Australians, like most nationalities, require a visa before they can embark on their journey to India. The process of applying for any INDIAN VISA FOR AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS can be confusing and time-consuming. Think of all the documents that need to be arranged, application forms that need to be filled, and the trip to the embassy which may put some Australians off from traveling to India.
However, to promote tourism the Indian government has made the application process for an Indian visa from Australia both swift and easy. With the introduction of the eVisa, Australians can apply for an Indian visa online, from the comforts of their homes. This allows them to save time and money since there is no longer a need for a trip to the nearest Indian embassy.
What Visa Do I Need to Visit India from Australia?
There are different types of Indian visa.
For visiting purposes, a tourist visa would be required. The Indian government grants an Indian tourist visa for Australians that lasts up to 90 continuous days. The tourist visa can be applied for through the eVisa system online. You can think of it as a visa on arrival since there is no need to go anywhere to apply. The only difference is; you need to apply for the visa before you make the trip rather than it being granted at the Indian airport when you arrive. In order to give the eVisa application enough time for approval, you should apply for it a minimum of 4 days before you are to travel.
What Documents Do Australians Need to Get an Indian Visa?
As part of the INDIAN VISA PORTS OF EXIT, certain documents are required by the Indian embassy along with your eVisa application. The complete package will include the following:
An online application. The application form needs to be filled out and requires the following details:
- Personal, educational, and professional information
- Where you plan on visiting while in India, where you will land and depart from
- Countries you have visited in the past 10 years
A passport sized photo. The provisions for the photos are: The face should be completely visible, and the photo should be focused
- The head must be centered
- The background must be white
- A colored, scanned copy of the biographical page of your passport
The documents are uploaded and submitted online with the eVisa application.
How Long Does it Take for an Indian Visa to Be Approved?
The turnaround for an eVisa approval is generally 2-3 business days. Which is why there is a 4-day minimum period set before traveling for applications. The visa, once granted, has a validity of 365 days (1 year since its approval). Which means that you will have a time period of 365 days in which you can travel to India. Once in India, you can only stay for the specified time period mentioned on your visa. To give yourself enough time, applying for the visa 2 to 3 weeks before you travel is recommended.
It is important to note that the eVisa cannot be extended or converted to a different type. Australians can apply for an Indian eVisa two times in a calendar year which should be more than enough for tourists. Once the visa is granted, you can enter through 28 specific airports and 5 seaports which include: Dehli, Cochin, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, amongst others.
How Can Australian Citizens Apply for an Indian Visa?
Applying for an Indian visa for Australian citizens is no longer a tedious process. With the eVisa system, you can apply for a tourist visa online. This completely eliminates having to book an appointment and the need to go to an Indian embassy. Fill out the online application, submit the required documents, pay the fee, and you are all set. The embassy will then email the visa to you.
You are required to print the visa and take it with you to the airport. While you stay in India, it is recommended that you have your visa on you at all times.
To make the eVisa application process smooth, you can find platforms online that offer the service. The eVisa India has an easy-to-follow three-step process for Australian applicants. The overall process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes., making it even faster than some visa on arrival procedures in many countries.
