Documents & Visa in India: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Documents & Visa» in India — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
The Su-Swaganam electronic arrival card for India is mandatory as of April 1st, replacing paper forms. In case of app malfunctions, users are advised to use the official government web portal. If the online process fails before arrival, travelers typically complete the form via mobile device at the airport.
When filling out an arrival card in India without a pre-booked hotel, it is acceptable to provide any random address in the accommodation field. The primary requirement is to have some information entered, not necessarily a verified booking.
Travelers in India can find assistance with various visa applications, including tourist visas (30 days, 1 year, 5 years) and business visas. Services may include form completion, submission, and payment processing. Additionally, some agents can help with payment for already filled-out visa applications.
Travelers entering India from nearby countries (like Sri Lanka) are often asked for proof of onward travel by airlines. If an onward ticket has not been purchased, travelers use temporary flight reservation services to fulfill check-in requirements.
The Indian e-arrival card QR code is usually available for download immediately upon submission. It is rarely sent via email; check the browser's download directory.
As of July 1st, India has reinstated the mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 online health declaration for all international passengers. This form must be completed within 24 hours prior to arrival and does not substitute the e-Arrival Card or visa requirements.
To obtain a student visa for India for a school (not university) program (e.g., 10th-12th grade): The process typically involves submitting documents, attending an interview, and undergoing a biometric appointment. Timelines can be quick, for example, an interview on June 3rd and passport collection on June 5th. A specific additional requirement for private schools might be documentation of the school's state registration.
Technical issues with the Indian e-visa website (non-clickable buttons, form errors) are common. Recommended troubleshooting: switch browsers, clear cache, or persist with multiple attempts until the request is processed.
Duty-free allowance for alcohol in India is 2 liters per adult. For transit passengers, this is usually acceptable unless the volume is excessive. Always check the customs regulations of the final destination country, as stricter laws (or dry regions) may apply.
For transit through India (e.g., Mumbai), some travelers apply for a free tourist e-visa as an alternative to a paid transit visa. The India e-visa application process can be challenging: the website is prone to hanging (save application ID), phone numbers must start with '8', and passport scans may require compression. Applicants need to specify a random hotel address. Approval times range from 10 minutes to 24 hours, potentially longer if submitted on a Sunday. Note: User experiences vary on the necessity of a passport scan; some reported recent approvals without it.
Travelers can get help purchasing flight tickets for their departure from India. These tickets are often necessary for immigration and passport control checks, ensuring compliance with exit requirements.
If an Indian e-visa application is rejected with a recommendation to contact the embassy, applying for a physical sticker visa at the consulate is the recommended next step. Consular applications require more extensive documentation, such as bank statements, compared to the electronic process.
Foreigners renting accommodation in India frequently encounter landlords who prefer not to formalize contracts with foreign passports, often due to a desire to avoid hassle, responsibility, and taxes. They may suggest registering the rental under a local friend's ID. However, official notarized rental agreements for foreigners are possible. A new law from 2025 places the responsibility of registration (via a C-form) on the tourist, not just the landlord. Border control may question tourists about their accommodation upon departure if no C-form registration is found. Landlords failing to register tenants face fines (e.g., 10,000 INR). It is advisable for tenants to request a copy of their C-form from the landlord as proof of registration, even though the information should be in the FRRO database.
For travel to India: the arrival card must be filled out no later than 72 hours before arrival, and the health declaration (Suvidha) must be completed 24 hours prior. The system may allow filling out the arrival card a maximum of 6 days in advance. Accessing the official website from Russia might require a VPN (preferably a European one), while access from India works normally.
When applying for an Indian visa, ensure that passport scans are uploaded from a dedicated scanner device, not a phone camera photo or an export from mobile banking applications (e.g., Kaspi app). The system may reject non-scanner images, even if they appear 'uploaded' in the status, leading to repeated requests for resubmission within 48 hours.
Long-term stays in monasteries on a tourist visa can trigger border control scrutiny, especially if special permits are involved. Border officials may suspect unauthorized work or pilgrimage activities. For activities related to religious sites or extended stays at monasteries, suggest applying for a specific Pilgrim Visa rather than a Tourist Visa to avoid complications at immigration.
Contrary to some rumors, renting a motorcycle in Delhi and riding it to Ladakh is generally not an issue regarding permits. Travelers have reported completing extensive trips (around 4000 km, including Umling La) on bikes rented in Delhi without facing significant issues at checkpoints. The concern that such rentals might be turned back might be spread by local rental agencies in Ladakh to encourage using their services. While there might be occasional curious questions about the origin of the motorcycle (e.g., if brought from Manali), it doesn't seem to constitute a barrier to travel.
When entering India, airport officials may not strictly request proof of accommodation. One traveler reported not being asked for it, despite having listed a different hotel in their visa application or entry forms. However, it's generally advisable to have some form of accommodation details prepared.
Overstaying an Indian visa, even by one day, can lead to complications upon departure. While immediate imprisonment is unlikely, travelers may be directed to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to obtain a special permit. The issuance of this permit can vary significantly in duration, potentially taking a few days to a month. This process could delay your departure and is an avoidable inconvenience. It is crucial to be aware of your visa expiry date and plan departures accordingly.
Travelers transiting through India (e.g., flying via Indigo airlines from Colombo) require a transit visa. Do not confuse this with the Sri Lankan ETA (eta.gov.lk). Indian visa requirements depend on nationality and specific transit duration/airport policy; check official Indian e-Visa portals for transit visa (TRV) eligibility before departure.
When entering India, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel (return ticket). While not always checked, there are instances where travelers have been denied boarding or entry without it. Some travelers report being asked for it at the point of entry, particularly in destinations like Bali. To mitigate this risk, consider booking a refundable or hold ticket, or using a booking service that provides tickets for immigration purposes (typically around $16 USD). This is a precaution, as the strictness of this check can vary.
When applying for an Indian e-visa via indianvisaonline.gov.in, advise applicants to: 1. Apply well in advance (3 months for 30-day visas, 120-day entry window). 2. Consider a 5-year visa for frequent travel. 3. Do not re-apply if the current application is pending, as it may lead to blocking both requests. 4. Note that there is no fixed processing time anymore; it's 'as they decide'. 5. If issues arise (e.g., website errors, no confirmation, status stuck), contact the call center, mentioning the urgent travel date if applicable. A common rejection reason is an unclearly uploaded passport photo.
Advise travelers flying to India about the mandatory online 'Air Suvidha' form. Key facts: 1. It must be filled out online only; no paper forms are distributed on board. 2. Airlines may deny boarding without a completed form/QR code. 3. It can be filled up to 3 days before departure. 4. It is required for all international arrivals, including Indian citizens. 5. The form includes health declarations and an undertaking not to travel if ill. 6. It was recently reintroduced, reportedly due to concerns over Ebola.