The procedure for applying for an India visa as a Swiss or South African citizen is straightforward, but if you want to know exactly what you need to do and what documents you’ll need, you can turn to the Embassy of India in Switzerland and the Embassy of India in South Africa’s websites, respectively. There’s also an online visa application form you can fill out ahead of time that will streamline your process once you arrive at the embassy. Here are some other key things to keep in mind when applying for an India Visa for Swiss Citizens or South African citizens.
How do I get a tourist visa?
Once you’ve decided to visit India, you should submit your passport at least two months before your planned departure to ensure that it has enough time to be processed. Your application will have to include: a completed visa application form; two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself; evidence of funds (this is usually done through an official bank statement showing that you have deposited $2000 – $3000 US in your account); and an invitation letter from someone in India (you can also choose to apply for a visitor visa on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport). You will also need to provide proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if traveling from certain countries. For more details, check out India’s Bureau of Immigration website.
What are the requirements to travel on business?
To visit India on business, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa. India offers two long-term visa options: Business Visitor Visa (BLV) and Business Visit Visa (BVV). BEVs are typically issued in single entry format and allow you to stay in India between 30 days and 5 years. BEVs are typically issued in multiple entry formats, allowing you to enter and exit India multiple times within one year; they can be issued with a validity of up to 10 years. Most applicants receive their visas within 15 days of application submission, however, during periods of high volume at Indian embassies around the world, it can take up to 60 days.
How can I extend my tourist visa?
If you want to stay in India beyond your authorized duration of stay, you can apply for permission to remain by contacting your nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate in South Africa. The application process is similar to applying for a tourist visa and includes providing documentation regarding financial status and proof of ties with your home country. You’ll also need to fill out an ‘Application For Permission To Remain’ form and submit it along with documents. Make sure that you apply well in advance, as processing times vary depending on where you are in India. India Visa for South African Citizens
How do I plan my trip?
Start by searching out travel blogs and forums written by people who have been to India, and browse travel sites like TripAdvisor. Read up on where to go, what kind of hotels you’ll stay in (if you decide to splurge), and how much it will cost. If you’re planning your trip yourself, look into visas ahead of time; some nationalities can apply online while others need to apply in person at their closest Indian consulate (you can find yours on India’s Ministry of External Affairs website). Once that’s all set, book your flights—and consider choosing one-way flights so you don’t have to worry about getting back home!
What if I lose my passport while traveling in India?
If you lose your passport while traveling in India, you’ll need to apply to replace it at an Indian embassy. The embassy will issue your new passport with a visa that matches your old one; unless you have applied for (and received) an extension on your original visa, then you’ll likely be issued with a tourist visa instead of a business one. Some embassies may also allow you to apply from within India; check with them first before heading back into Bangalore if you were planning on spending time thereafter losing your passport. In either case, it’s important to ensure that all of your details are correct and up-to-date with both immigration services in India and back home in Switzerland.
