Renewal and extension of Indian E-Visa



Tourism in India plays a crucial role in the country's economy and grows continuously. In 2014, the Indian government launched the Indian e-Visa, an electronic travel document available to nationals of 40 countries called ETA. In 2015, the e-Visa system was expanded and issued to visitors from 166 countries.

The Indian e-Visa is granted for various purposes and classified into three categories: business, tourist, and medical e-Visa. Indian e-Visa can be utilized via five seaports and 28 designated airports. Currently, an e-Visa can't be extended. You cannot also travel to the restricted areas with an Indian e-Visa.

Over 10 million foreign tourists came to India in 2017, then 8.89 million in 2016, which shows a growth of 15.6%. The India e-Visa makes it easy for visitors from all over the globe to visit India. There are several reasons why India captivates so many travelers. It has a fascinating and impressive history, nature, temples, and rich culture.

Once your e-Visa has been approved, you can travel to India and explore its bustling cities, taste its fantastic food, and more. However, you cannot extend your Indian e-Visa, and your passport must still be valid for six months.

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How prolong can I stay in India?

How to prolong your stay in India with your e-Visa depends on the type of Indian e-Visa you are applying for. If you get an e-Tourist Visa, you will be allowed a continuous stay of as long as 90 days. But, if you are a citizen of the US, UK, Japan, and Canada, you will be issued up to 180 days of uninterrupted stay. While if you are visiting India for business, the e-business visa is valid for 180 days.

After the approval of e-visa, both business and tourist visas are valid for one year from the date of issue. At the same time, e-medical patient or e-medical Companion Visas are valid only for two months.

None of these e-Visas can be extended. Once you arrive in India, it is valid for the specified duration.

Indian e-Visa Process:

Applying for the Indian e-Visa is a relatively straightforward process. Citizens from 166 nations can fill out an online application form with their personal information, passport data, and contact details. As a candidate, all you want is an email ID, a valid passport, and a credit/debit card to pay the cost of the electronic visa.

When requesting an Indian e-Visa, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 180 days from the arrival date in the country. Your passport should also have a minimum of two clear pages, as border control and immigration authorities will stamp your document upon entry and exit.

Preventive Measures:

Obtaining an e-Visa for India has many advantages. Candidates do not have to visit an embassy or consulate office. The application form is easy to fill out. However, it is highly recommended to review your details before applying. Even small mistakes or errors can result in visa rejection. In particular, double-check that you input your passport details correctly.

About This Author

Philip Diack is Founder and Managing Director of Passports and Visas.com, a national passport and travel visa service with offices in Atlanta, Miami, Washington, DC, NYC, Denver and San Francisco.

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