US citizens travelling to India are required to obtain an Indian visa from USA. Moreover, NRIs who have surrendered their Indian passport must also obtain an Indian visa to visit India. Now, what type of visa should you apply for – that depends on your purpose of travel, requirements, duration of visit among other factors.
Learn in this comprehensive guide everything you need to know about applying for an Indian visa from the US, including requirements, documents, and application process.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Indian from USA
Whether you need a visa to visit India or not depends on the passport you hold and your category.
- US Citizen: If you are a US citizen with a valid US passport, then you need to apply for an Indian visa to visit India. This includes NRIs who have surrendered their Indian passport.
- OCI Card Holder: An OCI card acts as a lifetime visa along with a government issued identification card. So, you do not need any visa to visit India. If you are eligible, you can apply for an eOCI Card with us.
- NRIs with Indian Passport: If you have a valid Indian passport, then you do not need a visa.
Types of Indian Visas for US Citizens
India, as of now, offers two main pathways for US passport holders visiting India. Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa) and Regular (Paper) Visa.
e-Visa India (Electronic Visa)
Indian e visa can be applied entirely online. It is the most convenient visa option for US citizens. It is further divided into subcategories based on the purpose of visit.
- e-Tourist Visa: For short-term tourism, visiting family or friends, or for recreational visits, this is the best option. It is available as 30-day, 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist visa.
- e-Business Visa: This is granted for commercial visits, business ventures or long-term business trips. It is available as 1-year with multiple entries.
- e-Medical Visa: This visa has a validity of 6 months allows the holder to visit India 3 times in that duration for medical emergencies or treatment.
- e-Conference Visa: This visa is granted for applicants attending international conferences, seminars, or summits. It is a single-entry visa with 30 days validity.
Regular (Paper) Visa
For long-term visits, you must apply for a regular or paper Indian visa. Regular/paper visa must be applied through VFS Global in the US. It is stamped on the passport unlike an eVisa India.
- Tourist Visa: For long term tourism, recreational activities or visiting family or friends. US passport holders are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa. However, you cannot stay more than 180 continuous or cumulative days in a year.
- Business Visa: It is granted for long-term business ventures in India. Similar to a tourist visa, US nationals are eligible for 10-year visa with multiple entries.
- Employment Visa: For individuals who have contracted for employment in India.
- Journalist Visa: This is for media personnel visiting India for coverage, reporting or documenting.
- Entry (X) Visa: Entry visa India is specifically designed for purposes no fitting other categories. It is also granted to persons of Indian origin, spouses and dependent children of Indian citizens or POIs, or dependent of foreign nationals with employment visa.
- Other visas: Depending upon the purpose there are other subcategories. Like Student, research and internship visas, medical visa, conference visa, missionary visa, mountaineering visa and film visa.
Documents Required for Indian Visa from USA
The complete document checklist for Indian visa from the US depends upon a variety of factors. Such as whether you are applying for an Indian e-Visa or regular visa, and subsequently which category of visa you are applying for. Having said that, there are some common core documents you should compile:
- Passport: Your US or non-Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. The passport must also contain at least 2 blank pages.
- Photographs: Digital photograph for Indian e-Visa online application or passport sized photographs for regular visa application.
- US Address Proof: You should provide address proof through utility bills, lease agreements, etc.
- Travel Documents: Various visa categories require information and proof for intended travel plan. This can include flight tickets, proof of accommodation, host invite, etc.
- Supporting Documents: Additional documents may be required based on the visa type.
Former Indian Citizens Applying for Indian Visa
If you have recently become a US citizen or renounced your Indian citizenship, then additional documents may be required of you. The additional documents will depend on your individual circumstances, such as surrender/renunciation documentation and proof of Indian origin.
Indian Visa Application from USA
The specific Indian visa application process depends upon the visa type you are applying for.
How to Apply for e-Visa from USA
- Determine Eligibility: First of all, determine your eligibility for the Indian e-Visa based on your purpose, duration and requirements. Then accordingly, determine which visa type you need.
- Online Application: Visit the Indian e-Visa Portal. Select the visa type. Fill the online application form.
- Upload Documents: Submit clear digital photo and scanned copies of required documents including passport and US address proof.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the non-refundable fee for e-Visa using the available payment method.
- Receive ETA: Once your e-Visa application is processed, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.
How to Apply for Regular/Paper Indian Visa from USA
- Determine Eligibility: Firstly, determine whether your travel plans and purpose require a specific long term regular visa.
- Online Application: Visit the Indian Visa Online Regular Portal. Fill the application form.
- Book an Appointment: Then book an appointment with the VFS Global Center that covers your US state of residence.
- Submit Application: Print the application and sign it. Submit the application along with the passport and supporting documents to the VFS Center.
- Visa Approval: Once approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport. You can collect it via mail or in person.
Common Reasons for Indian Visa Rejection
Indian visa applications can be denied due to certain factors, including failure to meet immigration criteria. Given below is a list of most common reasons for visa denial:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents in the application package can cause delays and even visa denial. Furthermore, even minor inconsistencies, like incorrect passport number, or unclear copies can trigger rejection.
- Inconsistent Information: When the provided information on the application does not meet the supporting documents, it can trigger immediate rejection. Even minor details, such as misspelled name or a forgotten signature can cause problems.
- Unclear Travel Purpose: Another major reason that causes visa rejections is an unclear travel purpose. More importantly, if your travel purpose does not align with the specific visa category you are applying for, then your visa application can get rejected.
- Past Immigration Violations: Having overstayed a previous visa or having a history of structural immigration violations can significantly increase chances of refusal.
- Insufficient Financial Proof: Certain visa categories require you to provide appropriate proof of your financial ability to cover the trip and stay in India.
How Documitra Can Help with Indian Visa Application from USA
Compilation of supporting documents, navigating the government portals and preparing the application package on your own can be overwhelming. More so when there are chances of visa refusal. That is why thousands of applicants trust Documitra. We provide through support, from eligibility check to final submission, making sure everything is in order. So, don’t wait any longer. Apply for Indian visa from the US with Documitra today. Leave the process to us while you make your travel plans.
Q. Do US citizens need a visa to visit India?
Yes, as of now, US citizens are required to obtain a visa to visit India. There are two options available, namely e-Visa and paper visa. An eVisa is for short stays and can be applied online. While paper visa is for long-term stays and must be applied through VFS Global.
Q. How long does it take to get an Indian visa from USA?
The processing time for an Indian visa depends on a lot of factors, mainly the visa type and application procedure. It is recommended that you take into consideration the application procedure and apply early.
Q. Do I need an Indian visa after surrendering my Indian passport?
Yes, you need an Indian visa to visit India if you have surrendered your Indian passport. However, if you are an eOCI card holder, then you don’t need a separate visa, as OCI itself is a lifetime visa for India.
Q. Can I extend my visa while I am in India?
Indian visa extension completely depends on the visa category and your continued eligibility for it. Some visas can be extended if you have a valid reason for extension. You must confirm possibility of extension, eligibility and requirements before applying.
Q. How much does an Indian visa cost for US nationals?
The specific visa fee may vary depending upon the visa type, duration and additional applicable charges.
