In response to the recent increase in Indian visa applications and associated backlogs and delays at Indian consulates across the U.S., U.S. citizens are now eligible to obtain visas on arrival for travel to India as tourists. The visa on arrival takes the form of an electronic travel authorization (ETA), or electronic visa (e-visa), that will allow for up to two visits a year and a maximum stay in India of thirty (30) days per visit. To obtain the e-visa, the applicant will need to file an application online via the Indian government’s web portal approximately one (1) week before travel and present the confirmation email to immigration authorities upon arrival. At this time travel on an e-visa is limited to tourism and cannot be used for business or work-related travel.

Indian Tourist Visa on Arrival is now available for citizens of forty-three (43) countries, including the following: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

As always, Foster will continue to monitor changes to visa requirements and procedures at foreign consular posts in the U.S., and around the world, and will provide future updates via our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.