Why do you need an Indian Visa? Whether you are Canadian or German, there are many reasons why you might want to visit India at some point in your life, and one of the most obvious ways to get there is by plane. However, just because you’re flying from Canada or Germany doesn’t mean that you won’t have to apply for an Indian visa in order to land in this beautiful country. Below, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you might need an Indian visa and how best to go about getting one of your own in the process.
What kind of visa do you need?
If you’re planning on traveling to India, you probably have one question in mind: what kind of visa should I apply for? Before we get into your best options, there are two things you need to know about Indian visas. First, your passport needs six months of validity from your date of arrival in India. Second, don’t even think about overstaying. Although it is not a common occurrence, travelers who overstay their visas can expect hefty fines and possible jail time—at least until they are deported. That being said, here are your three primary options for an Indian visa (in order of priority)
How do you apply?
The application process varies depending on your nationality. As Indian citizens, we’ll take you through some of Canada and Germany’s more complicated processes. Canada: If you are interested in working and living in India, you will need to apply for an Employment Visa through VFS Global before leaving Canada. Indian Visa for German Citizens
What documentation will you need?
When applying for your Indian visa, you’ll need original documents that prove your identity and your intent to return home after your trip. These documents can include items such as • A valid passport • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate) • An onward ticket • Proof of employment, and/or funds The specific documentation required will vary depending on what type of visa you’re applying for and how long you plan on staying in India. For example, while tourist visas are usually single-entry only, other types of business visas may allow you multiple entries into India.
Which are the best places to apply for your visa?
No matter what type of visa you’re applying for, there are several ways you can get your application submitted. Some consulates require appointments and others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Some accept mailed applications and others require you to appear in person. Still, other countries ask that you go through an intermediary company—typically one recommended by your travel agent. Make sure to check with each consulate before applying; requirements vary widely from country to country and even from consulate to consulate within each country. And don’t leave home without copies of all your documents—and any supporting material like letters of reference or translations—in case something happens en route!
Where can you pay your fees?
You can pay your fees in any overseas branch of any Indian bank. Remember to keep your confirmation slip, which has a reference number on it. Also, make sure you have four blank pages in your passport for your visa and other immigration documents. I recommend that you make photocopies of these before returning home. The copies will be handy if there is some delay at immigration, which is common at Delhi airport, although the staff is normally polite and helpful when they see foreign nationals are new to India. Do remember that it can take several weeks between paying your fees and getting your visa through the post so do not panic!
What happens after I’ve paid my fees?
After you’ve paid your visa fees and submitted your application, there are several checks that will be carried out. We may carry out further checks after we receive your application form and supporting documents, and before we send you an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR). This is done either at our office in New Delhi or in India by Indian government authorities, who may visit you if they need to do so. This is standard procedure for all applications whether it’s for tourism, study, employment, etc… Once all these steps have been completed we will be able to tell you when your visa has been granted. The time taken varies depending on where you live.
Do I have to go in person to get my visa?
If you are applying in your home country, you do not have to go in person to get your visa. If you are applying in another country and want to pay by check, you must appear personally. For example, if you apply from Canada and want to pay by check, you must appear personally in India. Indian Visa for Canadian Citizens Indian Visa for German Citizens
How long does it take to get my visa after applying at the office?
A standard tourist visa can take anywhere from 5-15 days. If you apply in person and have all of your paperwork in order, it’s generally much faster than applying online—but that’s only if you can take time off work and make a trip down to India in person. Indian visas are issued by both country offices and regional passport offices; regional passport offices tend to handle tourist visas, so visit there if possible. Regardless of where you apply, once your application is approved, you should be notified within two weeks at most. Have patience: not all applications are processed on time or quickly!
Can I extend my stay once in India?
Once in India, you can extend your visa at any Indian embassy, if necessary. There are some restrictions on how many times you can extend it and there is generally a limit of six months. If you go over that, then each additional three months will cost around $40 (or higher). For example, if I am here on a tourist visa and need to extend my stay by one month, it will cost $40; but if I need to extend my stay by three months then it will cost $120 (i.e., two times $40). You should also be aware that the Indian government doesn’t allow extensions past 180 days from your date of arrival.