How to get an Indian e-visa

As you may well know, traveling to a foreign country may sometimes require proper documentation. A passport is not enough in some cases, which is why you need to apply for a visa. India is one of the countries that require such documentation upon entry. However, a trip to the consulate is no longer required because you can get an Indian e-visa using the internet.

How does it work?

The process is very simple. You can apply for a Tourist Visa, a Business Visa, or a Medical Visa, according to your needs. Here is the documentation you need to apply for the e-visa:

• A valid passport
• A recent digital photo of yourself
• A scan of the information page of your passport
• A credit-debit card or a Paypal account
• A business card copy and invitation letter if you apply for a Business eVisa
• Letter from the hospital in India if you need a Medical eVisa

The entire process takes place online. You do not have to go anywhere or wait in line somewhere. You can even get cheap passport photos online if you like. That is the beauty of an online process.

After you put together your documentation, just access the online form and start filling in the boxes. The first step is filling in some basic information about yourself, like name, address, passport number, and so on. It should only take a couple of minutes. The second step consists of you answering a set of personal questions and photo uploads of some of the documents mentioned above. Everything is more than simple, but in case you need some help, there is a 24/7 help service available for any question you may have.

How long does it take?

Surprisingly, acquiring an online e-visa is the shortest process available. There are three available options for you. There is the Standard Processing, which will give you the e-visa in three business days. Also, in case of emergency, you can obtain the document much faster. There is the Rush Processing, which means you are going to get your visa in one business day, but there is also a Super Rush Processing option, which will release your document in as little as 18 hours.

How much does it cost?

As far as price goes, most people agree that it is more than affordable. Depending on your country of origin, the cost is somewhere between 0$ and 97$. The Standard Processing service fee is 35$, while the Rush Processing will require an additional 30$. The Super Rush Processing will add another 65$ to your bill. If you are not in an emergency, there is no reason to pay all that money, and you can stick to the standard service fee, thus spending less money.

If you change your mind and no longer want to go to India, you can ask for a refund. However, the refund is available up to a certain point. As long as your application has not reached the Indian government, you are qualified for a 100% refund. Otherwise, you do not qualify.

Conclusion

Getting an Indian e-visa is a very simple process. It takes only a little while, the cost is low, and you avoid standing in line at the consulate, which sometimes can take hours. It is a great alternative for people who do not want to lose time. However, make sure to check your point of entry. There are 24 airports and only three sea ports that accept an e-visa.