VISA on arrival in India
VISA ON ARRIVAL is not a VISA exception. It is, however, an exception to the general system of obtaining a VISA confirmation before undertaking travel to India. Moreover, you should carry a passport to get a VISA affixed or stamped. Read below about VISA On Arrival in India, countries that are eligible, and the process involved.
Which countries are provided VISA on arrival in India?
VISA ON ARRIVAL facility is provided only to the Japanese and the Republic of Korea (South Korean) Nationals. However, with the latest amendments to the VOA rules, this facility is now also available to United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals, provided such UAE nationals had earlier obtained an e-VISA or a Regular/Sticker VISA for India. Moreover, this is irrespective of whether such UAE nationals had visited India or not for the usage of such a VISA. In the case of UAE nationals visiting India for the first time and not obtained any Regular VISA or e-VISA earlier, they may apply for a Regular/Sticker or an e-VISA.
what is the validity of this VISA? For what purposes is it issued?
A double-entry VISA with 60-day validity may be granted to these persons on arrival. Moreover, the second entry if availed (also exit) should be within the 60 days of the first arrival. However, this facility is only available for Tourism, Business, conference, Medical purposes.
What are the documents required?
For obtaining a VOA, the eligible passengers need to present their passport, a duly filled in VOA application form along with a duly filled in Disembarkation card (landing card) to the VISA officer on duty at the time of the arrival.
How much is the VISA On Arrival fee?
A fee of 2000 INR or its equivalent in foreign currency is charged per person.
Is the VISA on Arrival facility available at all Integrated check posts of India?
No. VISA ON ARRIVAL facility is available only at 6 Designated International Airports – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Moreover, this facility is not available at any of the seaports or Land ICPs. However, passengers can depart from any ICP.
Finally, very important things to know about VISA ON ARRIVAL in India:
1. The Passport should have a minimum 6-month residual validity. For example, if you are arriving on 1st January of a year, your passport’s expiry date should be at least after 30th June of that year.
2. Persons of Pakistan Origin are not granted this facility even if they are citizens of Japan or the Republic of Korea or the United Arab Emirates. However, if they wish to travel to India, they can apply for a Regular/Sticker VISA. (click here to know more about ‘Persons of Pakistan origin’)
3. For purposes other than Tourist, Business, conference, and Medical, citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates should apply for a Regular/Sticker VISA or an e-VISA.
4. Notwithstanding anything said above, the Immigration or VISA officer on duty may issue VOA only if she/he is satisfied with the Identity and purpose of the visit of the Japanese/South Korean/United Arab Emirates National in consideration.
5. Moreover, VOA is not issued to people who are on restrictive lists, blacklists, warning circulars, etc. and treated by Indian authorities by the rules as persona non grata.
VOA application form sample and landing card sample.