Applying For A Visa: Indian In-Laws' Guide

how to apply visa for indian in laws

Applying for a visa for your Indian in-laws will depend on the country they are travelling from, the purpose of their visit, and their nationality. For example, if your in-laws are travelling from the US, they will need a valid passport and either a visa or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. If they are travelling from the UK, they will need a visa unless they have an OCI card. In both cases, the passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have at least two blank pages.

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What documents do Indian in-laws need to apply for a visa?

Indian in-laws will need to apply for a visa to visit their relatives in other countries. The documents they will need depend on the type of visa they are applying for.

Regular Visa

The Regular Visa application process involves three steps:

  • Fill and submit the visa application form securely.
  • Submit the application with the required documents at the Indian Visa Application Center or the Indian Mission.
  • Receive the passport and visa by collecting them from the Indian Mission/Visa Application Center or by post.

The specific supporting documents required for this type of visa are not mentioned, but it is stated that applicants must submit the physical copy of the completed application form along with their passport.

E-Visa

The e-Visa application process is as follows:

  • Upload a photo and a passport page.
  • Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit/debit card or payment wallet.
  • Receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email and print it to present at the Immigration Check Post, where the e-Visa will be stamped on the passport.

The general requirements for the e-Visa are:

  • The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages for stamping.
  • The applicant must have a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in India.
  • The e-Visa fee must be paid at least four days before the expected date of travel; the fee is non-refundable, country-specific, and ranges from $4 to $250, with an additional 2.5% bank transaction charge.

The specific documents required depend on the purpose of the visit, which falls under one of the following categories:

  • E-Tourist Visa
  • E-Business Visa
  • E-Medical Visa
  • E-Medical Attendant Visa
  • E-Conference Visa
  • E-Ayush/Attendant Visa
  • E-Emergency X-Misc Visa

For example, the e-Business Visa requires a scanned bio-page of the passport, an invitation from the host institute, and a copy of the sanction order. Meanwhile, the e-Medical Visa necessitates a letter from the hospital in India, including the tentative admission date and the patient's details.

It is important to note that the e-Visa is not available to diplomatic or official passport holders, individuals endorsed on a parent's or spouse's passport, or international travel document holders.

Additionally, the e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting protected, restricted, or cantonment areas. It is also crucial to beware of unscrupulous elements, travel agents, or intermediaries who may charge extra fees or promise speedy visa processing.

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How long does it take to process an Indian visa?

The processing time for an Indian visa depends on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Here is an overview of the processing times for different types of Indian visas:

Tourist Visa

The standard processing time for a tourist visa is around 2 to 4 days for applicants from Europe, the US, Australia, and Canada. However, it is recommended to apply at least a month before your travel date to accommodate any unforeseen delays. The maximum stay for foreigners in India on a tourist visa is restricted to 180 days per calendar year.

Business Visa

Business visas may take longer than tourist visas due to additional verification requirements. The average processing time is around 10 to 14 days.

Medical Visa

The processing time for medical visas is often similar to tourist visas.

Student Visa

Student visas generally require 2 to 3 weeks for processing. The average processing time is around 10 days, but for a study visa with a validity period of 1 year, it may take up to 15 business days.

Conference Visa

The average processing time for a conference e-visa is 3 to 5 days. Alternatively, you can obtain a conference visa within 15 business days.

Journalist Visa

Journalist visas are available as single-entry or multiple-entry visas. The processing time depends on the validity period. For a journalist visa with a validity of 180 days, the processing time is 10 to 15 days. For a visa with a validity of 1 year, the processing time is 10 days.

Work Visa

Work visas are available as multiple-entry visas with a validity period of 180 days or 1 year. The processing time for a work visa with a validity of 180 days is up to 10 days, while a work visa with a validity of 1 year can take up to 15 days.

E-Visa

The Indian e-visa is a convenient option as it can be applied for online. The average processing time for an Indian e-visa is around 3 to 5 days, but it may take longer due to secondary checks and high demand.

It's important to note that the Indian Mission requires a minimum of 3 days to process visa applications, and the processing time can vary depending on the applicant's nationality. Additionally, certain cases, such as visa applications for Pakistan nationals and Sri Lanka nationals, may take longer due to examinations by concerned authorities.

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What is the cost of an Indian visa?

The cost of an Indian visa depends on the type of visa and its duration. The visa fee is divided into three types: basic fee, special fee, and processing fee by the outsourcing agency. The basic fee is displayed at the end of the online registration process, but this is only indicative, and the final fee is charged when the application is submitted. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or rejected, or if the visa is issued for a shorter duration than applied for.

UK Nationals

  • Visa duration of up to one year (single/multiple entry): £360
  • Visa duration from one year up to five years (multiple entries): £391
  • Conference visa (up to 6 months): £467
  • Student visa (up to 5 years): £467
  • Journalist visa (up to 6 months): £150
  • Employment/project visa: Up to 6 months (£150), up to 1 year (£300), up to 2 years (£450)
  • Transit visa (up to 3 months): £75

US Nationals

  • 30-day e-Tourist visa (during July to March): $25
  • 30-day e-Tourist visa (April to June): $10
  • One-year e-Tourist visa: $40
  • Five-year e-Tourist visa: $80
  • Medical visa (up to 6 months): $80
  • Medical visa (more than 6 months and up to 1 year): $160
  • Medical visa (more than 1 year and up to 5 years): $200
  • Student and research visa (valid for the duration of the course or 5 years, whichever is less): $100
  • Conference visa (up to 6 months): $27
  • Conference visa (more than 6 months and up to 1 year): $82
  • Conference visa (more than 1 year and up to 5 years): $200

It is important to note that the visa fee for US nationals has been recently revised to promote tourism, and the application procedure remains the same. Additionally, bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged on top of the applicable e-visa fees for US citizens.

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Where can Indian in-laws apply for a visa?

Indian in-laws can apply for a visa to enter India or another country.

Applying for a Visa to Enter India

Indian in-laws can apply for a visa to enter India through the Indian government's official website or the Embassy of India in Washington D.C., USA. The Embassy of India in Washington D.C. offers visa services for individuals residing within its consular jurisdiction. For those residing outside of this jurisdiction, there are Consulates General of India located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco that can provide visa services.

Applying for a Visa to Enter Another Country

Indian in-laws can apply for a visa to enter another country by contacting the respective country's embassy or consulate. For example, if they wish to travel to the United States, they can apply for a visa through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or one of the U.S. Consulates General in India (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Hyderabad). The specific embassy or consulate to apply to may depend on the state or region in India where the Indian in-laws reside.

It is important to note that visa rules and instructions can change frequently, so it is recommended to check the official websites of the relevant embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information.

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What is the validity of an Indian visa?

The validity of an Indian visa depends on the type of visa. Here is a list of the different types of e-visas and their validity:

E-Tourist Visa (30 days)

The validity period and the maximum duration of stay for this visa are both 30 days. This visa allows double entry, meaning you can enter India twice. The first arrival must take place within 30 days of the visa being approved, and the second arrival must be within 30 days of the first arrival.

E-Tourist Visa (1 year/5 years)

This tourist visa permits an infinite number of travels to India and is valid for 1 year or 5 years. Each trip may take up to 90 days, and the maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.

E-Business Visa

This business visa will let you travel to India an unlimited number of times and is valid for 1 year. Each stay can last up to 180 days. There is no limit on the total length of stay for all travel combined. However, if you wish to stay for more than 180 days in total, you must register with a Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) or a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

It is important to note that the passport used by the applicant should have at least six months' validity from the date of arrival in India and must have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

Frequently asked questions

The type of visa you need depends on your requirements. You can apply for a regular (paper) visa or an e-visa. Check your eligibility and any restrictions before applying and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

You will need a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs. Your passport must have at least six months' validity from the date of your arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

You can apply for an e-visa through the official Indian government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. This is a completely online application, and no facilitation is required by any intermediary or agent.

Yes, as of 2024, Indian citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 58 countries and territories, including the UAE, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Iran, Thailand, and Angola.

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