Visitors from the United States who hold US passports can obtain a 10-year visa for India. It is important to note that this visa is a regular paper tourist visa. Therefore, it should not be mistaken for an electronic visa.
Read on to learn more about the 10 year India visa for US citizens below.
A 10-year Indian visa is a long-duration tourist visa for US nationals. Unlike the India e-Visa, it is a regular paper visa processed through the embassy.
Alternatively, Americans can also apply for the Indian tourist e-Visas (30 days, 1 year, and 5 years). They can also get other e-Visas (business, conference, medical, Ayush, etc.) except e-Emergency X Misc visa for Afghan nationals.
The eligibility criteria and key features of the 10-year India Visa for US passport holders are as follows:
Note: Applicants from the United States must re-check the requirements with the nearest Indian embassy, as it may change without any further notice.
A 10-year tourist visa is issued to US citizens who intend to visit India solely for:
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a pivotal global entry point, welcomes a myriad of visitors to India each day, accommodating both tourists and business travelers. The airport is equipped with the India eVisa system for entry.
US nationals can easily apply online for a multiple-entry, 5-year Indian tourist e-Visa without visiting the embassy. However, US citizens need to submit documents for the embassy-processed regular 10-year tourist paper visa.
Both allow stays up to 180 days in a calendar year.
Have questions?
Issue:
A US citizen with a 10-year tourist visa to India comes across conflicting information about the maximum stay duration. Let’s break down the issue and explore the next steps:
Traveler’s Dilemma :
The visa holder can stay a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) PDF and some online sources argue that the continuous stay can be at most 180 days on a 10-year tourist visa. Thus, US visitors can stay more than 180 days in a calendar year, provided no single stay exceeds 180 days.
Point of Confusion:
Remember:
By following these steps, US tourists can navigate this confusing situation and plan their trip to India with confidence. Remember, clear official communication with relevant authorities is key to avoiding any complications during the stay.
Ans. If a US national has a valid Indian visa for ten years on an expired passport, they can still travel to the country with both the old passport (with the visa) and the new valid passport. However, it’s recommended to transfer the Indian visa to the new US passport for convenience.
Ans. No, there is no longer a requirement for a 2-month gap between visits for US travelers. According to some visitors from the US, it was an old rule that has been removed. However, if returning after a short gap, especially after multiple visits, US nationals might face additional checks at immigration.
Authorities may want to ensure they are not working in India and have sufficient funds for their stay. However, the two-month gap rule may still apply to other nationalities. Still, US travelers are advised to check with the nearest embassy as policies can change.
Ans. Yes, if the 10-year tourist visa was issued before the pandemic and has not yet expired, it remains valid. Despite the cancellation of visas before March 2020 due to the pandemic, previously issued paper visas have been restored.
Many US travelers have successfully entered India using their pre-pandemic 10-year visas.
Ans. US Green Card holders are not eligible to apply for a 10-year visa to India. It’s important for applicants to consult the Indian embassy, as visa rules and regulations are subject to change.
With the 10 year India visa for US citizens, tourists can look forward to a decade of hassle-free travel. This long-term visa eliminates the need for frequent visa applications, allowing for multiple entries over a ten-year period.
All that remains is for travelers from the United States to plan their various trips. They can set dates to explore India’s rich culture and diverse landscapes over the years. The 10 year visa marks the beginning of an extended, convenient travel experience for US citizens visiting India.
This content has been reviewedThe content on this page has undergone a thorough review by Gunjan Shukla, ensuring its accuracy, relevance, and quality. It’s important to always check with relevant authorities as entry policies can change.
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