Visa Application Process, Types, and Fees for Indians

Visa also known as Visitors International Stay Admission is a document given to you to allow you entry into a country. Read on to know more details about Indian Visa.

Indian Visa Categories

The following is the list of categories of Indian visas: 

How to Apply for an Indian Visa

There are three basic steps in the visa application process for an Indian visa: 

1. Fill and submit the online application form on the official Indian Visa Online website. 

1. Submit your documents and application to the Indian Visa Application Centre or Indian Mission on the scheduled interview date. 

1. Collect your passport from the same centre physically or have it delivered to you via post. 

Online Application Form for Indian Visa 

Here is the list of details about online application form for Indian visa: 

1. Applicants applying for Indian visa from outside the country needs to obtain application form. 

1. One application is meant for one person only and separate applications have to be filed for each applicant. 

1. Provide the details as asked on the form, such as the names, address and date of birth. 

1. Verify the details before submission of the form 

1. Save the online application form in case the form is not submitted 

1. Further modifications are not allowed once the form is submitted online 

1. For further communications, applicants are requested to keep the Application ID which is generated automatically after online form submission. 

How to Fill the Online Application Form

The following is the details about the process of filling online Indian visa application form: 

1. The process of filling up online visa application form is mentioned below: 

1. Visit the official Indian visa web portal to access the online application form https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

1. Selects the Indian Mission from where you intend to apply for the Visa. 

1. As per the forms standardized by the Ministry, applicants fill in the application online. 

1. An application ID will be generated automatically after filling out the form and submitting it.  

1. For further communications with the concerned Indian Mission, this application ID will be required. 

1. System will ask for the applicant for the following confirmation:  

1. If the applicant wants to seek an appointment and make payment online, select ‘Yes’. 

1. Or, if the applicant just wants to print the submitted application form, then select ‘No’. 

1. Applicant must take printout of the online application and reach out to the concerned Indian Mission for submission of online form along with documents if the response is “no’. 

1. The system automatically takes the link to perform the following, if the response is ‘Yes’: 

1. Selection of date and time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission 

1. As applicable according to the Visa type, Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc., will be determined 

1. e-Payment* using service providers payment system 

1. Visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the application form along with supporting documents and make the payment, if facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission. 

Note: 

1. For all the Indian Missions abroad, the e-payment facility is not available.  

1. Submit the application submission fees to either the outsourcing agency or to the Mission directly along with the supporting documents, if the above-mentioned facility is not available.

Details Needed for Online Visa Application

1. Here are the details required for an online Indian visa application: 

1. Date of birth in DD/MM/YY format 

1. Email id 

1. Expected date of arrival in India 

1. Based on the nature of travel, the type of visa you are applying for 

1. Purpose of travel from amongst the listed options 

Nepalese and Indian citizens, while travelling by air, between the two countries must have any of the following documents to prove their nationality: 

1. Valid national passport 

1. Valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India, State Government or Union Territory Administration, or Election Commission of India 

1. Emergency certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu to Indians and by the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi in respect of Nepalese citizens 

Note that registration is compulsory within 14 days of arrival in India if visa is for more than 180 days.

How to Check My Visa Status Online

Visa status checks can be done online. In order to check your visa status online, you need to visit the visa status enquiry section of a particular consulate and keep certain information handy with you. To know your passport visa status, you may be required to put the following information:

1. Application ID
2. Passport number

You can also track your visa status by visiting a third-party website and entering your passport number and date of birth. It is very easy to track your visa status by using your passport number.

Completing the Online Visa Application

Here are the steps to complete Indian visa application online:

1. Identify purpose of visit 

1. Check the pre-conditions for visa 

1. Must have passport with two blank pages and validity of six months 

1. Fill in the form with required details 

1. Upload the required documents 

1. Pay the prescribed fees 

1. Schedule and appointment if required 

1. Print and sign the application form 

1. Courier to the concerned Indian Mission 

1. Attach the visa fee receipt with the application form 

1. Visit the Indian Mission or Consulate for interview 

1. Provide additional document if required by the Consulate or Indian Mission 

1. Collect the passport in-person or from courier if granted

How to Submit an Indian Visa Application Offline 

Step 1: Begin by downloading the Indian visa application form and obtaining a hard copy of the form. 

Step 2: Thoroughly complete the application form, ensuring that you have all the necessary documents and application fees ready. 

Step 3: Head on to the appropriate visa application centre and send in your application with the necessary paperwork. Next, wait for the authorities to get in touch. 

Necessary Documents for an Indian Visa Application 

Once you're familiar with the visa application process, it's crucial to understand the essential documents needed for your application. It's vital to have these documents readily available for your application, as you will be required to input information from them. 

1. Birth certificate 
2. Passport 
3. Proof of employment 
4. Travel date and itinerary 

In addition to these documents, you will also need to provide photographs when submitting your visa application form.

Photo Requirements for Indian Visa 

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements: 

1. JPEG format 

1. Size of the photograph 

1. Minimum 10 KB 

1. Maximum 300 KB 

1. The height and width of the Photo must be equal. 

1. The photo should present a full face, front view, and eyes open. 

1. Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. 

1. The background should be plain light colored or white background. 

1. No shadows on the face or on the background. 

1. Photo should be without borders. 

1. Make sure that the photo presents a full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.  

1. The head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm).  

1. Make sure your eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3. 

Processing Time for an Indian Visa Application

Depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases, the Indian government process the visa application in three working days and then issues the visa. The visa application is process upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly.

Visa Fee Structure 

Visa fees vary based on the type and duration of the visa. The visa fees include basic, special, and processing fees. During application submission, the final fee is confirmed as the displayed fee is indicative. Regardless of withdrawal, rejection, or deviations in the issued visa, the visa fees are non-refundable. For detailed information, you must consult the local embassy, visa application center, or their websites.

Checklist to Consider for an Indian Visa Application

Before you embark on the visa application process, it's prudent to create a comprehensive application checklist. This checklist should encompass the following key aspects: 

1. Instructions for completing the application 
2. Application and visa fees 
3. Embassy or consulate security requisites 
4. Photograph requirements 

1. Biometric data submission 
2. Guidelines for the visa interview 

As elaborated in this article, the visa application process can indeed be straightforward. However, applicants must ensure they meet all the requirements and eligibility criteria stipulated by the relevant government authorities.

You have the flexibility to complete the application either offline or online, depending on what feels convenient. Typically, visa approval is granted within approximately five weeks. 

Points to Remember Before Applying for an Indian Visa 

The following are the points that must be remembered before applying for an Indian visa: 

1. E-visas are only allowed in the form of e-business visa, e-toursit visa, and e-medical visa. 

1. The photo submitted must fulfill the necessary guidelines.  

1. Submit certain additional documents if required. 

1. The visa fee is based on nationality, type of visa, entry scheme, and other aspects.