Americans are one of the many nationalities that require a visa to enter India. While it can be an easy process, it can also be confusing if you don’t know what documentation you need or how to submit your application. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to get an Indian Visa for American Citizens in order to make sure you have everything you need! You may be surprised by just how easy it can be!
When Do I Need a Visa?
The Indian Government does not require U.S. citizens to have a visa when entering India for less than 90 days as a tourist or for business purposes. However, if you’re traveling on official government business you may need a diplomatic visa. In all cases, your airline will check your documents at check-in, so be sure they are in order before departing from your home airport. Depending on where you’re flying from, it can sometimes take several days after applying to receive your document via mail—don’t leave it until then! Allow yourself plenty of time (about two weeks) prior to departure by booking tickets with extra time included. Indian Visa for Japan Citizens
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of an Indian visa is determined by two factors: (1) which region you’re applying from, and (2) how quickly you need your passport back. Here are four scenarios we’ve seen recently: A standard U.S. passport costs $100; if it needs to be mailed within five days, it will cost $185; if it needs to be mailed within two days, that would run $235; and if you have a rush mail service pick up your application at home within one day, it would run $385. The normal turnaround time is eight business days—if you need something faster than that, extra fees will apply.
What do I need to Submit With My Application?
Copies of your documents are usually required. Copies should be in color, black and white will not be accepted. If you submit a copy of a document that has been previously submitted to either the United States Embassy or the Consulate General, you must submit two copies of every such document. If you do not have all documents required by the online DS-160 form when entering information into the DS-160 form, you will not be able to save it without submitting all required documents attached to the application with the DS-160 number.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know Before Applying?
It is generally easier for Americans to obtain tourist visas than work or student visas, but your particular situation will make a difference. If you’re over 30, it may be difficult to convince immigration that you are just visiting India as a tourist rather than planning on working there. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, visit an Indian embassy or consulate before applying. While applications aren’t technically time-sensitive in most cases, it can be more difficult (and more expensive) if you apply after a certain point. Make sure that you’re absolutely eligible before moving forward with your application—it’s not uncommon for people who rush into things not to receive their visa on time or at all.
How long will it take before I get my visa?
If you’re applying for a tourist visa, you can typically get your passport back in a week or two. If you’re applying for anything else, it could take longer; in general, work visas are processed faster than tourist visas. It’s also worth checking when your visa will expire once you get it; if there isn’t enough time to do what you want in India before your visa expires, consider reapplying with a few months of extra validity so that your timing is more convenient. Many citizens are interested in getting an Indian visa specifically because it allows them to extend their stay once they arrive in India.
Other Helpful Tips For Travelling To India As An American Citizen
It is always a good idea to first check out your local Indian consulate’s website, which you can find here: India’s official consular websites. You’ll find everything from visa forms to tips on how long it will take at each embassy. Remember that embassies in foreign countries tend to get extremely busy during big holidays like Diwali, New Year’s Eve, or other big public holidays in those countries. As such, make sure you plan far ahead of time if you’re planning on applying for a visa during these times! For other questions about visiting India as an American citizen, try contacting your closest Indian consulate or refer to a quick guide for Americans traveling abroad by The Bureau of Consular Affairs – Department of State.
