If you’re traveling to India, there are several things you need to know about getting your India visa. The rules and procedures vary depending on whether you are applying from within India or from abroad, so it’s important to understand the difference and make sure you’re prepared with everything you need to make your application process as easy as possible. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to apply for an India visa if you live in the United States.
How and where to get your visa application?
The most common India Visa for US Citizens is known as an E-Tourist Visa. This can be applied via your local Indian embassy/consulate. Depending on where you live, that may be in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami. It will take time to apply, however; it could be a few weeks before you have your papers back from your consulate. You’ll need to bring some documents with you, including A passport valid for at least six months after your trip begins Two passport photos (4×6) Proof of financial support (bank statements, credit card statements) A completed application form Receipts of payment for all fees An itinerary showing your plans while in India How long does it take?: Once you’ve submitted everything and paid all fees, processing times vary by location but are typically around 10 days. However, if there’s anything missing or incomplete with your application they’ll hold onto it until they receive what they need. If there’s anything wrong with your application—like having incorrect dates—they won’t send them out until those issues are fixed. So make sure everything is filled out correctly!
How to apply by mail?
This is where it starts getting a little tricky. If you are not applying for a work visa, then you will be mailing your application to a regional Indian consulate in your home country. The paperwork can be daunting and confusing, so do not fear! To get started on filling out your India Visa Application by mail: Go here first! Make sure that you have all of your documents ready before starting. A checklist of what documents to bring with you can be found here. You will also need to download and fill out Form D (India Visa Application) which can be found here. Make sure that when filling out Form D, you use a blue or black pen only! Blue ink is mandatory or else they will reject your application. Be very careful when completing Section B because it contains information about how long you plan on staying in India as well as other questions about how long you plan on staying outside of India during that time period as well as why. Once complete, check over everything very carefully and make sure there are no errors before submitting!
How long does it take to get my visa approved?
The biggest challenge most people have with getting their India visa approved is timing: it can take time (sometimes a lot of time) to receive your e-visa, especially if you’re a US citizen. In some cases, Americans can receive their visa in as little as five business days after applying; however, there are cases where applicants may wait up to 20 business days. To help speed things along, make sure you apply at least six weeks before your trip—and try not to forget any important documents when submitting your application!
What if I want a multiple entry visa?
If you want a multiple entry visa, say so on your application. You can apply in person or by mail. The mailing address is: Embassy of India Consular Section 2300 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington DC 20008, and all documents should be mailed there with a cover letter addressed to Consular Officer stating that you want a multiple entry visa. When you’re filling out your application and answering question #9 on page 2 of the DS-160 Application Form, please write N/A if you don’t wish to get a multiple entry visa (this will save time during processing). If however, you wish to obtain it do fill out those sections accurately.
Do I need travel insurance?
Even if you have travel insurance, it won’t cover every situation—like a canceled flight, theft of your passport, or emergency medical expenses. It’s also important to make sure that you’re covered for such things as your tour operator going out of business before you’ve completed your journey. Be sure to check what type of insurance and what levels are available. At least some good coverage will protect you from financial disaster in case anything goes wrong while traveling. Travel insurance is always worth considering, so do it and give yourself peace of mind as well as financial protection. The ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GETTING AN INDIA VISA FOR A US CITIZEN OR RESIDENT
Can I apply for my children’s visas at the same time as mine?
For many people, applying for an India visa means applying as a family. However, it’s important to remember that you will have to pay separate fees for each person. If you’re applying for multiple visas at once—whether on behalf of your children or yourself—you should get bank statements and pay stubs (or invoices) showing that you have enough funds available in your account(s) to cover them all. While you’re not required to make all visa applications at once, it’s much easier on yourself if you do. You’ll just have one trip to India before everything is approved and you can be on your way back home!
