Planning a trip to India? You’ll need an Indian visa. Here are 5 things you need to know before you apply:
1) Apply ahead of time.
Some countries offer visas on arrival to US citizens. For example, if you visit Mexico, you simply go through immigration and get a visa stamped in to your passport- no need to apply ahead of time. However, India does not offer visas on arrival. You must apply in advance, or you will be denied entry.
2) Check your passport.
As long as your passport is valid for the length of time you plan to be in India, you’re good, right? Wrong. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in India, and it must have at least 2 blank pages in the back. You won’t get your visa if your passport doesn’t meet these qualifications.
3) Sign on the dotted line…and then sign again.
Indian visa applications require not one, but two signatures : on page one, in the box underneath the photo section, and on the dotted line at the bottom of page two. Children who are two young to sign their names must “sign” with their thumbprint.
4) Mistakes will cost you.
Double-check and triple-check your visa application before you send it in, or it will be rejected and you could end up paying extra fees (not to mention having your vacation ruined.) As this notice from Indian visa processor BLS International states:
“All Visa applicants are herewith instructed to exercise due care while filling up the application form and Order Form online for Indian Visas, select correct duration of Visa, Type of Visa and send the requisite fees only. Any discrepancy in these details may result in the rejection of Visa Application; any excess fees will not be refunded and no claims entertained further.”
What’s more, these “mistakes” can include tiny details that you wouldn’t think would matter. For example, your name and signature must match what’s on your passport exactly, or the application will be rejected. Likewise, if your signature spills out of the box provided for it on the application, you’ll need to start from scratch with a new copy. When it comes time to sign, remember: stay within the lines. The lines are your friends.
5) An expediting company will make your life easier.
Using an expediting company like RushMyTravelVisa makes the process of getting an Indian visa significantly less headache-inducing. Our trained visa experts guide you through the process, help you gather the documents you need and help catch common errors before your application goes out. Then, we make sure your paperwork gets to the correct visa processing office for your state of residency, and deal with the processing agency for you.
Need an Indian visa? Contact us today!
Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by mckaysavage
Tags: India, Indian visa
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