PRESS RELEASE

Restoration of Electronic Visa [e-Visa]

            With effect from 30 March 2021, the Government of India has now decided to restore the following sub-categories of Electronic Visa [e-Visa]:

(i)         e-Business Visa,

(ii)        e-Medical/Medical Attendant visa; and

(iii)       e-Conference Visa.

2. However, it may be noted that previous valid e-visas for the above categories, as well as for other categories, including eTourist Visa, will continue to remain suspended.  Applicants with e-visa for the above categories, which have been obtained on or after 30 March, 2021 will be allowed entry into India. The applicants are also advised that the Consulate does not process the e-visas and any enquiries in this regard may be made directly on the e-visa portal.

3. The following may kindly be noted in this regard:

i. Passport used by the applicant 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 on arrival.

ii. The applicant must travel on the passport on which e-Visa has been applied. Entry into India will be allowed on a new passport even if the e-Visa has been granted on the old passport. However, in such cases, the traveler must also carry the old passport on which the e-Visa has been granted.

iii. International Travelers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.

iv. International Travelers having a Pakistani Passport or are of Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at the Indian Mission.

v. E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.

vi. E-Visa is not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.

vii. E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders.

viii. Applicants requiring help regarding e-Visa may call the 24X7 helpline number (+91-11-24300666) or send an email to indiatvoa@gov.infor any queries.

ix. The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services being provided through Indian Embassy and Consulates.

4. Advisory:Service of e-Visa involves a completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agent etc. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact indiatvoa@gov.in Applicants are also advised to be careful of fraudulent websites offering e-visa services for India and only use the Government of India portal - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

5. All such travelers will, however, have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India regarding quarantine and other health/COVID-19 protocols.

New York

April 14, 2021