Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda International Airport, located in Bangalore, is an important point of entry into India for travelers from all over the world. If you're planning to travel to India and land at this airport, it's crucial to know the formalities involved in obtaining an e-Visa. In this article, we'll cover the essential information you need to know about applying for an e-Visa for India, the benefits of this electronic visa and the procedures to follow.

What is the e-Visa for India?

Thee-Visa (also called electronic visa) is a travel authorization issued by the Indian government for foreign nationals wishing to visit India for tourism, business or medical reasons. It allows travelers to avoid going to the consulate or embassy to obtain a physical visa.

Types of e-Visas available

There are three main types of e-Visas for India:

• E-Tourist Visa: This type of visa is intended for travelers wishing to visit India for tourism, vacations, visits to historical or spiritual sites, etc.
• E-Business Visa: This visa is designed for business travelers who wish to attend meetings, conferences, seminars or conclude commercial contracts in India.
• E-Medical Visa: This visa is intended for people who need to travel to India for medical treatment in the country's recognized hospitals and medical centers.

A Conference e-Visa is also available for speakers and lecturers.

How do I apply for an e-Visa?

Applying for an e-Visa is done entirely online, making the process much easier for travelers. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Access the official Indian government e-Visa website or a dedicated visa agency
2. Fill in the application form with all the required information, such as your contact details, passport, dates of travel, etc.
3. Download the required documents, including a recent passport photo and the information page of your passport.
4. Pay your visa fees by credit or debit card.
5. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with your reference number.
6. Track the status of your application online using your reference number.
7. Once your e-Visa has been approved, you will receive an e-mail containing the electronic visa in PDF format, which you will need to print out and present on arrival in India.

Applications should be submitted at least four days before the planned date of travel, but no more than 120 days in advance. Processing time generally varies between 24 and 72 hours. Please note that some visas can only be applied for within 30 days of arrival in India.

The advantages of e-Visa for traveling to India

Opting for an e-Visa offers several advantages to travellers:

• Simple application process: Everything is done online, without having to go to the consulate or embassy.
• Speed: Most e-Visa applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours.
• Flexibility: e-Visas are available for single, double or multiple entry into India, depending on the traveler's needs.
• Validity: Depending on the type of e-Visa, validity can be up to one year, enabling longer stays in India.

E-Visa vs traditional Visa: which one to choose?

If you are eligible for an e-Visa, we recommend you choose this option because of its simplicity and speed. However, if you need a visa with a longer validity or multiple entry not available with e-Visa, you'll need to opt for a traditional visa. In this case, you'll need to make an appointment with the consulate or embassy and provide the necessary documents.

Arrival at Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport with an e-Visa

On arrival at Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport, you'll need to report to the immigration counter dedicated to e-Visa holders. Don't forget to bring the following documents with you:

• Your valid passport (with at least six months' validity remaining)
• Printing your approved e-Visa
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay in India
• Details of your accommodation in India (address, contact details, etc.)
• A return or onward ticket

After checking your documents, the immigration officer will stamp your passport, authorizing you to enter India.

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