There are so many information available about India visa applications that it can get quite confusing and I have tried to narrow it down to the most important info that you need to know.
There are multiple non-government companies in India that process and accept or deny visas. If you want to travel to India as a visitor, send in your passport, a copy of your passport, a 2x2 photo, and proof of residence. Make sure to the Indian Visa Application Form, and search to see if your country of residence requires you to fill out another form with questions about your citizenship. You can send these items to the Indian Visa department at the Indian Visa Application Center, or to companies like Travisa if you live in the United States or UK. It should be noted that the Indian government generally provides cheaper visa fees, and they are trying to make the visa department solely under the charge of the Indian government, so changes may occur in the near future.
If you are getting a visa for a minor, or you are a minor yourself, you must send a parental consent form in your package, which needs to be signed by the child, both parents, and also notarized. A copy of the parents’ bank statements, a copy of the child’s birth certificate, and a copy of the parents’ passports will be requested with the normal visa forms as well.
It should also be noted that if you immigrated to another country and adopted new citizenship, if you later request an Indian visa, you would be charged an additional $500. If you are of Indian origin and now live in some U.S. cities, like Chicago and Houston, you are required to rescind your Indian citizenship before you can apply to visit India with a visa. In addition, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi citizens must fill out Indian Embassy forms, provide addresses for their stay, history of their time in India, and another set of photos. They must apply for a visa in person, and cannot send documents via mail. This is for national Indian security purposes, as India does not have standing agreement with these governments.
When you mail your documents or apply in person, it may take up to 2 months before you receive your visa, at which time you must arrive to and leave India before the date of expiration. If you intend to stay longer than you have on your visa, you must fill out another India visa application. If you are looking to reside in India, that is a different process, and you will have to contact the immigration office for more information.
Some believe that India has one of the strictest tourist and travel visa policies for international travels. For some countries, like Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Pakistan, travelers are required to give a two-month so-called “cooling off period.” You cannot enter India on a visa, exit, and then return before your two-month period is up. Please check with your local embassy or contact companies like Travisa if you have questions.
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