India has become a popular destination for international tourists, business travelers, and medical tourists. To simplify the entry process, the Indian government introduced the e-Visa system, allowing citizens from eligible countries to apply online without visiting an embassy. Understanding the validity of the Indian e-Visa is crucial for planning a successful trip.
What is an Indian e-Visa?
The indian e visa validity is an electronically issued travel authorization that permits foreigners to enter India for tourism, business, medical treatment, or conference purposes. The e-copyright is submitted online, and once approved, the visa is emailed to the applicant. Travelers must carry a printed copy when entering India.
Types of Indian e-Visas and Their Validity
There are several types of Indian e-Visas, each with different validity periods:
e-Tourist Visa:
Short-term (30 days): This is a double-entry visa valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India. It cannot be extended or converted.
Long-term (1 year or 5 years): These are multiple-entry visas valid for either one year or five years from the date of issuance. Each stay can last up to 90 days per visit (180 days for citizens of the USA, UK, copyright, and Japan).
e-Business Visa:
Valid for one year from the date of issue.
It allows multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 180 days. Longer stays may require registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
e-Medical Visa:
Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
It allows triple entry during the validity period to facilitate follow-up treatments.
e-Medical Attendant Visa:
Issued to family members accompanying a patient traveling on an e-Medical Visa.
It shares the same validity (60 days) and entry conditions as the e-Medical Visa.
e-Conference Visa:
Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
It is a single-entry visa used solely for attending conferences or seminars.
Important Points to Note
The validity period starts from the date of issuance, not from the date of entry, except for the 30-day tourist and conference e-Visas, which start from the date of arrival.
Overstaying an e-Visa in India can result in fines, legal action, or being banned from future entry.
e-Visas are only valid at designated airports and seaports. Land border entry is not permitted with an e-Visa.
Travelers must apply for an e-Visa at least 4 days before the date of travel.