India is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. To facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the country, the Indian government had introduced a Visa on Arrival (VoA) program in 2010. The program allowed citizens of selected countries to obtain a visa upon arrival in India, making it easier for them to travel to the country. However, the Indian Visa on Arrival program has undergone several changes over the years, leading to confusion among travelers. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Indian Visa on Arrival program and its current status. Indian Visa from Portugal
What is Indian Visa on Arrival?
The Indian visa on arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to obtain a visa upon arrival in India. This system was introduced in 2010, and it was designed to make it easier for tourists to visit India. The visa on arrival was available for citizens of around 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
How does Indian Visa on Arrival work?
The process of obtaining an Indian visa on arrival is relatively straightforward. Eligible citizens can apply online for an electronic travel authorization (ETA), which is essentially a pre-approval for the visa. The ETA can be obtained by filling out an online application form and paying a fee. Once the ETA is approved, the traveler can then travel to India and obtain the actual visa on arrival at the airport.
Is Indian Visa on Arrival still available?
Unfortunately, the Indian visa on arrival system was discontinued in 2017. The Indian government decided to replace it with an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, which is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The e-Visa system is similar to the visa on arrival system in that it allows travelers to obtain a visa online, but it requires travelers to apply for the visa before they arrive in India.
The e-Visa system has several advantages over the visa on arrival system. For one thing, it is faster and more convenient, as travelers can apply for the visa online from the comfort of their own homes. It also allows travelers to enter India at one of 28 designated airports and 5 designated seaports, whereas the visa on arrival system was only available at certain airports.
What are the types of Indian e-Visas available?
There are currently three types of Indian e-Visas available:
- e-Tourist Visa – This type of visa is available to tourists who are visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends or relatives, and attending a short-term yoga program.
- e-Business Visa – This type of visa is available to business travelers who are visiting India for business purposes, such as attending a conference, meeting, or exhibition.
- e-Medical Visa – This type of visa is available to travelers who are visiting India for medical treatment.
All three types of e-Visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India, and they allow for double entry.
Conclusion
While the Indian visa on arrival system may no longer be available, the e-Visa system is a fast and convenient way for travelers to obtain a visa to visit India. Whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or a medical tourist, the e-Visa system allows you to apply for a visa online and enter India at one of several designated airports and seaports. So if you’re planning a trip to India, be sure to check out the e-Visa system and see if you’re eligible to apply.
