India visas

Who needs a visa to visit India?

All foreign citizens entering India must carry a valid international travel document in the form of a passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Entry into India

COVID-19 immigration restrictions applicable to Irish citizens

Passengers are highly recommended to follow the official national and state government websites of India for the most up-to-date travel information. The national and state-level regulations applicable to overseas arrivals are subject to rapid modification. Guidelines governing international arrivals to India are issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Every traveller should:

• Complete the self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal prior to flying, including travel facts from the previous fourteen days.
• Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result (test must have been performed within 72 hours before to travel) or a certificate of primary COVID-19 vaccine coverage.
• Each passenger must also provide a declaration attesting to the veracity of the information presented; otherwise, they will be subject to criminal prosecution.

Eligibility to apply for an India visa

There is not a strict criteria to apply for a visa for India. As long as you provide the relevant documentation needed you should have no problems. The criteria is listed below for your benefit.

• The applicant must upload a recent front-facing photograph with a white background.
• As well as the photo page of their passport with personal information such as their name, date of birth, nationality, and expiration date.
• Depending on the type of e-Visa, an additional document may also be required to be uploaded.

Processing time for India visas

Upon receipt of the Visa Application through the Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa, excepting unusual instances and depending on the nationality of the applicant. Before travelling to India, it is essential to ensure that you have given yourself ample time.

Appointment waiting times

Visa appointment wait periods can vary from situation to situation. The seasonal volume of work and number of waiting applicants also affect the projected duration of the wait. However, the bulk of wait periods range between 60 and 120 days. It is advisable to sort your visa well in advance before your travel.

What to do if your India Visa is rejected?

You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Schengen visa and the reasons for the denial.