e-Tourist Visa Extended to 31 Additional Countries
April 30, 2015
As planned, India is expanding the e-Tourist Visa (eTV, formerly TVoA) program to applicants from 31 additional countries on May 1, 2015. Nationals from 76 countries will be eligible for the program. Visitors eligible for the eTV include business visitors and those traveling to sightsee, visit friends or relatives or to make short medical visits.
The new countries included in the scheme are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, HolySee (Vatican), Honduras, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Paraguay, St. Kitts & Nevis and Seychelles. These are in addition to the December 2014 expansion. The program is expected to be expanded to a total of 150 countries by the end of March 2016.
The eTV is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival, is non-extendable and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. It is valid for two visits per calendar year.
How to Apply for an e-Tourist Visa
Applicants must pay the applicable fee and apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online at least four days prior to arrival. An ETA is emailed to the applicant and the traveler must carry the ETA while traveling to India. The applicant must travel to India within 30 days of applying.
Travelers can enter through the following designated airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Trivandrum. Upon arrival, travelers must present their ETA at the airport immigration counter, complete biometric formalities and obtain an eTV on their passport.
Restrictions
Travelers must have at least six months validity on their passports and a return or onward journey ticket. eTVs are not available to Diplomatic/Official passport holders and travelers of Pakistani origin or with Pakistani passports.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Eligible foreign nationals will be able to travel to India faster and easier using an eTV at eligible Indian airports. Those wishing to apply for the visa should apply online at least four days prior to arrival.
We worked closely with Fragomen Immigration Services India (Pvt.) Limited ("Fragomen-India") to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
