India Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA)

Known as the land of diversity, India has been a favorite travel destination among international tourists. Citizens of foreign countries need proper authorization to visit India. Visitors from a few neighboring countries are exempt from this rule. They can travel to India with their identity document and their passports.

Citizens of a few foreign countries are also eligible for a visa on arrival in India, while others can apply for an India e visa. Read on to learn more about visas on arrival in India.

What is a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

An Indian visa on arrival is an immigration authorization issued to foreign nationals at the port of entry in their destination country. This is a standard visa issued by the officials at the immigration wing of an airport or a seaport. Please note that:  

• VOA is not a visa-free entry.  

• The validity period of such visas tends to be short-term. (non-extendable and non-convertible) 

Indian Regular Visa/e-visa versus India Visa-on-Arrival

The main difference between a regular visa/e-visa and an Indian visa on arrival is that travelers must apply for a regular/e visa before the trip. You can get a visa on arrival at the port of entry. Besides, regular/eVisa must be approved before you can plan your trip.  

An Indian visa on arrival saves you from that hassle. For a VOA, you do not need to apply formally (no paperwork or interview).

Is a Visa for Arrival (VOA) Available for India

India grants visas to citizens of a few foreign countries on arrival at certain Indian airports. Travelers from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates can get an India visa on arrival, but they must meet a few conditions.  

Eligibility Restrictions   

• Travelers with parents/grandparents of Pakistani origin are not eligible for the facility.   

Requirements for UAE Citizens   

• UAE citizens must have previously visited India on an eVisa or regular visa to be eligible.   

• Those from the UAE visiting India for the first time should apply for an Indian evisa or regular visa.  

Requirements for Japanese Citizens  

If you're a Japanese national unable to apply for a regular visa or e-visa on the portal, the Visa-on-Arrival is for you. However, if you apply at an Indian Mission and meet the requirements, you should be granted a visa.  

Visa on Arrival in India: Key Points

You need to be aware of the following key points if you belong to an India Visa-on-Arrival eligible nation:  

Exceptions  

Diplomats and official passport holders cannot avail of the VOA.   

Eligible Airports  

The six airports, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai offer visas on arrival.   

VOA Duration & Purpose   

• The VOA is valid for 60 days.   

• It's issued for specific purposes: tourism, attending conferences, as a business visa, etc.  

Additional Requirements   

• You must not possess a residence or job in India.   

• You must provide proof of sufficient funds for your stay.   

Validity & Duration  

• It has a 60-day validity; the duration of the allowed stay in India is determined by immigration staff upon arrival.   

Indian Tourist Visa on Arrival

The Indian government granted a Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) to citizens of Cambodia, Finland, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.  

Currently, all visitors eligible for a TVOA can apply for an India e-visa instead. Please note that United States citizens are not eligible for an India Visa on Arrival but can apply for an Indian e visa.  

What is the Process for Getting an India VOA?

International travelers eligible for an Indian VOA must complete a visa application form. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Indian government. It is also available with eligible airlines; travelers could fill it out during their flights.   

If you are traveling to India, you must download, print, and submit the form with ID documents at India's visa-on-arrival counters. You will also pay the fee to receive a visa with a set expiry date.  

Documents Required for VOA

If eligible, you can apply for an Indian visa on arrival by submitting the following documents at the visa counter:

1. Legally valid passport with six months validity and two blank pages  

2. Passport size photo (two of them)   

3. A copy of the passport   

4. Return tickets   

5. Proof of funds  

India E-Visa: A Better Alternative

The E-Visa system was introduced by the Indian government in 2014. However, it has its roots in the 2010 Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) scheme.  

Today, the India e-visa is available to citizens of over 170 countries and can be used to enter India for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes. It is a valid electronic travel authorization that allows visitors to enter India at designated airports upon arrival.   

What If I’m not eligible for the India VOA?

India offers a visa on arrival at select airports for citizens of a select few countries. The government of India also provides a range of e-visas (online business and medical visas) and regular visas.   

Travelers can apply for India e-visa for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Indian eVisa holders can bypass lengthy visa-on-arrival lines, while others can seek regular visas at Indian embassies or consulates.  

Natvisa Recommends

Natvisa recommends getting an India e Visa because the India Tourist on Arrival (TVOA) scheme is invalid in 2023. It was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic and has not yet been reinstated. However, the countries that could avail of TVOA can now easily obtain an Indian e-visa.  

The India E-Visa is a convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa to India. Visitors can apply for an eVisa online from anywhere worldwide, and visas are typically processed within 2-7 business days. If you plan to visit India, Natvisa recommends applying for an eVisa before your travel dates.   

Conclusion

To summarize, citizens of certain neighboring countries and a few foreign countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival in India. Only travelers from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are eligible for the VOA at certain airports in India.  

The Indian government used to provide a TVOA to citizens of certain countries. However, now they can apply for an India e visa instead. You can apply for an India e visa or VOA (if applicable) depending on your preferences and eligibility.