starts from the day it is issued, so don’t apply too far in advance.
For your husband’s job, just put Retired.
They meant if you have lived in the UK for 2 years.
I’m a student so need to put down fathers/spouses details- no spouse and father is deceased, what do I do?
Just put in what your father used to do before he died.
What’s the process to change the confirmed appointment date?
Sorry, this is only about the application form. Not appointments at consulates.
Hi, I’ve submitted my e-visa application and paid for it. I’ve just noticed that I’ve missed the last letter off my middle name :-/ will this affect my application?
I wish I could say don’t worry about it. I would say there’s a 40% chance they don’t say anything about it. Another 40% they notice it and hassle you about it, but you end up getting in anyway. And a 20% chance they don’t let you in.
For me, I’d get it redone as an insurance step.
Thank you for your reply. I’ve had an email back to say the visa has been granted. Would you still recommend doing another application?
Just a matter of how much you want to press your luck. More than likely, there’s no issue. But there’s always a chance they make a fuss over it.
submitted an incomplete application for my child without listing a SARC country we had visited, how can i amend it or can i block the application and re apply? whats the best advice. only just did that
eVisas get submitted automatically and you can’t block them. Other visas you have to mail to the consulate. So as long as you haven’t mailed it, you are fine. If you already mailed it, there’s really no way to stop it that I know of.
NOT ABLE TO PUT HYPHENATE MY NAME AS IT APPEARS IN MY PASSPORT. WHAT DO I DO
Hmm, maybe just put a space?
Hi
Visiting as a student. Do not know anything about my father and i’m not married.
When I state I’m a student I’m required to fill in either spouse or fathers employment details.
If I leave the section blank, I am unable to move forward.
Any ideas on what I need to do please?
Many thanks in advance
Choose any working male relative. They won’t be contacted. Or you can write “Deceased” for father’s details.
Hi, I’m currently doing my second master’s. I’ve managed to work and study so far. I’m planning to visit a friend in India for about 4 months (starting this December), since I’m now finishing some little details of my thesis and I think this is the right time for me to clear my head (I will be graduating in September next year). In order to travel, I will quit my job but I’ve saved enough money for this trip. When I apply for a regular tourist visa (only for recreational purposes), what should I choose as my profession/occupation? And other thing… my father is deceased so I think maybe typing his information in profession/occupation might not apply in my case. What should I do? Please help! =)
I would put in the last profession you had. Just don’t write Student or Researcher there. For you father’s information you can just put deceased and N/A in the fields.
Hi.. Current tourist visa to india is expiring on 19 Aug 17 and i will be travelling again on 21 Aug 17. Can i reapply a new visa while the previous is yet to expired. As i need to submit the application this week. Is there any grace period or anything. Thank you.
I think you can apply twice in a year at any time, even if your current one is still valid.
Thank you for the wonderful post, very helpful.
I am applying entry visa to India for my new born child. They might be staying for a minimum of 6 months.
1. So, under duration of visa (in month), do I need to enter 60 months or 120 months?
2. If we enter 120 month, does it affect the visa processing?
3. Is it possible to extend the stay for more than 6 months and reapply from India itself?
It depends on which country you are applying from. For the US you can get a 10 year visa, but I think they will only give an entry visa for the same duration as what is left on the primary person. So, it all depends of course.
Entry visas are multiple entry, but might have a restriction that you can only stay in India for 180 days at a time. You’ll have to check.
You cannot apply for a new visa from within India. Even if you could, you would need to enter the country on that new visa. You couldn’t use it as an exit visa.
Thank you for your response!
I’m applying for a business visa and the application is asking for a web site of the company I am visiting. The company does not have a web sit. I do have the owners email address. What should i enter?
A business without a website would look pretty sketchy. But if it’s not there, I’d just leave it blank. Is it a required field?
Hi, great advice! I’m currently looking to apply for an indian visa but i’m still a little confused about something. If we apply online on the government website and it goes through and you receive email with it, is that it? or do you also still need to go to a consulate? I’m from UK so can apply at home but i’m currently away for work and will only have 2 weeks once I get back home til I go to India. So should i just apply online?
The only visa you can be approved for online is the eTourist Visa. Other ones you still need to mail all your information into the nearest consulate.
Ok still a little confused… So the etourist visa which I can get online is all I need to go to India with?
Yes, it’s good for 30 days. No consulate visit required.
I have filled out the form for regular tourist visa (incomplete, but saved)….now my plans changed. Is there any way to delete the information I put in.
Thanks in advance.
Filling out the form is not the same as applying. As long as you haven’t physically mailed it in, you are fine to change it. However, you’ll likely have to start over again from the beginning.
Greetings of the day! I’m a Russian passport holder. I did apply for 6 month multiple type of visa but got my passport back with no visa and V.A.F. stamp on it. Can I reapply for the e-visa?
Possibly, but you might get refused. Better to call the local embassy and see if you can figure out why the visa was refused in the first place.
http://www.indiamike.com/india/for-citizens-of-other-countries-visa-and-pio-oci-questions-f9/the-v-a-f-stamp-t60720/2/
I am just about to begin an application for an E-visa. I am going to chennai for dental treatment. Should I apply for a tourist visa or a medical visa. I am from NZ but will be traveling from Australia. I did post this query to the official visa people but they did not reply.
Thank you in advance.
For dental work, I think tourist should be ok, but there may be some risk if anything goes horribly wrong. Not to scare you, but the medical visa just offers some official government involvement in the worst cast scenario.
I complete application for 4 times for tourist visa and print it . after it where it say book appointment it is not letting me do that . and also later with all those web Id or Tem . Id I can’t open application either. PLease help.
Hello, I’m encountering a strange issue with the form print out. I have filled up the VISA form few times already today. The print out shows a Section H. Address of place of Stay/Hotel “. But this particular section is nowhere to be seen on the original online form ! i have no problem giving out this information however the question is not there for me to type/answer online.
I can not understand and quite baffled as to why the print out is different than the online form ? I’m afraid they will reject the form if i send it with that question empty, and i cant hand write on the print out form. Very confused. Help !
Not sure exactly. Typically that question is like “Who do you know in India?” or “Where will you be staying in India?” or the address of the reference person you give.
Hi Neil Miller..
Pls help me to come out from my little problem…
My wife is from Phillipines and we have registered in FRO and Applied for Visa Extension. My question here is once we get the X-visa my wife need to go back to phillipines. After she have a Valid X-visa also she need to get exit permit to go back to phillipines???
Pls reply at your earliest convience….
Hi I am in the process of applying for a regular tourist visa for India but having trouble with the nationality question as I was born and have always lived in the UK but I am officially French and Irish through my parents. I currently have a valid Irish passport. If I put Ireland as my nationality it then asks for a reference name from Ireland (and also says by fill in box on form – Please mention one contact detail in Home country to be contacted in case of emergency) however I have never lived in Ireland and I do not have any contacts there. Do I put UK as nationality even if I have an Irish passport and not British?
If anyone can help I would be very appreciative!
Nationality is best linked to your citizenship. Don’t create confusion there. That person will pretty much never ever be contacted. Ever. So you can put what you’d like there.
Hi, I just have a question about the “VISIBLE IDENTIFICATION MARKS”…At the time I was answering the questions, I assumed it was only asking for Visible Identification Marks on the face…so I put NONE. I found out later on that Visible Identification Marks are the marks that are visible on arms, legs, neck and face. I have printed out the form and I am not sure if this mistake can be rectified? I have tattoos on my both arms and back of my neck. Now I am worried. Your advice will be highly appreciated. thank you
It won’t be a problem. You can submit it as is. If you really want to add it, you’ll need to start the application all over again and print out a fresh one.
I lost my dual certificate which Indian embassy gave me that time when I became US citizen. It showed that now I am not Indian citizen it has immigration stamp. That now I am now not Indian citizen so now whenever I can apply any travel visa I can showed that certificate to travel agencies that I am US citizen and need Indian visa.
So how can I got again that certificate again.
No idea. You should try to get an OCI card though.
I was not able to upload a photo with the online visa application. However, it did not give me an error and now I am not able to go back to upload. It only gives the option to print or set appointment . Do I need to fill the application again?
You can just print it out and then staple it to the form. But check to see if it should be stapled or pasted or taped or nothing.
Hello,
I just submitted e-visa application for my 2 year old daughter and have following questions and thanks so much in advance for answering the questions.
1. do you think they will accept this photograph (it’s 2*2 inches but not sure if they will accept smile on photograph also little bit of side pose) please let me know?
2. my daughter was born in “Idaho City” that’s what i mentioned in the online application but passport says “Idaho USA”, would they accept it?
3. Just in case if application is rejected, do I have to pay the fees again?
4. Would they provide reasons for denial so that I dont repeat mistakes again?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/decfc7a99095828b69bc62b243e957bfa2dce19754e50efbe31b1cfd8e61f076.jpg
Neil Miller I am currently submitting my managers work VISA and before the end of the application a question pops up with an automated answer where I am unable to locate anywhere on the application, I’ve checked three times and my colleague has also checked as well! :
Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa? YES
Problem is I am unable to change the answer as the question doesn’t exist on the application itself!
Can you please advise? Managers born and bred in the United Kingdom!
Sabina
Are you also applying from the UK? Sometimes there are hidden fields that only show in certain conditions.
Hi
I am applying for indian visa for my 3 daughters, it was a horrendous process, getting 4 signatures notarized in each application etc.
i made a mistake in entering the passport issue month for one of my daughters because of which CKGS is returning my application (btw the online form for filling the application is horrendous … if your passport was issued 48 months ago you have to click 48 time to get to the right year and month, mistakes are easy to make) …. can you/ckgs just make the correction of this trivial mistake and move one … don’t return just return me the application and make go thru this torturous process once again … shouldn’t CKGS be able to add value by helping their customers fix minor errors ? Please help
Yeah, you would think… All the best. You are in the dark zone now.
HI, THE QUESTION ‘ HAVE YOU LIVED MORE THAN 2 YEARS IN THE COUNTRY YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A VISA- DOES THAT REFER TO THE PLACE I LIVE (UK)?
It is referring to the consulate you are applying from, I believe.
Hey, this page is really useful, thank you! I have one question: I have just completed the visa application form online and printed it out, paid the fee and booked an appointment at the consulat, but just realised I missed out / forgot to put my middle name (as it is in my passport). What should I do? If I re-do the application will I have to re-pay? ah!!
That’s a problem. To play it safe, I would redo the whole thing. And you should be able to keep the same time slot. But who knows?
please can you help me i have been to india about 13 times i am going again in january and cant find my evisa from last year what can i do…when it asks about the old visa number …help…great site by the way thank you
Don’t worry about the evisa. I would only put in issued visas that are in your passport.
ah thank you…got my e visa emailed to me as granted which is brilliant…but a friend of mine has got hers and it has her picture and a barcode on it …at the moment mine is just eta with all details of passport etc and a code then status as granted i had this back in 1 day …does tjat mean they will process it and email me one with my picture and barcode on….panicking help….
thank you
anne
Hmm, really not sure exactly. I think you should be fine though.
Hi,
I’m applying for the a tourist visa through the e-visa. I’m travelling in January (already bought the ticket) On the form it asks if you traveled to India before. I have but it was 14 years ago. They are asking for the visa number which i no longer have–what do i do now?
Just act like it never happened…
I am having problems uploading a copy of my passport. Once I click view it shows a blank page. Any ideas? Thanks
No, just be patient with the system. Sometimes the technology is funny.
okay folks need help …I have filled out my e visa…and yippee got it back all granted … but my visa has everything on it that my friend has except I dont have a picture or a barcode,,, I have an id code etc and a granted but its different to my friends…I done mine through the indian gov website she done hers through a third party…I have already asked neil but he is not sure …anyone else done there own visa ….what does it look like…please help driving me mad….thanks annex
hi, i have a question, i am in india right now, i have a etourist visa for 60 days, in january 60 days will be done and i am going to nepal for 3 weeks, my question is, can i apply again for indian e tourist visa while i am in nepal? o i have to wait more time before apply again?
You can apply from Nepal. You can get 2 evisas per year.
long name not fitting visa form. advise
my long name not fitting in visa form. Advise.
Hmm, Just put as much of the name as possible I guess. Make sure it matches as best as you can to your official document.
HI, Is it mendatory to upload photo for medical visa?
I have clicked verified button in 4th page than seen last window which says “submitted successfully”
What can I do now to upload photo?
Usually you can just attach a physical copy to the printout.
i was filling my application but at the end when submitting i got this message “Please re-fill e-visa application as journey date can only be after 4 days of registration.” I don’t know what to do
Visa processing takes some time, so they don’t let you apply for a date before 4 days. If you need an immediate visa, you’ll need to get the tourist e-visa.
Hi Neil,
Thank you for the great guide !
I have visited India 5 years ago as a tourist ( I have been to Goa ) but the passport on which I had the visa number got stolen . Now I m applying for a new tourist visa for a short trip but I cannot give details of the previous visa. What should I do ? Say YES I have visited India 5 years ago but do not have VISA reference ? or Say NO I haven’t ?? Kind regards,
Isabelle
If you don’t have the visa or passport, then just assume it never happened
Hi, we are both retired so is putting down “retired” as an occupation acceptable. Also my partner does not know who his father was – can he put “not known”. And I only know the area i.e London of my parents birth – is that acceptable
Retired is fine as long as you are applying for a tourist visa. NA for father is fine if unknown. Birth area is fine. They won’t check unless they are from Pakistan.
Thank you so much for that advice, I’ve been so worried with regards to my partners parentage. I will put na for his father.
I am applying for etvisa to India. on the form it’s asking if I have been to India before. I went there in 2917 January. it’s asking for previous i.d number of evisa and date it was issued. i havnt got either so what do i put in the relevant boxex if i dont know
You should have got an email with the last evisa number. Can you find that?
I need some help! I was in India about 23 years ago. I have filled in the application and have said I was never in India before. Will they check that??? I cannot remenber the places where I stayed.
No, you’ll be fine.
Thank you so much Neil, I’ll go ahead with the filled in application!
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Hi, I had previously filled in using my temporary ID number. I am able to enter the application but on the last page where it says “save and continue” it won’t let me go any further. I need to upload a photo. I have tried “save and exiting” a few times and entered again but have no joy in going any further. There are no phone numbers to ask for advice. Does that mean that I have to start the online application all over again? This system is definitely not the best. Thanks.
Yeah, you have to start over. Truth be told, I don’t think you need to upload the photo. You can just attach the physical copy to the printout.
Thanks Neil. I did another application under Mission India and am waiting for an appointment.
It all depends on where you were born. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never ever been back to that country in 55 years they still make it difficult.