Varanasi

The electronic visa (e-Visa) has become a fast and convenient solution for travelers wishing to visit India, and in particular the historic city of Varanasi. In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about the formalities involved in obtaining your e-Visa for Varanasi, India.

What is e-Visa?

THE e-Visa is an electronic visa issued by the Indian authorities. It was introduced to facilitate administrative procedures for international travelers wishing to visit India for various reasons, such as tourism, business or medical treatment. Valid for a short period, it avoids lengthy procedures at Indian consulates and embassies.

e-Visa eligibility requirements

To be eligible for an Indian e-Visa, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be a national of an eligible country The list of eligible countries includes over 160 nationalities. You can consult the full list on the Indian government's official website.
• Valid passport Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
• A recent digital photo The photo must be in color, with a white background, and in JPEG format. File size must not exceed 1 MB.
• Have a scanned copy of the first page of passport The file must be in PDF format and its size must not exceed 300 Kb.

Types of e-Visa

There are three types of e-Visa for India:

• The e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) e-Tourist visa: for travelers wishing to visit India for tourist purposes, such as discovering Varanasi, this visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India. It also allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit, and can be used several times as part of the 1-year e-Tourist.
• The e-Business Visa (e-BV) Designed for business travelers, this visa enables you to carry out professional activities in India. It is also valid for 365 days, with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.
• The e-Medical Visa (e-MV) This visa is valid for 60 days from the date of entry into India. It authorizes up to three entries into the country.

How do I apply for an e-Visa?

To obtain an e-Visa for Varanasi, please follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official Indian government website to access the online e-Visa application form. Be sure to use a secure, verified site to avoid fraud, or the site of a reputable agency.
2. Complete the online form Please fill in all the required information, such as contact details, personal details, reasons for travel, etc. Carefully check the information you have entered before submitting the form.
3. Download the required documents Upload a recent digital photo and a scanned copy of the first page of your passport.
4. Pay application fee e-Visa application fee: pay the e-Visa application fee using a valid international credit or debit card. Fees vary according to visa type and nationality.
5. Wait for visa approval Processing time: once the application has been submitted and the fees paid, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Processing time generally varies between 24 and 72 hours, but we recommend that you submit your request at least 4 days before your planned travel date.
6. Print your e-Visa Once approved, you will receive your e-Visa by e-mail in PDF format. Print it out and present it to the authorities on arrival in India.

Entering India with an e-Visa

To enter India with an e-Visa, you must :

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
• Have a printed copy of your approved e-Visa.
• Proof of hotel or accommodation reservation for the duration of your stay in India.
• Provide information about your travel itinerary, including dates and places to visit.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India.

Tips for travelling to Varanasi with an e-Visa

To make the most of your stay in Varanasi with your e-Visa, here are a few useful tips:

• Check the weather conditions before planning your trip, as Varanasi can be very hot and humid at certain times of the year.
• Respect local customs by dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of affection.
• Exercise caution in tourist areas, where pickpockets and con artists may be present.
• Drink only bottled water to avoid health problems linked to the consumption of contaminated water.