OverviewGetting an Indian visa can be confusing, time-consuming and laden with paperwork. The Indian government requires detailed information on why you are traveling to India, where you will be and when you are leaving. Yet if you plan ahead and are meticulous with the details, you can obtain an Indian visa without many hassles.
The FactsThe Indian government outsources its visa processing to a company called Travisa Outsourcing. In most cases, you must go to their website to get Indian visa application forms, regardless of whether you apply by mail or in person.
FeaturesTo file visa application forms for India by mail, go to the website and enter the type of visa you are applying for, your current nationality, your nationality at birth and your state of residence. You are required to mail a downloaded application form, passport, two passport photographs, proof of address and a fee that varies depending on the length of the visa. Rates are posted on the website. If you are of Indian origin and applying for an Indian visa for the first time, you must also submit a renunciation form. Work, student and business visas require more detailed information.
Time FrameEverything must be sent via FedEx, UPS, DHL or registered mail. Visa application forms for India take about 5 days to process after they are received by mail.
TypesIndian visas are issued at the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., and in very rare cases at consulates general in New York, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco. India visa application forms are processed for people of Indian origin on “extreme compassionate grounds,” or for those with diplomatic or official passports. These people must submit passports, online visa applications and extensive personal information. This information includes occupation, employment history for the past 5 years, purpose of visit and contact information for all organizations and people being visited in India. Visa application processing takes at least 2 weeks.
Resources: Indian VisaBy: Kent Ninomiya
Kent Ninomiya is an American with 21 years of experience as a writer, reporter and television news anchor. He has traveled to more than 100 countries and regions on all seven continents, and has lived for extended periods of time in Europe, Africa and Asia.Read Next 5 Articles
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