India is diverse in every aspect. Heartwarming traditions that have been transferred through generations, a truly gastronomical variety of food in every state, artistic wonders from the Taj Mahal to Rajasthan Palaces and landscapes of every colour, temperature and season. Are we doing enough justice by calling it a diverse heaven? You will only know after seeing it for yourself.
The process of applying for an Indian visa from UAE might sound as a piece of cake, but every minor detail can make the difference between an approval and rejection of your visa. Arooha’s blog will cover all the neccessary details for a succesful India visa application. Call us the minute you finish reading this blog to initiate the preparations of your visit to India.
Depending on the originating country of the passport you hold you can find out what type of on-arrival visa are you eligible for or do you have to apple for a pre-arrival visa.Even if you are not eligible for any type of Indian on-arrival visa, Arooha will guide you through the process of obtaining a pre-arrival visa to India which can be applied from UAE.
Visa-less and passport-free entry
If your passport originates from any of these countries but you are residing in UAE, you dont require a visa or your passport to enter India.
Countries eligible for an Indian visa-less and passport-free arrival are:
Bhutan
Nepal
what is the allowed stay duration for visa-less travellers?
The traveller can stay for the suration he/she wishes and is even free to work in India
Visa-less entry
If you are carrying a passport originating from this country but residing in the UAE, you dont need a visa to enter India.
The Country eligible for an Indian visa-less entry is:
Maldives
E-Visa entry
Mentioned below are the countries whose passport holders have been approved for an evisa. This does not apply for dual passport holders of Pakistani origins.
The Countries eligible for an Indian evisa entry are:
Pre-arrival Visa
If you are from a country that is not eligible for any of the above mentioned Indian visas, please continue reading the blog as we will explain the necessary information for getting a pre-arrival visa to India from UAE.
Indian pre-arrival visas have been categorized in to three to suit the traveller’s needs. They are:
Tourism
This type of visit visa is ideal for tourists visiting India and also for individuals visiting family or friends living in India.
Business
This category caters to entrepreneurs, investors and businessmen who plan on visiting India for business reasons.
Airport transit
If a traveler is having a transit at any of the Indian airports en route to another destination, then an airport transit visa is a must.
For a successful Indian visa application process from UAE, the Indian embassy requires the applicant to submit the following supporting documents along with the visa application form.
Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
Fully filled visa application form should only be filled in English and should not have any blank fields
with white background, not older than 3 months and of dimensions 51 x 51 mm. Applicant should be facing front and wearing dark colored attire. If applicant is wearing white head gear, background should be light blue.
Valid Emirates ID
For Expatriates Residing in UAE or visitors
from both parents for minors travelling alone.
What is the usual procedure when applying for an Indian visit visa from UAE?
The supporting documents listed above should be collected and submitted to the Arooha visa consultant who is incharge of you. After the documents have been submitted, the procedures mentioned below will be followed
Make the compulsory india visa fee and consultation fee payment.
The visa consultant will do an initial check of all the submitted documents, explain the most suitable visa type for your travel and answer any questions you have.
The india visa application form will be typed and all supporting documents will be rechecked.
You will be given an appointment date on which you have to visit the Consulate General of India in Dubai and submit the visa application along with the supporting documents. If you are unable to go, any family member travelling with you (spouse, parent) can submit them.
The visa issue phase begins.
You will receive a visa-ready notification.
Collect your passport with the stamped Indian visa.
The processing duration can take as low as 7 working days or go upto even 15 working days for short nationalities. Visa procedure for long nationalities take anywhere between 15 to 21 working days.
Spiritual abundance India offers a lot in terms of spiritual attractions. Visit the Sacred Hindu river Ganges where the dead are paid their last respect or the pilgrimage cities of Pushker and Ajmar. That's not all, yoga can be found in every city and ashrams and for some Buddhist spirituality make sure to visit Ladakh.
Can a foreign visa applicant apply for an indian visa with a handwritten passport?
Yes, as per consulate general of india, dubai it is possible. As per the Embassy of india, Abu Dhabi it is not allowed except for Afghan nationals.
Is transit visa needed if the applicant is not exiting the airport during transit?
Transit is mandatory for individuals who are leaving the airport during their transit. Individuals who are not leaving the airport dont need one.
What do I do if the visa gets delayed in the visa issue stage by the embassy?
When you are handing over supporting documents you will be given a receipt by the embassy with their contact number. You can call and check the cause of the delay.
Is the visa fee refundable if the visa gets rejected?
No, the visa fee will not be refunded refundable under any circumstance.
Do minors need to be accompanied by parents while travelling to India?
Yes, minors (individuals below 18 years) have to be accompanied by a parents or guardian. If the child has an NOC letter from both parents stating their consent of the child’s travel without either of them, they can travel. The NOC has to be submitted with the other supporting documents and copies of both parents passports should be attached to the minors visa application.
Can I request the embassy to submit my passport back until it's time for them to stamp the visa?
Yes, it's possible only for cabin crew personnel, pilots or individuals who fly frequently. To be able to do this you need to submit proof in the form of reserved tickets, travel itinerary, etc.
What is the duration of the visa process?
5 to 7 working days for UAE nationals and UAE resident visa holders. Non-residents might encounter the process to be a bit lengthy and the duration is subjected to reference case.
Where do I have to go to register myself in India?
The registration can be done at any Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at the Foreigners cell at district police headquarters.
Can my visa be extended in India if I have to stay longer than required?
If the visa type is Entry, Employment or Student's visa, it can be extended by the FRRO after certain checks. Tourist Visa is non-extendable.
What Documents are Required to Apply for a Tourist Visa?
In which language should the visa application form be filled?
The appicationform should be filled only in English.
After obtaining Indian visa is there is any time duration within which we have to enter in to India?
No, there is no time duration to enter India. But, an Indian visa is valid from the date of issue of visa and not from the date of arrival in India.
