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Getting the Indian Visa

Off to India for That Dream Holiday?
~ Tara Shetty

For US Nationals
Tourist visas are valid for either six-months or one year. If you are a US citizen and travel to India often (which you will after you’ve visited it once), you can apply for a 10-year tourist visa that permits you to stay for a maximum of six months on each visit. However, you cannot extend your stay to more than 6-months on this visa.

For Non-US Nationals
If you are not a US national, but are a permanent resident of the US, you could avail of a 5-year tourist visa with a 6-month extended stay for each visit.

For Those Who Hold a Tourist or Other Short-term Visa for the US
If you are neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of USA but hold a tourist or other short-term visa for the US, you should apply for an Indian visa in the country of your permanent residence. However, in case of an emergency, you can apply for a visa at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or at the Consulate General of India in the US. You will need to pay an additional US $20 for reference to be made to the country of your original residence. The processing time in this case will usually be 5 to 7 working days.

General Information
 If you have applied for the visa between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. you can collect the visa between 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on the same day. Applications sent by mail are normally processed in 10 working days from the date of receipt at the Embassy. The time schedule does not apply if prior approval is required from the Indian authorities or elsewhere. Visas are valid only for the period applied for. So apply in time because visas once issued cannot be changed. Parents can sign for minor children. If your passport has expired, you can transfer the visa to your new passport. All you need to do is submit an application form with 2 photographs and the required fees (US $25).

Requirements

  • The visa application form duly filled in. Special forms have to be filled in by citizens of Pakistan (4 copies with 5 photos) and Bangladesh (2 copies with 3 photos).

  • Original passports valid for a minimum of six months on the date of application with at least two blank pages.

  • Proof of long term-stay (at least three years) or of permanent residence (copy of green card) if you do not hold a US passport.

  • 2 recent identical passport size photographs (black/white or color).

  • Visa fees -- $150