e-Tourist Visa Extended to China, Hong Kong and Macau
July 31, 2015
India
India has expanded its e-Tourist Visa (eTV) program to applicants from China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Macau Special Administrative Region. Nationals from 77 countries are now eligible for the program.
The previously-reported list of eligible countries includes Bolivia and Seychelles, however the Indian government has not yet added these two countries to the dropdown list in the online application form.
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 passports valid for at least six months 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].
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