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INDIA: E-Tourist Visa Extended to Additional Countries
August 11, 2015
The Indian government has increased its e-Tourist (eTV) scheme to now include applicants from China, Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) and Macau SAR increasing the number of countries to 77. Visit the Indian Government website for a full list of countries.
By way of background on 27th November 2014 the Indian government launched a new online tourist visa system for nationals of 43 countries with another 31 countries added to the list on 1st May 2015. Seven more airports are expected to be designated as ports of entry for the eTV in additional to the currently designated nine airports (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and Trivandrum). From 15th August 2015 a further 36 more countries/territories will be added to the e-Tourist visa scheme. This now brings the total countries under the scheme up to 113.
The eTV is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India and allows for two visits in a calendar year. The visa is available for leisure purposes, short duration medical treatment, “casual business visits” or to meet friends and relatives. Users must show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
To use the system, the visa applicant must apply online at least four days before the date of arrival to India, pay the e-TV visa fee (around US$60) and include within the application a digital photograph and copy of the passport information page which must be uploaded. If the applicant is successful, they should receive approval within 72 hours. On arrival in India at one of nine designated airports, the traveller will go through biometric registration.
If you have any questions concerning eTV visas or Indian immigration please do not hesitate to contact us.
