How Long Can I Stay in India on E Visa?
When you are applying for an e-visa to India, you might be wondering how long you can stay in the country. The answer is based on how your application is processed. If you’re lucky, your visa will allow you to stay in the country for a year. However, there are certain restrictions and rules to follow.
Application process
If you are traveling to India for business or vacation, then you will need to apply for an e visa. This e-visa is an electronic travel document that will allow you to enter the country through an Immigration Check post at any airport or seaport. In order to apply, you will need to provide a few documents. You will also need to make a payment through either a credit card or a debit card.
To apply for an e-Visa, you will need to fill out an online application form. The application form contains information about you and your purpose for visiting India. Some of the basic information you will need to provide include your date of birth, marital status, and occupation. Depending on the type of e-Visa you are applying for, you may be required to upload additional documents.
You will also need to submit a recent passport-style photo. A clear, bright photograph is important. Depending on the visa type you are applying for, the photo must meet certain criteria.
If you have a smartphone, you can also use it to take a photo. However, be sure that the photo meets certain dimensions. Having a pixelated image will result in a denial of your application.
After submitting your e-Visa application, you will receive a receipt through your email address. Using this email address, you can track the progress of your application. Once you have completed your application, you will be required to make a payment of the visa fee. Payment can be made with a credit card or through PayPal.
The process is simple and efficient. Generally, you will be able to get your e-Visa in about a week. However, if you need to visit certain restricted areas, you will need to obtain a consular visa before entering India.
Alternatively, you can get your e-Visa on arrival. But, you should be prepared to pay the same fee that you would have if you had applied for a regular visa. Also, you will be required to have a valid passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after your departure from the country.
Lastly, you will need to provide some other personal information. These details will appear in the dropdown list. For example, you may have a spouse and children who live in other countries. Your religion will be important as well. Depending on the type of e-Visa that you are applying for, you may be required answer some security questions.
During the application process, you will be given a temporary application number. This can be used to save your application or to check its status. Using this number, you can track your application and check if it has been approved or denied.
Generally, the application process for an e-Visa in India is quick and easy. Although it is not as fast as a consular visa, it is a relatively quick way to get a permit to enter the country.
Validity of e-visas
A short visit to India can be made through the e-visa system. It is an electronic travel document which is issued to travellers from 160 countries. The validity of an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa, the country of origin and the duration of stay.
E-visas are available for tourists and business travellers. They are issued directly from the High Commission in New Delhi. However, the visas are not convertible. Therefore, the holder must apply for a new visa after the e-visa has expired.
E-visas are not valid for entering protected areas of India or for NGO activities. Also, the applicant must have sufficient funds to support himself during the entire stay in the country. In order to avail the services, the applicant must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This passport should also have a photo page that is clearly visible, preferably with a white background.
Applicants must fill in the online application form. In addition, they must provide their credit card details and a valid email address. They must upload a recent photograph of themselves. After the form is submitted, they will receive an e-visa via email. Depending on the type of e-visa they are applying for, an additional document may be required.
Alternatively, applicants can choose the traditional stamping option. This option requires a passport with valid travel dates, a passport-sized photo, a letter from the company and a business card. These documents are then submitted to the Indian Embassy or Consulate. As such, the processing time for this method of obtaining a visa is much longer.
Moreover, a traditional stamped visa is not a good option for multiple entries into the country. If the holder of a conventional travel document intends to stay in India for more than 180 days in a year, he or she must obtain a new visa. On the other hand, an e-visa is an electronic travel document that can be used for multiple entries into the country.
Currently, there are three types of e-visas. These are the e-Conference visa, the e-Tourist Visa, and the e-Business visa. Unlike the e-Conference visa, which is only for one entry, the e-Tourist Visa and the e-Business Visa are for two or more entries.
The e-Conference visa is for international seminars and workshops held in the country. For example, if you are a foreign visitor to the country, you can attend a short term yoga course organized by a government department.
Alternatively, an e-Tourist Visa can be obtained for a maximum of 365 days. An e-Business Visa is for a period of up to 180 days. Similarly, the e-Medical Attendant Visa is for a period of up to 60 days.
Restrictions on Tablighi work
The Government of India has restricted the Tablighi Jamaat activities in the country. This is an Islamic revivalist movement which has a presence in 150 countries. Its members travel around the country preaching Islam and other Islamic teachings to the local population. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, this activity is not allowed in the country.
As of 2nd June, 2019, the MHA has blacklisted 2,600 Tablighi Foreigners. This includes Tablighi members and workers who have visited the country for preaching. Many of them have been arrested for violating the visa rules. They are also liable under the Foreigners Act, 1946. Those who are charged under the act face maximum punishment of five years.
These restrictions were implemented on the basis of a letter sent by the MHA to the state governments. In the letter, the MHA states that the foreign nationals have violated the Visa Manual, 2019. Additionally, the letter stated that they have stayed in the country for more than two years, in violation of the rules and regulations of the country. Besides, the letter also states that the members of the Tablighi Jamaat have engaged in illegal activities while residing in the country.
There were no proofs or documentary evidence of the charges against the members of the Tablighi Jamaat. Therefore, the sudden blacklisting had no legal basis. Since there was no opportunity to defend the blacklisting, the foreigners were denied a right to life, liberty and security of person.
When the Foreigners Act was brought into force, the Tablighi Jamaat was accused of being involved in illegal activities. Consequently, the Delhi Police filed charge-sheets against the members of the organisation and charged them under the Act. But the Court quashed these charges, saying that the government used the members of the group as scapegoats.
Later, the Ministry of Home Affairs wrote to the state governments. The MHA argued that the grant of visa is a privilege granted by the country and not a fundamental right. However, it inserted the norm that “engaging in Tablighi work” is not permitted.
After receiving the appeal, the top court asked the Centre to issue a statement addressing the matter. While urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to clarify the issue, the Court asked it to place on record whether individual notices were issued to the foreign nationals. Moreover, the Centre has been asked to file an affidavit in support of the court’s judgment.
A number of foreign nationals have challenged the revocation of their visas. Their pleas were based on the premise that they were engaged in religious activities in the country. For instance, they attended religious congregations or discourses and delivered speeches. Similarly, they distributed religious pamphlets or spread conversion.
Several foreign nationals were charged with the criminal activity of engaging in the activities of the Tablighi Jamaat. The members of the organisation are accused of not being registered under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
