The charming and delightful India!
India is a beautiful and fascinating country full of history and ethnic diversity. It is famous for its centuries-old temples, the remarkable Taj Mahal, and contemporary skyscrapers. Its geographical features consist of breathtaking hill resorts, majestic Himalayan mountains, frozen glaciers, fertile valleys and beautiful beaches. It has a rich history and a large number of historical sites dating back to the Mughal empire. The British rule also left an everlasting imprint on this great country. India’s fascinating cultural heritage and popular hill resorts make it one of the most popular tourist destinations. Apart from tourism, a large number of people visit India for numerous other reasons such as education, religious pilgrimage, business, and much more. Anyone who wishes to visit India is required to first apply and secure a valid Indian visa and have a valid passport of the country they belong to.
Requirements for Indian Visa
Generally, there are four main requirements for a valid Indian visa. You will need to complete the necessary documentation which includes a completed and signed application form, passport number, visa fee, and a recent photograph and submit the documents on time.
There are different types of visas and the applicant’s nature of the visit and the number of days the applicant will stay in India will determine the type of visa he or she requires. For example, a tourist visa can be valid for 6 months to 10 years, depending on the requirements of different visa applications. Student and business visas are both valid for a minimum of 1 year.
Steps for applying for an Indian visa
The first step when applying for an Indian visa application is to fill out the form. This form can be obtained from the Indian Consulate or the Indian Embassy. This form can also be obtained online but online applications can take more than 1 day to process. Indian visas are issued by the Visa and the Consular Passport Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to tourists from different countries. Two passport size photos are also required. These photos should be colored, the applicant must be facing front and should have the photograph taken without wearing any glasses. The applicant must also complete other standard requirements, if any, and attach all the documents with the application.
You should also have a valid and current passport before applying for an Indian visa. The passport should have at least two or more blank pages where the visa can be stamped. A copy of your birth certificate should also be submitted with the application. This acts as confirmation of your nationality, date of birth and your parent’s name. In addition, a photocopy of your driver’s license, state identification card, or a current utility bill (water, electricity, gas, sewage). Visitors to India can get their visa extended for a further three months. For this purpose, you will need to visit a Foreigner’s Registration Office which can be easily located in all the major cities in India such as Calcutta, New Delhi, Chennai or Mumbai.