emergency tourist visa to uk from india

Accessibility Links

UK to India travel restrictions: entry requirements explained

The e-visa has now been reinstated for uk passport holders travelling to india.

T he beaches of Goa, palaces of Rajasthan and slopes of the Himalayas reopened to foreign travellers in winter 2021. But for British travellers, the reopening hasn’t been smooth. The e-visa system introduced in 2014 was paused during the pandemic, and while it was reinstated when borders reopened, UK passport holders were not eligible to use it. Instead, travellers had to provide and present a paper visa. Fortunately, as of December 5, India’s visa policy has changed to allow UK nationals to use the e-visa service for travelling to India as well. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan (Getty Images)

Can I travel to India now?

Yes. However, any visas issued before October 2021 are no longer valid, so you’ll need to apply for a new one. For UK passport holders, the process of applying for a tourist visa has at least been simplified as it is now possible to apply for an e-visa again (see below).

Additionally, British citizens of Pakistani origin must apply for an Indian visa on a Pakistan passport, or prove that this has been renounced or cancelled. The process may take seven or eight weeks more.

If you’re a OCI or PIO cardholder, you don’t need a visa to enter India.

Advertisement

How do I apply for an Indian e-visa?

Applications for the Indian e-visa must be submitted online using the Indian government’s dedicated website .

For the tourist visa, you’ll need to apply at least four days and up to 120 days before you travel. Visas are valid for 30 days, a year or five years.

The application form will require details such as your level of education, religion, and your parents’ nationality.

You’ll also need to submit a passport-style photo with a maximum file size of 1MB, as well as a scan of your passport.

How much does an e-visa cost?

The cost of the e-visa for tourists depends on the country you’re travelling from and varies depending on the time of year you’re planning to travel to India.

For the 30-day e-visa, the fee is US$10 for entry from April to June and US$25 for entry from July to March. The one-year and five-year e-visas cost US$40 and US$80 respectively.

How long does it take to get an e-visa?

The e-visa takes up to 72 hours to process, although you may receive it more quickly than that. If you haven’t received your e-visa after 72 hours, you’re advised to contact the visa service.

What are the travel restrictions?

India has scrapped the requirement for incoming travellers to show proof of vaccination or PCR test results on arrival. However, you will have to go through thermal screening on arrival and, if symptomatic, you may be isolated and taken to a medical facility. You will also need to follow local advice when on the ground.

Most states in India are loosening restrictions related to Covid, though you should still expect to wear face masks in public places.

Is it safe to travel to India?

For most parts of India, there is no UK Foreign Office advice to avoid travel — the only areas to which all travel is advised against are the majority of contested Jammu and Kashmir, and right by the border with Pakistan, except the crossing at Wagah with its popular daily closing ceremony. It also currently advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur, except the state capital Imphal and the Meiti Valley areas.

The FCDO has given countrywide warnings about the risk of terrorism; for context, the threat level described for India is the same as that for France . India is a large and complex country, so the list of safety advice is a long one. It’s worth reading up on the specific regions you plan to travel to and being aware of any political disturbances.

• Do I have to wear a face mask on a plane?

Where should I go when I’m there?

Trying to take in a cross-section of India in one trip is a real challenge: the country is almost 2,000 miles from the north to its southern tip, from high-altitude glaciers to swaying coconut palms. Most visitors prefer to focus on one of a number of traditional circuits, or combine two on a longer itinerary of two or three weeks. The most popular route is a loop of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal) and cities in Rajasthan such as Jaipur and Udaipur on a more culturally focused tour. If beaches and lusher landscapes are holiday essentials, Kerala is the star of southern India.

Other popular regions and themes to focus on include spotting tigers and other wildlife in central Madhya Pradesh, or riding mountain railways and sipping tea in the foothills of the Himalayas. You don’t have to journey to remote regions to get off the well-furrowed track: though cinematic Mumbai and spiritual Varanasi are tourism mainstays, even a city with the heritage of Kolkata is somewhat overlooked by non-Indians, as are significant states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. If you’re prepared to travel away from major hubs, you’ll get to places that tug at notions of what “India” is: Nagaland with its tribal cultures, Sikkim on the borders of Tibet, and the distant and jungle-clad Andaman Islands.

• The best festivals in India • The best places to visit in India

Take me there

Inspired to visit India but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui * and B A holidays * . These are the best tours of India from our trusted partners* .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

Mon 20 May 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

@ Contact us

Your newsletters

How to get a visa for India: Rules for UK applications explained with new measures to ease ‘stressful’ backlog

The uk has been excluded from the list of countries eligible for e-visas for travel to india. hundreds of holidays were disrupted as travellers struggled to secure an in-person visa appointment.

British tourists must apply for a visa to visit India , and are not eligible for e-visas, a rule that has caused disruption to hundreds of holidays.

However, the Indian High Commission has announced new “interim measures” to speed up applications, including a service that will collect relevant papers from your doorstep and return them once processed – for a fee.

Before the pandemic , the UK was among tens of countries from which most holidaymakers could use an e-visa to travel to India . The system was fairly straightforward and similar to applying for a US Esta.

It was reinstated for 156 countries when India fully reopened to tourism in February , but the UK was left off the list of eligible nationalities. The Indian High Commission confirmed on 7 October, following weeks of confusion, that Britons would need to attend in-person appointments and interviews to secure a visa.

In October, visa applicants reported difficulties securing a slot at the the nine processing centres across the UK, which were booked up well into November. Travellers who were able to book an appointment spoke of long waits at the centres and people being sent away due to small mistakes on their paperwork.

UK tour operators have cancelled many trips, and refunded customers. Some have stopped selling trips to India for the rest of the year.

Ashley Quint, holiday designer at Berkhamsted travel agency TravelTime World, told i that two clients had found the process “difficult” and “stressful”.

Last month, Aito, the specialist travel association, estimated that around 1,500 of its members’ bookings were affected.

Why can’t British tourists use an e-visa?

It is not clear why the UK was been excluded from the list of eligible countries; Canada has also been left off the list.

Theories include an administrative oversight with the end of the Brexit transition period having occurred between India suspending and reinstating its e-visas (all current EU member states are on the eligible list), or as a reciprocal measure given that it is an arduous process for Indian citizens to apply for a UK visa.

For now, there is no suggestion as to if, and when, e-visas might be reinstated for Britons.

How to get a visa for travel to India

You should make an appointment in good time ahead of your trip to India. These can be booked online .

There is a three-step process: After applying online, submit your documents at an Indian Visa Application Centre, then collect the documents from the centre or receive them via post. You can check the status of an application online .

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that you should make sure that you have the right visa and that it is valid for the purpose and duration of your stay.

Under the entry requirements on the India advice page, it adds: “If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you cannot enter India again.”

More from Travel

There is further information available through the High Commission of India in London and the Government of India’s Bureau of Immigration .

The FCDO advises that overstaying your visa is an offence in India and to ensure you leave the country before your visa has expired.

Visa applicants of Pakistani origin who have dual nationality must apply for an Indian visa on their Pakistani passport.

The new measures to speed up applications

Indian High Commissioner, Vikram K Doralswami, said in a video posted on Twitter last week that the number of visa applications being handled for travel to India from the UK had doubled to 40,000 from 20,000 in a month as a result of changes made to the booking system in October.

The High Commissioner has previously said that the visa process had been “difficult”.

New visa processing centres have opened in Glasgow and Marylebone, London (the latter on 1 November) to help reduce waiting times.

A new “visa at your doorstep” service is also being introduced under which travellers can pay a fee to have their papers collected for processing and returned to them after processing.

To assist with this, the service provider will also offer a service at a small cost to have documents checked online before they are taken to be processed.

There will also be a form filling service for those that need extra help in completing the paperwork.

The Indian High Commission has yet to release details on how to apply and pay for these services.

Visas for group tours travelling to the same destination in India and on the same flights, usually with a tour operator, are available again as of 1 November.

What to do if you’re due to travel to India

If you are planning to travel to India in the next couple of months, then be sure to apply for a visa as soon as possible.

Travel agents have reported customers having to rely on appointments on the day before they travel.

Ashley Quint from TravelTime World told i : “ I have been trying to help a couple of people who have been caught up in this mess.

“They were panicking because the only date they could get for their appointment was the day before they were travelling and found the process difficult.”

“I believe they got their visa in the end, and were able to travel, but it was really to the wire and stressful.”

If travelling with a tour operator, or booking through a travel agent, contact them for the latest advice.

Most Read By Subscribers

The United Kingdom is amongst the most frequently visited destinations for travellers in the world. What adds to UK’s allure is its proximity with the Schengen region that opens up seamless tourism opportunities for travellers if they combine their UK travel with a visit to continental Europe, to behold its many brilliant landscapes and landmarks. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services.

This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres.

Choose from any of these time-saving services:

Keep Your Passport When Applying

If you need to apply for multiple visas, such as a UK / Schengen combination, or wish to make a short trip while waiting for your UK visa to be processed,

you will find the ‘Keep My Passport When Applying’ service at the UK Visa Application Centre very helpful. After enrolling your biometrics and submitting your visa application at the UK visa application centre, if you have opted for this service, your passport is handed back to you.

This is extremely useful if you want to carry on with another country’s visa application formalities, as this service allows you to keep your passport with you.

You can keep your passport with you until the UK embassy makes a decision regarding your visa, one way or the other.

Once the decision is made, you will be called once again to complete the procedures as required by the embassy.

The visa application centres of UK and Schengen countries are often conveniently located next to each other at the VFS Global centres. This facility enables applicants to finish the visa formalities of multiple countries along with that of UK in a single day.

Super Priority and Priority Visas

Need a visa at short notice? The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently.

For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3–5 days, while for Super Priority Visa applicants, this speeds up to a single business day. Super Priority Visa Service is available at VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Do note that the eligibility for application for either of these services may vary.

Are you travelling to India in the near future and do not have a visa yet? Submit an urgent application right away. Urgent applications for the Indian visas are granted on average within 24 hours. The processing of standard applications takes an average of 7 days.

Who can submit an urgent application?

The urgent procedure is only available for the Indian e-visa for tourists and business travellers. It consists of a faster check of the application form information and the required documents. This brings down the average delivery time of 7 days needed for standard applications to just 24 hours.

Submit an urgent application right away

An urgent application for the Indian visa can be submitted through the online application form available on this website. If you want your application to be processed with urgency, you can check the option ’Urgent delivery’. You can start a visa application right away by clicking the button below to open the application form.

What does an urgent Indian visa cost?

For urgent Indian visa applications, an additional fee of £17.50 is charged. This fee is added to the regular visa cost of £59.95 per person. The cost can be paid quickly and securely online using a credit card, PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

What is the difference between a normal and an urgent application?

The difference in the delivery times of standard and urgent applications lies in the way e-Visa.co.uk processes applications. All Indian visa applications (urgent or not) are checked manually by a visa specialist for frequently made mistakes. The visa specialist checks the provided digital passport photo and passport copy to make sure that they meet all requirements. The passport details are also checked to ensure that they were copied correctly into the form. The visa specialist will correct any errors or mistakes immediately. In case of doubt, you will be contacted by e-mail as well as by phone or text message to double-check the details in your application.

Standard applications are checked within a few days. Urgent applications are checked as soon as the passport photo and passport copy have been uploaded, even outside of office hours, on weekends, or on holidays.

As soon as the visa specialist has assessed that the application form was filled in correctly and that all the documentation provided is in order, the application is forwarded to the Indian immigration service. From this moment on, no influence can be exercised to expedite the processing time.

Is the delivery time guaranteed?

Urgent visa applications are on average processed within 24 hours from the moment that the application is completed. An application is considered complete once the form has been filled out, payment has been made and the passport photo and copy of the passport have been provided. This is an average delivery time, which means that the processing of the visa may also take longer. Therefore, no guaranteed maximum delivery times are expressly mentioned. In rare cases, even an urgent Indian visa application can be considerably delayed. This can happen, for instance, if the application form contains an overnight address that is known to the immigration authorities to be problematic. An address may be considered problematic if travellers who have not complied with certain (visa-related) rules have stayed there in the past.

What else do I need to keep in mind?

Before you apply for the Indian visa, whether with or without urgency, it is highly recommended that you read all about the visa requirements and the validity duration of the visa . If you still have questions after reading those pages, check out our FAQ page .

More information about the India visa

• Apply for a visa now
• Requirements
• Explanation form
• Physical visa or e-visa
• Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Share this page

How to Apply for Entry Visa to India on Account of Family Emergencies in View of COVID Travel Restrictions

In the phase 7 of Vande Bharat Mission, the Government of India lifted restrictions for the entry/arrival of OCI cardholders and foreign nationals of Indian origin with a valid visa. Though several visa types for travel to India, which were earlier suspended in view of the Coronavirus pandemic, have been restored, tourist visa, e-visa (visa on arrival) and medical visa continue to remain restricted.

Foreign citizens of Indian origin are still scouring the Internet for information about visa restrictions on travel to India from USA and other countries . ‘Can I travel to India on air bubble flights?’ is the most common query having surfaced in online travel groups. If you are an Indian-origin foreign national holding a valid visa to India (other than tourist, medical and e-visa), you need not get the existing visa revalidated by the Embassy or Consulate.

If you hold a regular Entry (X) Visa (in paper, not in electronic format), you can use the existing visa to enter India in the current circumstances. You need not apply for an emergency visa to India.

However, in case of family emergencies including critical medical condition or death in the family, an emergency visa to India will facilitate travel for those having neither an OCI card nor a regular entry visa (paper). If you are among those residing within the jurisdiction of any of the Indian Consulates or the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, you need to apply for an emergency entry visa (paper) on Indianvisaonline.gov.in .

You are required to fill out the application with requisite details, upload a photo, and submit the application . Thereafter, take a printout of the application and duly sign it. The next step requires you to email certain documents along with a copy of the signed visa application to [email protected] and [email protected] if you reside within the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Embassy, DC.

At the same time, you need to print out a copy of the Additional Particulars Form and fill it out . The details you are required to furnish on this form include your nationality, passport number, name of spouse, his/her nationality, current employment status, employer details, criminal history (if there is any), etc.

• A copy of the Renunciation certificate or the cancelled Indian Passport ascertaining that foreign nationality has been obtained.
• A copy of the current passport and the existing visa to India (if any)
• A copy of valid address proof in the country of foreign citizenship
• A copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A copy of the birth certificate of the child (if applicable)
• A copy of eligibility proof for emergency visa: A signed letter from the doctor or hospital ascertaining an emergency medical condition or death in the immediate family in India
• A copy of the filled Additional Particulars Form (mentioned above)

If you have not yet obtained the renunciation certificate, you need to apply to VFS Global Services for it and pay a certain fee. Please attach a copy of the fee receipt along with your entry visa application. Please visit Visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind for the renunciation certificate application procedure.

If the applicant for a regular entry visa to India on account of family emergencies is a minor (under 18 years) and his/her parents are Indian citizens , copies of the parents’ Indian passports should also be sent to the above-mentioned email addresses to the Indian Embassy, Washington DC. In addition, a copy of the Notarized Parental authorization form with signature of the parents of the minor applicant is a mandatory requirement. If you are married to an Indian citizen, you need to email a PDF copy of your spouse’s Indian Passport.

On receiving approval to the application for an entry visa to India for emergencies, you need to visit the Embassy and make sure to carry your original passport, two photographs, and the visa fee. No need to visit the Embassy unless the application is approved. You can write your queries to [email protected] and [email protected] if there is any.

If you reside in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgin Islands, please send your application along with the documents to [email protected] . Tel: 404-910-7919 and 404-924-9876.

If you reside in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, please send your application along with the documents to [email protected] . Tel: 312-687-3642 and 312-468- 3276

If you reside in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska, please send your application along with the documents to [email protected] . Tel: 713-626-2149

If you reside in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, please send your application along with the documents to [email protected] . Tel: 212-774-0607/347-721-9243

If you reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, please send your application along with the documents to [email protected] . Tel: 415 483 6629

Related Stories

355 thoughts on “ how to apply for entry visa to india on account of family emergencies in view of covid travel restrictions ”.

I have booked a Emirates flight to Hyderabad, India traveling on Dec 27 and returning Jan 13. I am an US citizen with OCI card. Can someone please let me know if I am allowed to travel with Emirates

Hi Chaitanya! As of now, OCI cardholders from the USA can travel on Emirates flights to India. The travel eligibility norms may be revised in January or by December end.

Yes, You are allowed to travel on OCI card. RTPCR tests would need to be done at port of entry.

Hello, I am Swati, I have to apply for the new OCI as earlier I had Tanzanian nationality and now I am USA citizen , I got my USA passport in December. I have filled up my form A and B and have got the File reference number to submit it to VFS. I want to travel to India in June but just in case my OCI doesnt arrive by that time can I stil travel to India ? Please guide Thanking you

Hi Swati! Hope you will receive the OCI card before your scheduled travel date. Or else, you need a tourist visa or a regular entry X visa.

I am us citizen oci holder can i travel air bibble on qatar , do i need to take covid test in Doha. I plan on testing in US before departure.

Warning to all US citizens travelling on British Airways. US citizens are not allowed to board India flights from London, even transit. BA confirmed and now I don’t get any refund, since technically the flight is still taking off. It was a business class ticket, and we have to purchase a new one way ticket

Is this still applicable?

Anybody able to get a tourist visa for India lately?

Hi Nikita! Currently, tourist visa to India is suspended.

I am applying for emergency visa (Entry visa) to India with valid reason and document. I do not have a urgency for same day visa as I will be travelling after 7 days. In the visa application form for Visa duration, what is the max I can fill. Do we have option for 1 year or 5 year Entry visa duration? This way I need not take visa again if the situation continues and I have to visit India again in next 1-2 years.

VEENA can you email me. i’m havin gproblems filling it out.

Hello can you please help me apply for emergency visa?

hello, i am green card holder travelling amritsar from sfo on dec, 22 on qatar airways, i planned to covid test 72 hrs before departing ,i just want to confirm is qatar airways are allowed to go to india from doha, or it will be cancelled .

Hi Jeet! Qatar Airways is operating flights between USA and India via Doha. We are booking QA flights for our customers. Because of low occupancy on a particular day, the flight may get cancelled.

can anyone help me find the link to apply for the emergency visa to India during Covid. It’ll be greatly appreciated.

I am u.s. citizen born in usa i have 10 years valid visa for india stamped on us passport so can i travel to india by air bubble flight

Hi Girish! If the visa you currently have is a tourist visa, then you can’t. If the visa is an entry visa, you can travel to India.

I’m a US citizen of Indian Origin. I currently have a Indian Visa stamped in my US passport expiring in mid 2024. The visa is “multiple” entry visa. Am I eligible to travel to India? What is the difference between a “tourist” visa and an “entry” visa?

I was under the impression that I will have to apply for a emergency visa but I may be wrong. Can you please clarify? Thank you so much.

Hi Prasen! Yes you can use the entry visa to travel to India. Currently tourist visa to India is banned. A tourist visa is meant for tourism in a country.

Hi I am Rohit from India, My Gf is from USA (US Born) and she wants to come in India in march for marry with me sooo,, she can apply entry visa for India?

Hi Rohit! Yes, she can apply.

Hello! Is there any way i can get to India i have a fiance there, and we plan on getting married next month. Is there any visa which can get me to her with the sole purpose of marriage?

Hi Damion! The only visa to India you can apply these days is a regular entry visa.

Can you please post a source of where I can find this information? On this website- https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles as of October 2020, only US citizens with OCI holders can travel to India. Now you are saying US citizens with entry visas also can. If there’s any official place this is cited, I would appreciate it being posted. Thank you.

Hi Harika! US citizens who don’t have an OCI card can travel to India on an entry visa. You can trust us. We have all the updates on the US-India travel domain at our fingertips.

Thank for the response. I checked my visa. It is unfortunately a “travel” multiple-entry visa. What is the best way to get a regular entry visa? and does it need to be emergency? mine is for my wedding.

Dear. Have you been given emergency visa or entry visa for marriage in india? I am in the same case. My bf is a britisher wanting to come to india for marriage. Amd tourist visa are ssupended. Can you please help me in this regard?

Hi, I am also facing same issue. My fiance is us citizen. Can he apply entry visa or emergency visa. OCI process is taking forever.He is travelling may end.

I have to travel to India for my mother’s ill health and surgery. I am an US citizen with no OCI card. What are my best options to travel to India?

Hi Dipa! In view of the existing and upcoming travel restrictions due to the new strain of Coronavirus in the UK and other parts of Europe, Air India and United Airlines (direct) are the best and safest options for you. We are booking our customers on flights of these airlines.

Hello, I need to travel to India for my fathers surgery, I am a US citizen and OCI is pending. how to get evisa/urgent visa. called consulate of chicago and they suggested to send email. please let me know if anyone know the process.

thanks in advance.

Hi Sathish! Hope things will be easy for your travel to India. Please check this video on emergency visa to India . Hope it helps.

I have done the steps for the video you shred above. But since I do not have my renunciation papers or my Indian passport 9I lost it), they need me to go to VFS.com website to do a “Deed renunciation”. But I cannot find any such forms on the VFS website. can you help with that?

I am traveling to india in Jan and have scheduled a cover test on Jan 1 at 2 pm as my flight takes off at 2.25 from the first destination in the US on jan 4. There is no guarantee to get the results back in time. If I don’t get the results when I land in Mumbai, what are the options as I have already done the test. And i believe its 72 hours from start of journey which will be that time as its 72 hours from my first leg .

Hi Nisha! In case you’re not able to produce a negative RT-PCR test report in hard or soft copy, you can take an on-spot test after arrival at Mumbai Airport. If you are found negative, you will be allowed to exit the airport and stamped for home quarantine only.

I am a US citizen and I do not have a valid visa to India. The 10 year visa with multiple entries expired in early 2020. Now because of COVID India is not allowing tourist visa but consulate and embassy are not even answering a simple question. What is the fee for a 10 year visa with multiple and for OCI. Does OCI expire and if so how long is it valid for. Thanks for any help you can provide

Hi Beena! A 10-year visa for multiple entry to India will cost you US$ 172.90 or a little more than that. An OCI card is a lifetime valid visa to India. Those above 50 years of age need to renew the OCI card only once when their passport is renewed. Those below 20 years of age need to renew the OCI card whenever their passport is renewed.

I have been married one year last May. I have been unable to travel back to India to be with my husband due to Covid. It has been fourteen months apart now. It is causing us both mental stress that is too much to bear. I have been strong but I fell into deep depression and anxiety, and I just want to go home to my husband during this time. He is in process of Immigration but they are not even making appointments. I ask for emergency visa to please go home and wait with him. I can provide letters from my healthcare practitioner as proof this causing me so much stress. I miss my husband so much I cry every day now. I had one year visa and was planning to apply five year visa but was told to wait til visa become available again. I’m so afraid that it could be years and I cannot take much more of this.

I am in a very similar situation. I am an American citizen, & my fiancé of 2 years Is an Indian resident. The distance is causing us both a lot of heartache and stress. I don’t know how to get to him, but I am so desperate. Were you ever able to get any help with your situation? I just don’t know what to do..

Hello, live in the U.K. born in India but now British National. I got married in India and have elderly mother and disabled brother there. As mother joy in best of health I need to go back for couple of months to look after my disabled brother mother and wife. Only have 5 ur tourist multiple visa how can I go now, as the stress of them being alone is too much and need to be there to look after them I came back March 2020 been too long pls advise

Hi Arjun! Currently, tourist visa and e-visa to India are suspended. You need to apply for either regular entry visa or emergency entry visa to India.

Hi I believe VFS is the service provider on issuing Visas for India travel but tried hard to locate this website and I still see the links being routed to CKGS? Help? Also trying to apply for an Entry Visa for a US born Passport Holder(based on OCI Spouse), does any one know this type of visa is allowed to travel to India at this time? Thx

Hi Prabhakar! Entry (X) visa holders are permitted to enter India.

Hi, I am a US citizen, I got married around two years back, After that I hardly visited to my wife last year. Due to covid her immigration file at US consulate in Mumbai for visa processing . Since it is long time I haven’t seen her and my Tourist visa no more valid to travel in this situation. Can I apply for entry visa? If yes, what type of supporting documents are required as this is not emergency like medical situation or so. Can someone assist me on this?

Hi Deep! Yes, you need to apply for an entry visa to travel to India in the current circumstances. Please contact VFS Global services or visit the website of your nearest Indian consulate in the USA.

Hi deep I’m in a same situation Were you able to get your visa?

Hello! My US passport says “Tourist” multiple entry visa to India, does that mean i need to get emergency entry visa?

Thanks Sujatha

Hi Sujatha! If you need to travel for some emergency in India, you need an emergency entry visa. Otherwise, you need to apply for an entry visa to India.

Hi, I m Rohit (Indian) and my Gf is from USA she wants to come in India in march for marry with me. She can apply the Emergency entry visa? If yes then she will get the visa soon?

Hi Rohit! Congratulations! Is your GF a US citizen? If yes, she needs to apply for either a regular entry visa or emergency entry visa. If her travel date is near, applying for an emergency visa is recommended.

Hello. Does one’s own marriage count as an emergency for applying for emergency visa? I read somewhere that it does not.

Hi Harika! Yes, it does.

Hello, what is a Regular Entry Visa vs Emergency Entry Visa, when I go online to apply, I dont see these Visa Types listed it only says Entry Visa? If there is no emergency, can I apply for Entry Visa for a US Born child of Indian Parents (Parents with Valid Indian Passports) and how long does it take to get the Visa?

Hi Ram! If there is no emergency, you can apply for an entry X visa for your US-born kid.

Hi, I would like to know, how can I apply for emergency visa to India or entry visa to India. And how long does it take to process and also if we have to visit the Indian embassy in the US to get it or can it be granted electronically? Thank you!

Hi Jasmine! Please be advised to visit the website of your nearest Indian consulate or Indian Embassy, DC for more information.

Hi, I would like to know i am traveling to India after two month I have oci card but my two kids have regular visa type T and T-1 is it valid to entry to India or they have to get emergency visa?

Hi Arpan! Currently, all tourist visas to India are suspended. You need to apply for a regular entry visa or emergency entry visa for them (if there is an emergency).

I have applied for emergency VISA as mentioned above for my 8 months old kid (US citizen) parent are indian citizens . I have not got any response yet from them. I have to leave in10 days. How long does it take to get response from them (DC embassy)?

Has any one got this emergency visa ? I tried contacting through phone but no response.

Hi Kesava! You can write to the embassy or contact VFS Global services.

Hi, I need an emergency visa to travel to India, but not getting any response. This is super urgent can I get some help on availing the emergency visa?

Hi Harpreet! Please be advised to contact some agent dealing in visa requirements.

Hi, I need an emergency visa for a family emergency. I have a U.S. citizen passport but I am of Indian origin. I wasn’t able to apply for my visa again with COVID. Can I apply for an emergency visa to India? Do I need an Indian passport or something of the sort?

Hi Anya! If you have neither an OCI card nor a regular entry visa/any visa other than a tourist visa, you can apply for an emergency visa to India. You don’t need an Indian passport.

Hi, I have a valid tourist visa to India, but need to travel due to death of grandfather. how can I validate my existing tourist visa for this emergency? Or do I need a new entry visa?

Hi Karan! Currently, tourist visa to India is suspended for an indefinite period. You need to apply for an emergency entry visa. Please be advised to contact the nearest consulate or Indian Embassy in DC. Hope things will fall in your favor.

Hi, I have a valid toursist visa with multiple entry on the passport, but need to travel to for some dad health issue. Do i still need to apply for the emergency entry visa?

Hi Ravi! In view of the continued suspension of tourist visa to India, you need to apply for an emergency entry visa.

HI, so for applying for Medical emergency visa for India, the letter from Doctor should Address the situation to Children or to the Indian Embassy? SO the doctor should write the letter the children and that we can attach to Application.? OR Doctor should write the letter to Embassy stating the situation and advising to grant VISA to applicant? Little bit confused on the process.. please help.

Hi, recently I renew my u s passport, first time I took my oci card at the age of 53 years do I need to renew my o I card? On my oci card they put my previous passport number, preseent I have a new passport with different number Can I travel both passports and oci? Because I don’t have much time to renew my oci, on my emergency travel to India. Please clarify, thanks

Hello Sir! Yes, you can. No problem.

Hi, I am applying for entry visa for death of grandfather, already have tourist visa. 1- Do I need original death certificate to apply? OR 2- Do I need to notarize death certificate or just copy is fine? 3- Do I need to submit documents to prove relationship along with application. Thank you for your reply to my question previously.

Hi Karan! We are not an expert dealing in visa information. Please contact your nearest Indian consulate. We would have been happy to help you with information to these queries.

Hi, I am a person with Indian origin but a US passport holder. Currently I have a tourist visa that expires in 2025. I have to get to India asap as by brother who has stage 4 cancer is critical. I live in Nebraska and the nearest embassy is in Texas. How do i get an emergency visa and how long will it take?

Hi Raj! Tourist visa to India continues to remain suspended. Please visit the website of Indian Consulate, Houston or contact them for the information related to an emergency visa to India. Our best wishes are with you.

HI, I have multiple entry 10 years tourist visa to india, however its looks like its no more valid. we try to apply for emergency visa a thttps://indianvisaonline.gov.in. we notice that they don’t have option for emergency visa. The visa category listed over there we don’t qualify for any of those.

we want to travel to India to attend sick parent. please help and throw some light.

Hi Ravish! You can qualify for an emergency entry visa to India only if you can establish your purpose of emergency travel. Please contact your nearest Indian consulate of Indian Embassy.

We are planning to visit India end of February or early March and tried to apply Indian entry Visa for my Son (US citizen/newborn). We contacted Newyork CGI 2 weeks back through PRAMIT and haven’t received any response on how to apply for entry Visa. Can you please let me know the process on how to apply Indian entry visa for my son.

Hi Bharath! FYI, CGI has been replaced by VFS Global Services. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/ckgs-to-stop-oci-passport-visa-services/

Hi Indianeagle,

Thanks for this article. I am trying to get entry visa for my 1 year old daughter to travel to India sue to family emergency. She had a valid evisa which has now been suspended. We send a mail to [email protected] . any idea what next? Nobody got back so far. Do you know how long they might take. I wanted to travel within 4 to 5 days. I couldn’t find any contact number to call them and check. London hci calls nobody answers now.

Please let me know

Thanks, Jay

Hi Jay! We are not more knowledgeable about this. But for sure, it takes at least 7 days to get an emergency entry visa. You won’t be able to get it in just 4 days.

Hi Jay, did you travel to India? even I am in a similar situation. Did u travel from the US?

I recently acquired US citizenship, read on VFS website, there is a 3 months grace period, where I can travel to India using my Indian passport. I need to travel just for a week to India in Feb. Can I still use my Indian passport to travel and come back and then apply for renunciation and OCI services.

Hi Soniya! We are not a subject matter expert dealing in visa and passport information. Please be advised to contact the Indian Embassy, DC.

Does existing entry visa which issued before COVID pandemic is still valid to enter into India

Hi Akshay! If the entry visa has validity, you can use it to enter India.

I have a few questions: I am a u.s. citizen and my fiance is in india( he is indian). Can I apply for emergency visa to go there to get married? Also after getting married, would I be allowed to work or not? If not, does he or I have to have a certain amount of money in our bank accounts?

Hi Lila! You can apply for an emergency entry visa to India.

My mom is an OCI card holder but got a new passport after she turned 50. She needs to get a new OCI card for the new passport, however we need to go to India for a urgent matter in the upcoming weeks. What is our options. Can we just file for a emergency visa instead of having to reissue the OCI card because it will take too long?

HI Purva! No problem. She must carry both her old and new passports along with the OCI card. Please go through this https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/relief-for-oci-card-holders/

Have oci, travelling from US. Is it okay to connect through turkey. Rav

Hi RD! Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines are operating flights between the US and India. We are not sure about flights through Turkey.

I can purchase the ticket, and see the flights, just making sure no restrictions from incoming turkey flights.

I am a US Citizen with no OCI and no visa and need to travel to India. What is difference between entry visa and emergency visa? Are they same with different name? How can I apply for entry visa. Thanks in advance.

Hi Shahenaz! Emergency visa is also an entry visa but for emergency travel to India. Emergency entry visa is issued faster than regular entry visa.

Are Indian consulates issuing entry visas for non medical emergency reasons… such as to attend my brother’s marriage in India?

Hello Sir! Yes, Indian consulates are issuing regular entry visas for non-emergency travel to India.

Hello, i spoke to Indian consulate helpline and was told marriage is not consider ed as emergency. Can you please show valid website says otherwise? My wedding date is on April. Please help.

how long it takes for non-emergency entry visa compared to emergency visa? Thanks

Hi, my minor daughter is US citizen and has Indian tourist visa with multiple entries in her passport. If that visa is no more valid- What kind of visa I have to apply for her so that she can accompany me during our travel to India?

Hi swati! You need to apply for a regular entry visa to India for her. It can be applied in both emergency and non-emergency categories depending on your purpose of travel to India.

The process is little confusing on where to apply for entry visa, I did send query on PRAMIT as well as sent email to consulate but there is no response yet. If I try to do application online it takes to CKGS which is no longer supported by consulate of India and there is no section of visa on vfs. Where should we do application for entry visa? I need to travel in 2 weeks please. Thank you

Hi Shahenaz! Hope this video can help you https://youtu.be/-RFfN80joKw

My mother is 85 years old and I need to go to care fir her as she is have knee replacement surgery. Will a knee surgery of my mother considered for emergency visa.

Hi Shameem! Yes, it will.

Can I get a regular entry visa to attend my cousins or nieces wedding in India? It’s not an emergency.

hi Aman! Yes, you can apply for a regular entry visa.

hi Amandeep,

did u get entry visa , if yes how much time did it take?

thanks in advance!

Hi, is the GOI issuing regular Entry Visas to people who want to attend a family function in India? In my case it’s my cousins wedding. Thank you!

Hi Aman! You can apply for it.

Hi I am british citizen of Indian origin. I haven’t got visa or OCI card to travel to Indai at the moment. My aunty is having critical illness. I would like to visit her. Is there any way o can travel.

Hi Yogita! The only way is to contact India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Hi In order to apply for emergency entry visa, do we need to apply for renunciation certificate first? For emergency entry visa, do we need letter from hospital or doctor?

Hi Sri! If there is a medical emergency which requires you to travel to India immediately, a letter from the doctor or hospital is neccessary.

hi i need emergency visa ..how can pay fee and how much , how many checks

I applied applied visa at new york consulate 3 days ago. i sent all the documents to the consulate but still not received visa approval. How long it takes to get the visa?

I am in the same boat. I have applied entry/Emergency visa on 11th which had reached NY consulate on 15th, since then i havent heard anything from them, its been over 9 days now. Tracking shows its under process. I am alwys tracking UPS as well. No luck at all

We have regular visa and also applied for OCI which is in the process, we are wanting to go to india since 1st of Feb due to family emergency, but couldnt reach out to none. So we applied for entry visa. still waiting for visa and passport

did you get your entry visa ?? what all documents have you submitted to get an entry visa please help

What is the procedure to apply if we fall under new york jurisdiction for emergency visa?

Highly appreciate if you can answer the following.

Last month i took US citizenship and applied for US passport which is going to take 8-10 weeks to arrive.

1. In mean time, in case of emergency, can i use my Indian passport and US naturalization certificate copy to travel to India? 2. In case of emergency, once my US passport arrives, can i travel to India with US passport and old Indian passport( valid or cancelled) without Indian Visa? 3. Will Indian passport be taken away if we renunciate Indian citizenship ? 4. How long will it take to get multiple entry visa to India in current circumstances.

Hi Krishna! On your renunciation of Indian citizenship, your Indian passport will become redundant. If the Indian passport gets cancelled on receiving the US passport, you need an entry visa to India.

Hi can I travel to India with emergency visa with my one year old daughter who’s dependent on my breast feed who’s very small she is usa born citizen.. is my daughter could travel with me if I get emergency medical visa to india.

Hi Guru! Your daughter can travel with you if you have got a valid visa to India for her.

Hello I had applied for OCI which would certainly take more than 5/7 weeks although i have an T visa which is suspended . During this time we had / have an emergency due to mother’s cancer operation and procedure. I had applied Emergency Visa which has reached NY consulate on 12th Feb, Typically it takes about 7 days times due to covid. All the necessary documentation provided even the doctors letter from hospital. Its been 11 days still no updates. There is no means to reach out anyone. Tried all possible ways, but no luck. Just wanted to know typically how many days it takes for emergency visa

Thanks for your reply and answering my questions.

Final question – For emergency purposes, can i travel with my new US passport and redundant/Cancelled Indian Passport without an entry Visa. Will i be able to board the plane in US or turned back once I land in india?

Regards, Krishna

Hi Krishna! No. You need an entry visa or business visa/medical visa/student visa depending on your purpose of visit.

hi I need to go to india as my father is unwell I am a british passport holder however I do have a emergency visa which says entries multiple on it so can i travel from UK to india. please let me know

Hi Kum! Yes, you can travel to India from the UK. You need to take an RT-PCR test before departure from the UK and a COVID test upon arrival at the entry airport in India.

I recently got my US citizenship and got my renunciation certificate as well. I need to go to India in April to make preparations for my daughter’s wedding. Currently OCI is taking a lot of time, So, I am trying to apply for entry visa, but in the list of emergency visa documents, they are asking for a doctor certificate. I am not traveling to visit any one ill, i am just going to go and arrange for the wedding. Can i still apply without any doctor certificate ? Do i need to submit any other documents other than the listed ones in their website.

Thanks Selvi

Hi Anguselvi! As you will travel to India in April, you should apply for a regular entry visa, not an emergency entry visa.

Hello Thanks for your response, I am in the similar situation and planning to visit India in May. Looking for instructions on applying for regular entry visa as OCI takes a long time. Can you please point me to the instructions or the site? Do you have info on the processing time for regular entry visa from Houston jurisdiction?

Appreciate your help !!

I have my OCI card can I travel to India, and my son has a tourist visa can you please tell me he can travel with me I already apply OCI for him. Please let me know he can go with me.

Hi Harshi! You can travel to India, but not your son because tourist visa to India is currently suspended. You need to apply for an OCI card or a regular entry visa for your son’s travel to India.

Is the travel ban for US citizens without OCI card or re entry visa lifted? The last time I heard was until end of February.

Hi Radhika! Indian-origin US citizens without an OCI card are not barred from traveling to India if they have a valid visa to enter India.

Thank you – I had the same question. I am visiting India next week for family death with a existing Indian tourist visa and don’t have a OCI card.

I am in the same lane. Were you able to travel with your existing tourist visa? I am traveling next week.

Hi Sheetal! India currently does not permit entry for travelers with tourist visa.

My kid got US Passport recently. We are planning to make a trip to india for my sister wedding in Mid of April. Since getting OCI is taking longer time, I am planning to apply for regular visa. Can you please tell what is the procedure for that.

Thanks Mithun

Hi Mithun! Please be advised to visit the website of Indian Embassy, DC.

I am a US citizen and have a 10-year tourist visa (which I got just last year). If I apply for a regular entry (X) visa to enter India during Covid, will my tourist visa be canceled? Or will its 10-year validity be preserved if/when the current restrictions on tourist visas are lifted? Thanks.

Hi Ravi! Applying for an entry visa to India won’t impact the existing tourist visa.

I am a US citizen and have an OCI. My son is a US citizen – 13yrs old and has a 10 yr multiple entry visa stamped on his passport. Can we travel together to India or do I need to apply for an emergency visa? Thank you.

Hi Nandini! You and your son can travel together. While having a valid multiple entry visa, your son does not require an emergency visa.

Is “Entry Visa” for a medical emergency the same as an “Emergency Visa”? I believe the answer is Yes.

The Entry Visa form asks for an Expected Date of Travel. I would imagine the Visa is granted from that point on. How long is the visa valid for? Since that might depend on the purpose of the visit, in my case my dad is currently in the ICU. Thank you.

Hi Dharmesh! Yes, they are the same.

What is the current process to apply for emergency visa? When i tried applying from https://indianvisaonline.gov.in , booking for appointments are not allowed. Can you please share the new process?

Hello, both me and my wife are India born and USA citizen. My son was born in USA. I have a family emergency and need to go visit my ill brother. Can 3 of us (me, my wife, and my son) apply for emergency visa to travel to India to visit my brother? Would all of us be allowed to travel?

Hi Raj! If any of you does not have a PIO/OCI card, all of you can apply an emergency entry visa.

Hi. Can you please share the process of applying entry visa? I filled the application form on indianvisaonline.gov.in but once the application is submitted then what is the next process? There is no guidance regarding that.

Hi Anoli! Please visit the website of VFS Global Services or the website of your nearest Indian consulate.

I am US citizen and have 5 years tourists e-visa. I Know all tourist and e-visa is not valid. Can I apply for entry visa/emergency visa? I did bot have renunciation certificate or have cancel stamp on passport. Do I have to get renunciation certification to apply for visa.. Thank you.

Hi Maulik! You need either a copy of the Renunciation certificate or a copy of the cancelled Indian Passport ascertaining your US citizenship.

Hi I am green card holder i am going to India my daughter is 8 year old she is citizens from usa she don’t stay USA without me which visa I can apply

Hi Varinder! You need to get either an OCI card or a regular entry (not a tourist visa) for her.

We are an Indian citizen wants to travel to India with our US Citizen daughter (7 years). We left a query for an emergency/ENTRY visa on PRAMIT and also e-mailed it to the New York consulate on March 3, 2021. We are yet to hear any response from the New York consulate for the next steps. Can anyone share their experience with the New York consulate, how long they take to respond to the initial query and issue the visa?

I want to know .. that my daughter she is 2 years old .. we applied for emergency visa we want to go to india … and she received the X-1 visa she is USA citizen… almost 1 nd half month past away for receiving the visa .. someone told me that it’s important to go to india with in one month on emergency visa .. if you go late that you are not able to travel .. please tell whats the truth

Hi Navpreet! We’re not aware of this scenario. What we know is that you can use the X-1 visa to travel to India as long as the visa is valid.

Hi, do you have a sample medical letter for emergency visa

Hi, I had applyed emergency visa for my son (10 months old he dont have OCI card ) on 4th March 2021, to visit INDIA as EMERGENCY purpose. How long it takes to get status. THANKYOU IN ADVANCE.

I am US citizen, Indian origin. Do have valid T-visa with multiple entry. Can I travel to India while tourist visa ban?

Hi Faldu! No. You cannot travel with a tourist visa until the ban is lifted.

This is a fantastic thread of information. I read in many answers above that we can apply for a regular entry visa OR an emergency entry visa. But the consulate websites (eg: San Francisco) specifically ask for a doctors certificate or letter from hospital as part of the visa application.

Could you pls point out how we can apply for a regular entry visa (not emergency)?

Hi JimS! Please be advised to contact or visit the website of your nearest consulate.

Hi, We need to travel to India and me and my wife both are US citizens with OCI, however we do not have OCI for my son, what Visa we can get for my son who needs to travel along with us.

Hi Govind! Your son needs to have a regular (X) entry visa to enter India.

1) Is the (regular) entry visa different from an emergency (entry) visa?

2) My wife and I are both Indian citizens but our daughter was born here and is a US citizen. We want to travel to India in May. Which visa should I be applying for for my daughter, since tourist visas are closed, and my daughter does not have an OCI yet?

Hi Raj! Regular (X) entry visa is different from an emergency visa. Your daughter needs either an OCI card or a regular (X) entry visa unless India lifts ban on tourist visa.

Hi,. Could anyone please provide sample medical letter for emergency visa by Doctor/Hospital

Hello Is the process to apply for Regular (X) entry visa different than the emergency visa? How early we can apply for Regular (X) entry visa and does it require a medical letter from Doctor/Hospital?

Dear all., Can anyone kindly help me? I am a US Citizen but Hold an X-1 Visa to enter India, and expiry is in 2023. Can I enter India, under these present Covid-related travel restrictions? This is regarding an imminent travel in April or first week of May? Thanks very much!

Hi Saugata! Yes, you can enter India with a valid regular (X) entry visa.

My husband (Indian National) and I (US Citizen) are trying to go to India to visit his family along with possibly having a wedding. We got married in 12/2019 and were planning to have our wedding in India in 2020 but obviously that plan was cancelled. As far as what I understand, it seems I should be applying for an Entry Visa, but I just wanted to confirm if that is the proper visa and if so, if Entry Visas are being allowed entry at this time.

Thanks :), Angie

Hi Angie! You can apply for an entry (X) visa which is valid for travel to India during the pandemic.

Thank you for the information. I fall into the similar category. Could you please tell which website I can apply for the Entry visa. I tried on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html but it keeps on giving me error message.

Hi Mrunalini! VFS Global is the new service provider for the government of India, with regards to visas to India. https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/ckgs-to-stop-oci-passport-visa-services/ . You can contact VFS Global or your nearest Indian consulate.

Angie, I am in similar situation where my husband is Indian citizen and I am US citizen and we want to go back to finish some work, because of pandemic evisa site is not letting you apply. Which website do you use for your visa application.

yes I applied for this you have to through your nearest consulate by emailing them. However, they are still asking for emergency proof. Let me know if you get one?

I had to fill up online application, then send to local consulate with the proof of emergency. They did approve the visa. Thank you.

I have applied the same. Please let me know how long they took to approve visa. thanks, Ruqsaar

hey my fiance is in uk and I want her to come India to get married to me is it possible please let me know under which visa

Hi Adeeba! If your fiance is a citizen of UK and not of Indian origin, it may be difficult for her to travel to India.

I am an indian citizen and my husband is a US citizen and not of indian origin. We need to travel to india for my father’s surgery. Can my husband apply for an emergency entry visa? Do we need document proof for surgery?

Hi Monisha! Yes, your husband can apply for an emergency visa. A document proof regarding the medical emergency is required.

Hello. I am currently wanting to travel to India to meet my husband over there. He had to leave recently on a urgent basis. he had no problem as he is of Indian origin. however me and my daughter are British. What type of visa can I apply for other than going down the emergency route?

Hi Katrina! You can enter India with a regular entry (X) visa.

I applied for this but they are still asking for emergency proof. I am about to give up, has anyone else on this thread managed to get one of these entry (X) visas?

Hi, me and my family have booked tickets to India for summer this year to attend a marriage. However, my son (3 yrs) is a US citizen and does NOT have a OCI nor any other visa to travel to India. What kind of visa should we we file for him at this time and what is the processing time? I could have filed for an OCI but the processing time is in contradiction with our travel plans.

Hi Raghav! You need to apply for a regular X entry visa for your son.

Thanks ‘indianeagle’. Could I request you to share the process or documentation link (and the fee) for this visa? When I check consulate website (new york for me), I only see an option for Emergency Entry Visa and for that visa, they are asking for medical letter/certificate. I am confused on how to apply for the regular entry visa. Could you please help? Thanks.

Raghav – i wrote to the embassy in San Francisco and they mentioned that since I didn’t have a medical emergency, I need to write a letter explaining the reason for travel. However, it is up to the discretion of the visa officer to grant the visa

Were you able to get your non emergency visa? I’m trying to do the same San Francisco consulate

Hello just wondering if anyone on thia thread has managed to get that regular (x) visa? And how long it took? I have just sent all my documents off to the consulate and waiting on verification.

I have written a query on PRAMIT (new york consulate website) but the response has simply been ‘Apply for a Entry Visa’ for your son. I asked them again if it is same as Emergency Entry Visa and if I need to submit a medical proof? What the process et al but the response came back as ”Apply for a Entry Visa’ for your son.

I am confused If i should send the documents (with no medical proof) and will the visa be issued for my son. Reading your experience I am doubting it further. Did you finally provide the medical proof and did you email or mail the documents? Also, did u submit the fee (USD 103) mentioned for the Emergency visa?

yes I am so confused to I also sent everything with no medical proof. Asking to apply for this entry visa and they just reply back that I need medical proof. Because I am in UK and you are in US it might be different but after sending all documents they will provide me with a face to face appointment. But so far I am not getting anywhere as they keep asking for medical proof which unfortunately I have not got yet. Check if you have to book an appointment because that’s what they keep asking me to do for entry visa but there are no dates available. Really hope you get it sorted soon, I know how frustrating it is. I will also keep you updated.

Hi – I’m in a similar situation like many others, US citizen with Tourist visa (which is not allowed now). I live in VA and the embassy does not provide any information regarding applying for entry visa except for emergency purpose. Is there an option to apply for regular entry visa at this time. Please help.

Hi Ashok! You can write your query to [email protected]

Hello – I recently applied for entry visa at san francisco consulate due to parent health emergency back in india. any experience of how long it takes to get the visa, it has been 1 week since the packet was delivered.

Hi Sams! It usually takes up to 10 days to get an emergency entry visa and more to get a regular entry visa.

Hi, I am a US citizen. My OCI was issued before I turned 50 stamped on an old passport. In February 2020, I had to travel on an e-visa. I now need an emergency visa for India for a medical emergency of a parent. How to get an emergency visa. The consulate says no in person appointments. This is urgent. Thanks. I need to travel within this week.

Hi Rashmi! You can send an E-mail to the consulate with all the details as to why you need an emergency visa. For example, if you are from New York, you can Email [email protected] about the emergency. You will then receive a reply from them with a list of required documents. You will need to reply with the requested documents and upon successful reviewing of the documents, they might ask you to send the documents and passport via post. It may take up to 10 days. Please go through this article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-emergency-visa-procedure/ to check which consulate you have to send Email to.

Hello, I US Citizen with No OCI card. However I have X-1 visa stamped on my passport and its valid till 2024. I do have to travel to India to take care of some property business. Do I need to take an Emergency Visa or should my X-1 visa be valid for me to travel?

Hi Kris! You can travel to India on X-1 visa.

Thank you for confirming that.

Sir/Madam – my wife and I are US citizens of Indian origin. We do not have OCI but we do have valid T-1 Visas. We would like to visit India to attend a family function. We understand that we can’t travel with tourist visas at this time

We were wondering what we need to do to travel to India at this time? Should we apply for an “Entry Visa” and is the “entry visa” valid in this case (family function)

Hi Seshadri! Yes, you can apply for regular entry (X) visa to enter India.

thanks much for the response. MUCH appreciated

One more quesiton. Do we need to provide “Supporting documents for reason of travel” if we apply for an Entry Visa (not an emergency Visa)

All – do you have advice on how to write the “purpose of travel” letter for an entry visa (not an emergency visa). This is for a wedding and I want to make sure it doesn’t come across as frivolous.

You are offering very relevant information. Thank you. We have American passport with 10-year, ‘T-1’, ‘Multiple’ entry visa. Would we need any extra visa to go to India in May? If we book our tickets through Indian Eagle, would we get refund or flight credit in case we are unable to travel in May?

Hi Annapurna! Since the ‘T’ visa (tourist visa) has been suspended, you need an entry X visa. If you buy refundable tickets, you will definitely get refund on cancellation (minus our service fee) if you cancel the tickets outside the 24-hr window from the time of booking. There is always an option like flight credit or flight voucher. Than you for giving us an opportunity to address your query.

Hello, I am a US citizen of Indian origin and have a valid multiple entry tourist visa. I need to travel to India in the next couple weeks. What’s the best way/best visa for me to do this? Do I need to apply for a Entry visa or only an emergency visa approval? Been scouring everywhere for good information so I would highly appreciate it if you could please provide me the best option. Is there an expedited way to get an entry visa? I can provide a Doctor’s certificate for my Grand Mother’s critical condition as well, if needed

Hi Sandhya! We have clearly written that tourist visas to India are currently banned. On grounds of your grandmother’s critical health condition, you can apply for an emergency entry visa.

HI. I am a U.S. citizen with entry visa to travel to India. I am planning my travel for May. Are there restrictions of which airlines I can fly on and restrictions on airport layovers? Thank you.

Hi Harika! There is no restriction if you have a valid entry X visa (not with the ‘T’ mark). You can travel on Air India, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates.

I am an OCI holder, but I need to renew my OCI card because I got a new US passport. I have not heard any updates about my renewal application and I need to go to India soon. Can I apply for e-visa?

Hi Namratha! Currently, e-visa to India is suspended. Please check https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/relief-for-oci-card-holders/ for more information.

You can travel with your OCI along Old Passport and New Passport they have extended it until Dec 2021. No need for new visa.

I am a US citizen and have a multiple entries T visa for India. After reading this thread, I saw that I am not able to travel to India. Can I still apply for an OCI while I have an active visa.

Hi Shashank! Yes, you can apply for an OCI card.

Hello there, can my husband who is a US citizen but was born and raised in Nepal ( had Nepalese passport previously) get an emergency visa to travel to India to see my very mother( his mother in law)? He has an e tourist visa which is suspended. Have applied for his OCI but that is taking a long time.

Hi Deepa! Please be advised to check with the Embassy/Consulate.

I applied for an emergency visa and opened a query at PRAMIT. It has been three days and it is still in pending status. Should I send my documents by mail by the time I am waiting for the reply or should I wait for a reply? Will I still have a chance to go in person to drop off and pick up in one day? Do they allow that any more? I did this 6 months back when I had another emergency. Please advise.

Hi Barthi! Currently, in-person visit is not entertained because of the pandemic.

Hi I applied for emergency visa at Indian consulate, NY. All papers reached consulate on March 29, 2021, early morning. Went thru all digital filing but my case keeps showing “under process”. Inquiry on PRAMIT also in pending status. Need to visit my mother who is extremely Ill and admitted to ICU. Mailed all papers, hospital letter, us passport. Etc. No one picks up the phone or responds to voice messages. Is that normal? Consulate website states walk-ins only allowed in case of death in the family. I guess after death all emergencies cease to exist. Don’t know what can be done. Under process is very generic message, I need to know if process is moving at all or not. Usps shows my documents delivered to consulate. Does anybody have a phone number that is monitored by NY CONSULATE?

Hello, I am a US citizen and need to travel to India as my whole family has covid, I’ll need to travel asap. My daughter (only 1.5 years old) and husband are both US citizens and do not have valid visa or OCI. how can I apply for visa for them to accompany me on the trip asap?

Hi Meha! Please go through the article. The process for applying is mentioned.

I applied for regular entry visa today for my two kids, Do anyone in this group who are Indian citizen got entry visa for their US born kids. If so can you please share the time it took after applying.

Hello. My bf is a britisher. We have been waiting for 2 years for marriage now. Can you please tell me cam he apply for an emergency visa for self marriage or entry visa? I have been waiting for so long. But this article gives me hope. Please do let me know if he can come on emergency visa to marry me.

Hi Sanober! Only in case of family emergencies including critical medical condition or death in the family, an emergency visa to India will facilitate travel for those having neither an OCI card nor a regular entry visa. Other than that, one can enter India if they have a regular (X) entry visa.

Will he being britisher get approved for a regular X entry visa if i we submit appropriate documents and affidavit stating our situation for marriage?

Hi Sanober! No, he won’t get an X entry visa.

I have applied for an entry visa at the Washington DC embassy (I don’t have an emergency) and they keep on asking me for a letter from doctor. We can safely assume that they are not giving regular entry visas at this time. IndianEagle please correct me if I’m wrong.

Hello. I have applied online for an Entry Visa for travel in May. I have all the relevant documents to send to the Consulate in SF, along with the printed online application. Can you tell me if some kind of medical certificates are needed even though this is not an Emergency Visa application? Or is any declaration of purpose for the visit needed? I have been getting different answers online and from official sources. Thank you.

Hi Suma! You need not submit any medical certificates. You might have already mentioned your purpose of visit in the application. If there is any declaration form available, you can fill it.

Hi I’m in a same situation. Non emergency Were you able to get you’re visa

I have been told that I need to fill out and print “Additional Particulars Form” for submission along with other documents for Entry Visa. Can you tell me if that is needed for Entry Visa?

Hi Anna! Yes, you need to print out a copy of the Additional Particulars Form and fill it out for entry visa.

As tourist visa is suspended for now, can US citizens apply for entry visa in order to travel to India? And if so how long it will take to get entry visa! Thanks!

Hi Sunny! Entry into India is currently permitted through emergency entry visa or regular (X) entry visa. It usually takes up to 10 days to get an emergency entry visa and more to get a regular entry visa.

Hello, I am an OCI card holder. My 5 year old daughter is an American citizen with a valid multiple entry Indian visa. I need to go to India for a family emergency. Can she fly with her valid visa or is her visa suspended for travel? I understand that new visas are not being processed but I am not clear if existing valid visas can be used.

Hi Heidi! If the multiple-entry visa that your daughter holds has the ‘T’ mark on it, it means the visa is a tourist visa to India. Currently the tourist visas are suspended.

I’m not India origin I’m foreign I’m us citizen how can I get Indian emergency visa I can get emergency visa or not

Hi Jacquelin! Please be advised to check with the Consulate or the Embassy. You can mail your queries to [email protected]

My friend she was us citizen how can she get Indian emergency visa

Hi Sumit! Please be advised to check with the Consulate or the Embassy. You can mail your queries to [email protected]

I am trying to apply for emergency Visa to visit my mom (she is on her last few days). I have already filled the online application at Indianvisaonline.gov.in. For the next step: Your article and the SF Consulate process seem different. Your article says send an email first and wait for approval, and THEN send/go to the consulate for visa: “On receiving approval to the application for an entry visa to India for emergencies, you need to visit the Embassy and make sure to carry your original passport, two photographs, and the visa fee. No need to visit the Embassy unless the application is approved” .. However the consulate document just asks to send all the paper work and passport over to them and wait for 7 days. https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/entry-visa-services/ what should one do ? send email and wait for approval, or just post all the docs as the consulate website says ?

secondly, No where is there a mention of anything around emergency process. Is 7 days the emergency process ?

Hi Puneet! Thank you very much for bringing the difference to our notice. We will verify and modify our article accordingly. You can all the required documents along with an application/letter to them. As far as we know, emergency entry visa is granted within 7 days of the application.

I am student with a US passport. I am in urgent need of applying for emergency to India due to sickness and religious reasons. I have been sick for almost 5 years and am in need of visiting India for religious reasons. Can I apply for Emergency Visa? Please help.

Hi Tenzin! Yes, you can apply but you will have to submit medical certificates or documents regarding your sickness.

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone suggest me – what all the documents required to submit for the entry visa application?

Hi Everyone

Can anyone provide me the format for the Self explanatory letter stating the reason for travel to India?

For an emergency visit – are you able to explain what information is required in the doctor’s support note for the urgent visa?

I haven’t been able to find a template for this anywhere online.

My Bulgarian girlfriend who is currently in London needs to travel to Mumbai to get married to me. I have filed a Notice with the Marriage Office in Mumbai and the marriage date is around mid June.

What type of visa does she apply for? I am told that she can apply for a Special Travel Permit and travel to India.

How does she apply for this Special Travel Permit? Does she have to apply in person?

I need to travel to India due to my Father’s ill health and Surgery. I am a US Citizen and have a multiple Tourist Visa to India. I have not have an OCI card. Can I travel with my existing T-Visa and a medical letter from the hospital? Do I need a new Visa again? IF Visa is needed, – Emergency Entry Visa? What is the procedure? Each website has different information. Thanks in advance.

Hi Subhashini! Currently, entry into India on tourist visa is suspended. You can apply for an emergency entry visa and for the procedure please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-emergency-visa-procedure/ . Hope your father recovers soon.

Hello Can I travel to india on OCI card?

Hi Kiran! Yes, you can travel to India on OCI card.

Hi has anyone had a luck getting a Entry X visa regular. I’m a US citizen my husband is in india. You think I should be able to get my Entry X visa without any medical emergencies. San Francisco consulate

Hi Urvashi! You might be able to get Entry X visa without any medical emergency. Please be advised to check with the consulate.

Hello, So I filled and submitted the application entering the expected date of journey as MAy 31st but due to lockdown in India, I did not mail the documents for further visa processing. I want to mail them now but will the dates entered matter? DO you think I should fill new application.?

Hi Zara! You need to make a new application.

I have to travel to India as my dad is diagnosed with cancer and need to travel for his surgery. I have a US visa but doesn’t have an OCI. Can you or anyone pls guide me how can I get emergency visa?

Hi Swati! You can find information about applying for emergency visa from this article https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-emergency-visa-procedure/

I have applied for my OCI card, I’m a foreign spouse of an OCI back in March of 2021, it is still under process. My minor son received his back already. My husband has OCI, my son has OCI, we are waiting for mine. I have tickets booked for JULY 1, 2021. Can I travel with him under his OCI card if I have not received mine yet? I know they were allowing that before, is that still the case? Currently, I have a tourist VISA. Not sure if there is enough time for emergency Visa.

Hi Emily! We are not sure about this. Please be advised to contact your nearest Indian consulate regarding this or even the airline.

Me, my husband and both kids (under18) have US passports. We need to travel to India on emergency. Me and my husband both have OCI but both kids do not but they do have tourist visa for India. Do we need to fill out any formalities for my kids to visit India since they do not have OCI?

Hi Swati! Entry on tourist visa into India is currently prohibited. Since, it is an emergency, you can apply for emergency entry visa for your kids.

Hi! I have a Multiple entry tourist visa to India which expires in 2026. I have been trying to get information on how to travel to India since all visas were put on hold due to COVID-19. But the consulate website or the visa processing site does not inform clearly what the process for holders of such visas is! I have been pulling my hair out trying to get some clarification! Can you please give me some direction?

Hi Reetu! Currently, entry into India on a tourist visa is prohibited. You can enter through regular ‘X’ entry visa or emergency entry visa (in case of an emergency). There are few other categories of visa allowed too. Please contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more accurate information.

How long can you stay in India on an Entry (X-1) visa? I know one can stay as long as 180 days on Tourist visas which have been suspended. What about Entry (X-1) visas?

Thank you very much

Hi Ram! One of the sources says that one can stay for as long as 180 days and needs to apply if they want extension. Source: https://www.bankbazaar.com/visa/how-to-get-x-visa-extension-in-india.html

My daughter is US born kid and we came to India because of my Visa problems and she doesn’t have OCI card yet. We brought her to India with Emergency visa for her. After 180 days can we extend her visa from India or can we apply for OCI now. We are going to travel to US soon once we get the VISA stamped.

Hi Saranya! Yes, you can apply for OCI and if it takes time, then you can go for extension of emergency visa.

Hi .. I want to know my in laws, my brother-in-law son and my husband all are usa citizens. Wants to go India to carry ashes of my brother in law and do the rituals in India. They all have regular Indian visas. Do I need to apply for emergency visa

Hi Gagandeep! If they have a regular ‘x’ entry visa, then they can travel on the same without any issues.

Anyone has had luck with getting an emergency US passport for urgent travel needs recently? The phone lines for it is always busy and you can’t make online appointments for it anymore.

Hi Praveen! Online appointments are not available for regular entry or emergency entry visa to India. The procedure is explained in the article.

I got x1 emergency visa in July 2021 double entry visa to go see my husband but ended up not going to india due to work and health reason. My visa expires 12/31/2021 But I would like to go travel in October 2021 Can I still travel to India to see my husband or I would need to apply for a new visa

Hi can I apply emergency visa for my 3 month old girl born in USA to attended my wife brothers marriage . Me and my wife are indian citizen

Hi Suresh! Yes, you can. But we are not sure whether the emergency visa will be granted for attending a marriage in India.

Hello,  I have a few questions. I am planning to travel to India in the first week of Jan 2022 with my 2 kids. My husband and I are a US citizen and OCI card holder so we should be ok to travel with OCI, but the issue is with my kids.  My daughter is a US born citizen and she has a 10 years of India tourist visa,  but according to the current pandemic situation India has banned tourist visas. My son is also a US born citizen. His passport is under process. yet to come. We are hoping to get it by the end of Sep 2021. If we process to get OCI for him, we may not be able to get the OCI by the end of December. The purpose of visiting India is my brother’s wedding.  So what kind of visa is required to travel with current restrictions for my son and daughter.  Thank you so much in advance.  Regards, Pragna

Hi Pragna! You need to apply for regular entry X visa for your kids’ travel to India given the continued suspension of tourist visa. Hope the ban on the tourist visa will be lifted by this year end. Wish you a happy trip! FYI, we have the best economy, premium economy and business class flight deals. You can log on to IndianEagle.com or contact our fare experts at 1-800-615-3969.

Hi I am American citizen married with Indian citizen. Need to go India in November 2021 to attend my sister in law marriage. How can I get the VISA . Thanks satya

I have a question. My mother has a medical emergency and I need to travel to India. I have OCI in my old US passport and I have sent the paper work to update in the new US passport. The consulate has not approved it yet. I sent for urgent visa to san Francisco consulate. Do you know the wait time for visa and Did i even had to request for a visa ?

HI Praseeda! Until December 31, 2021, you can travel to India with the OCI number on your old passport. Please make sure to carry both your new passport and old passport.

Today’s date: Sept 4, 2021: Travel to India (New Delhi) from USA using paper Tourist Visa for my 19 year old + 6 year old sons (both US citizens with valid paper tourist visas on their passports

Dear Sir/Madam,

We wish to travel to India on the occasion of the first anniversary of death of my father. The family is composed of 4 individuals and we wish to travel to India at the end of September or early October:

2 adults US Citizens (OCI holders, born in India): Husband and Wife

2 Children: 19 years old son (US Citizen, has valid paper Tourist visa affixed on passport) 6 years old son (US Citizen, has valid paper Tourist visa affixed on passport)

The Embassy website says e-tourist visas are suspended, but are individuals with Paper Tourist Visa affixed on their passport allowed to travel?

Indian Eagle in the title of this article says Tourist Visas remain suspended (which means both paper and electronic Tourist Visas are suspended.

Please let me know, so that we can book air tickets based on your reply.

Hi Sanjay! Any kind of tourist visa to India is currently suspended. However, please be advised to confirm with the nearest Indian consulate or embassy in the US.

From everyone’s past comments I understand that for a wedding we can apply for Entry visa to visit India. I am a US citizen and I am travelling this January 2022 as well for my cousin’s wedding however what proof should we provide? Is wedding Invitation okay? Maybe something else?

I will be married to a US citizen, next month. I would like to visit my family in India along with my husband. He used to have a tourist visa but they are suspended now. Could he apply for the entry visa, even if it isn’t an emergency situation, to travel with me to India?

Hi Wilma! He can apply for a regular entry X visa.

I am us citizen with oci holder, my wife is green card and my son is 8 month old us citizen. Can we travel to india for my brother weding with what we have and just apply visa to india for my son because he cant aply for oci. Please help here 🙏

Hi Mani! Your son (who does not have an OCI card) needs an entry X visa to travel to India.

Why is it so difficult to get clear information from the Indian Embassy or Indian Consulate? From what I am reading here, Entry Visa (X) if a paper visa is valid for current travel to India? If you don’t have either a OCI or Entry Visa, then you need to apply for a fresh Entry Visa and if an emergency relating to a blood relative, then an Emergency Entry Visa. I trust your websites due diligence, but best to have an Indian government authority confirm this information. Thanks!

Hi , I have valid entry visa stamped om my passport and my father is 86 y/o with medicla problems I want to go see him as I habe not be able to with the pandemic. Do i still need to apply for emergency visa

Hi Shy! If the visa stamped on your passport does not have a ‘T’ mark, you are good to travel to India.

Hi I am Anil, I became a Us citizen recently and applied for my American passport. It is under process. I do knot have enough time to do renunciation and OCI before December first. My daughter’s marriage is fixed in December first week. After receiving my passport , I can do renunciation nd apply for OCI . But it may not be issued prior to my travel date. In that case, can I apply for an entry visa or emergency visa to go to India?. How many weeks it take to get an entry visa or emergency visa? I am so stressed now. Please reply me .Thanks

Hi: I am a US passport holder and hold a valid multiple entry tourist visa, which I understand is not good for entry to India currently.

The reason for travel to India is to see my dad who is sick. I am trying to apply for the e-visa and not clear which category of e-visa I should use? For “e-medical” visa category, the only option I see is “short term medical treatment of self” – and does not appear to be applicable.

Any thoughts on what e-visa category I should use? Thanks

Hi Ramesh! You need to apply for an emergency visa to India.

I will be travelling to India with my family (2 Adults, 1 Child, 1 Minor (less than 2 years old ) in December. 3 of us have OCI and the minor child does not have OCI. Do i still require OCI for my minor child to travel to India ? All four of us are US citizens.

My fear is that I won’t get the OCI on time if I apply right now for the minor, as they say it takes 10-12 weeks. Can i apply for E-Visa for my minor child? or will they waive the OCI requirement for my minor child.

Hi Lucky! If an infant on lap is a US citizen, he/she needs an OCI card or tourist visa to enter India. From November 15, the government of India will issue fresh tourist visas. https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-tourist-visa-resumption/

Hello, I travelled with my new born son to India on emergency visa, as we didn’t receive OCI card, we now want to extend our stay in India to 1 year, shld we extend our emergency visa or since we have now received OCI it is not needed? Kindly advise.

Hi Shruti! Once the OCI card is received, the emergency visa is no longer needed.

My Husband is US citizen. Being an Indian Citizen I can travel to India but my husband has tourist visa and cannot travel to India. Can I apply entry visa for him as him now and how much is the processing time for normal Entry Visa.

Hi Sweta! You can apply for an entry visa to India for him now. FYI, India will start issuing fresh tourist visas from November 15.

Is entry visa and emergency visa same thing? Can you apply 3 month ahead of your trip?

Hi Sabi! An entry visa is issued for any purpose of travel to India, while an emergency visa is issued for an emergency purpose of travel to India.

I just applied for OCI and I don’t have visa to Nadia. My father is critically ill(age related) but not in the hospital talking medicines by a visiting doctor. Planning to visit and want to stay with my father about two months. Asking me to come sooner but I am planning on first week of November staying two months. How Ishould proceed with together visa, please.

Hi Manju! You can apply for an emergency visa to India, which will be approved within 7 days.

When applying for an emergency visa, I understand the first step is to fill out the online application.

For the question “Visa Type” do I select “entry visa”?

For the questions “Purpose” which one of the options do I select.

I am trying to visit a family member in the ICU and have a doctors note already

Hi My Father is looking to travel to India on November 09th and has a British passport with a regular x-1 entry visa that was issued on 2019 and valid until 2024. Can he travel to India on this visa ? I have seen that it is possible but have not seen anything official from the Indian Government. As he is elderly i need to get confirmation before booking a ticket. If it is OK could someone provide a link for confirmation ?

Is it possible for my father who has a British Passport to travel to India on the 09th November 2021 with a regular Entry (X) Visa (X-1). It is a paper version that was valid from 2019 to 2024. I have not seen any confirmation to say that so an official link would be appreciated

Hi Surinder! To the best of our knowledge, your father can travel to India on a regular entry visa.

THANK YOU – is there anyone on this forum who has travelled on an x-1 visa recently who can share there experience ?

Even I am looking for the answer. Entry visa issued before covid, is it still valid?

Hi Jaskirat! If you have a valid entry visa, you can use it for travel to India.

Can some one give me a clue. I’m US citizen married to Indian citizen for 2 years; since tourist visa is irrelevant, I just applied for an (x) entry visa How long does the process usually take? I get different answers all the time, some say a minimum of 3-5 weeks Then read it can take up to 8-10 weeks. Does anyone know ? It’s been 7 weeks now waiting…. Status is still under process

Hi Mel! We have good news for you. India has started issuing tourist visas including e-tourist visa (which you can get on arrival if you’re eligible for this). You can apply for a tourist visa to India for traveling on or after November 15.

Yes but how long is the stay in india, I heard is only for 30 days is it true ?

Hi Mel! Starting on November 15, you can stay in India only for 30 days on a single entry.

I’ll rather wait for my entry visa I’m not gonna waist money just for 30 days I’ll rather stay 6 months with my hubby

Hi, I am US (Naturalized) citizen have valid tourist visa until 2025 multiple entry visa. I would like travel to India around Dec 1st 2021. Can I use that to travel to India?

Hi Latha! All tourist visas issued before October 6, 2021 are not valid for travel to India. You need to apply for a fresh tourist visa which comes with 120-day validity from the date of issuance and entitles you to a 30-day stay in India. Please check https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/india-tourist-visa-resumption/

Hello, Me and my husband are Indian citizen with Green card. We have 3 kids – therefore US citizen and I recently applied for e-visa for them. We have to travel to India before 15 November to attend wedding of my sister. So is it possible – I mean can my kids allowed to travel? The visa issued to them mentions they cant travel before 15 November. What could be alternative option?

Hi Shruti! The alternative option is an entry X visa.

My 4 yrs old son is a US citizen and now we live in Canada. He got Entry (X-1) visa back in 2017 and is valid till October 2022. Can he travel to India now on the same visa? Or does he need a fresh Entry visa again? I couldn’t find any information about the entry visa suspension anywhere but I don’t want to get into trouble after landing in India.

Hi Jaskirat! The previously issued entry visa is not suspended. Your son can travel using the entry visa.

My daughter is 1.5 yr old and is a Canadian citizen, now residing in the US. I applied for a Entry(X) regular visa, we need to travel in the first week of December. However, I learnt from writing via PRAMIT the application was rejected and no additional information was provided. While I am waiting to get the passport back, I wonder if a a letter stating the purpose of visit is mandatory. Is there a better way to track the application status, a way to know what documents maybe missing and how to send them? Also, do you happen to know what is the current processing time for a regular Entry Visa.

I have a flight to New Delhi on Nov 17th 2021. And I am a Nepali citizen with green card, currently living in Los Angeles, USA. Am I allowed to travel during that time? And do I need a visa to travel since Nepal and India shared open boarder for a long long time.

Hi Sandesh! You can travel to India on NOV 17. Sorry, we have little knowledge of the visa requirement.

I am a US citizen and have X-1 visa for India travel. My visa was issue in 2018 and is valid til 2023. I am trying to figure out if i need to apply for e-visa or my current X-1 visa is enough to travel? thanks much!!

Hi Rajni! Your X1 visa is valid for entry to India.

Hello! I’m a US citizen and I have applied for OCI a month ago and it seems like it’s being delayed and I need to travel to india on December 9th for my sisters wedding. Can you please suggest or advise me the fast way to get visa or any other way i can travel to india, if my OCI is delayed?

Hi Syed! You can apply for an e-tourist visa to India, which currently allows 30-day stay in India on a single entry.

Hello, My wife and son US citizens having x-1 visa multiple entry valid till 2024 , just wanted to know is there any x-1 visa suspension. Do they need to apply for new e-visa?

Can they travel on their current valid x-1 visa, we have booked flights tickets to India this month.

Hi Nikhil! If their entry X-1 visa is in paper format, they can use it for travel to India.

Hi my son is (2.5)US citizen and I am Indian citizen greencard holder in USA. I have applied for my son OCI application seems like it will take long to get the card. I plan to travel to india around Jan 15th 2022 what should I do to get a entry visa or should I apply for emergency visa? can you please share the link? with some information about how to apply and where to apply? How long does it take to get emergency visa or entry visa?

Hi Rashmi! You can apply for an emergency visa only if you’re traveling to India for an emergency. Rather you can apply for a regular entry X visa if you want to stay in India for more than 30 days. If you will stay in India no more than 30 days, you can apply for an e-tourist visa for your kid.

I am an US Citizen of Indian Origin, I want to travel to India for 3 months to take care of my elderly parents. What VISA should I apply, I intend to travel in Jan 2022.

Hi Vijay! Currently, a tourist visa to India comes with a 30-day limit for stay in India. Given your requirement, you should apply for a regular entry X visa to India.

I would like to know if as the spouse of an Indian I can get a 5 year entry X visa. I have read numerous times that the spouses of Indian citizens only get a 1 year entry X visa. Only the application form I have the option of requesting (in months) the visa duration and the consulate also provides a fee breakdown. The price of 1 year entry visa and 5 years however is not the same. The consulate website clearly states it does not refund money under any circumstance and I would like not to pay the additional costs for “hoping” for a 5 year X visa if all I can get is a 1 year entry X visa. Please advice.

Hi, I have E-Visa multiple entry stamped on my passpirt expiring 2024. Can i use that visa to travel to India or need emergency Visa. There is check mark on Multiple, 180 days each stay,tourist. I dont know what the check mark means.

Hi Baljit! If your entry visa has ‘T’ (tourist) mark and issued before October 6, 2021, then the visa is invalid for travel to India.

I am JARNAIL SINGH SIDHU a Britiish citizen of the UK and I currently hold an X1 Visa due to expire in November 2022. I wish to visit India in February returning to the UK in March can you please advise me if my Visa is valid for this period.

Hi Jarnail! In our knowledge, your XI visa is valid for travel to and from India before it expires in November 2022.

Hello, what is the processing time for an emergency visa. I need to leave for india within a week, is it advisable to apply for an emergency visa or an evisa ? I already got an evisa with 30 day limit. Trying to see if I can get more days if I can apply for an emergency visa.

Hi Geeta! In our knowledge, it takes maximum 7 days to get an emergency visa approved.

My wife is in India since Dec. 29 on a six-month emergency visa. This is expiring on April 27, 2022. My father is sick and she needs to stay there. She has 10 years valid visa which is now again reinstated by the Government of India. Can she go to a neighboring country and re-enter India on 10 years visa to stay there more. Please advise.

Hi Vijay! In our knowledge, she can do that.

This is a very insightful and informative comment. Thank you to the author for sharing this information.

Thanks Maureen!

Hi Is there any time limit to enter in India on emergency visa from uk? Thanks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special Air India Flights to and from India Cost Nearly Rs 2 Lakh per Traveler for One-way Journey

What are Hand-baggage Only Fares for British Airways and Delta Airlines Flights?

Future of Air Travel post COVID19: Empty Middle Seats or All Seats with Cover on Economy Flights

Trump’s temporary ban on immigration amid covid19 targets green cards, not h1b and other visas.

What are Meet & Greet Services for Family, Senior Citizens, Unaccompanied Children at Indian Airports

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

India-Pakistan border area

FCDO advises against all travel within the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur.

In April-May 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital Imphal. Curfews and other restrictions have been imposed in many parts of the state. There may be transport disruptions. Internet services may be limited and restrictions might be imposed at short notice.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Consulate General of India, Toronto, Canada

• Consul General
• Consulate Officials
• Working Hours
• Location for the Consulate
• Consular jurisdiction
• Holidays at the Consulate
• Right to Information
• India's Consuls General in Toronto
• India Canada Trade
• Access Canada_A Guide on Exporting to Canada_Edition 2020
• Opportunities for Canadian Investors - India's Union Budget FY 2022-23
• Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce
• Canada India Business Council
• Canada India Foundation
• CII, FICCI North America office
• Khadi Masks during COVID-19
• India-Pharmacy to the World
• Textile and Apparel Industry
• Indian Food Processing
• Ayurveda in the times of COVID-19
• Invest India website link
• Setting up a business in India
• Doing Business in India
• Archived Events India
• Upcoming events
• Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
• India Customs
• Reserve Bank of India
• Securities and Exchange Board of India
• Ministry of Tourism
• Incredible India
• National Portal of India
• Digital Repository of all Central and State Acts
• Important Data on India
• Trade Query
• Trade Dispute Redressal
• Tenders & Auctions
• Make in India
• Start up India
• Digital India
• India Investment Grid
• Smart Cities India
• Introduction
• Geographical Indication (GI) products of India
• Toy Making crafts from different parts of India
• One District One Product
• General Information
• General Information - VISA
• Business Visa
• Conference Visa
• Employment Visa
• Journalist Visa
• Medical Visa Medical attendant Visa
• Student Visa
• Tourist Visa
• Visa Services - (Canadian Passport holders)
• Visa Services - (Non Canadian Passport holders)
• Entry Visa on Emergency Grounds
• FAQ about Visa
• Pakistani Nationals and People of Pakistani Origin
• OCI Checklist
• Fresh OCI application
• OCI renewal and updation
• OCI-documents to be uploaded
• Requirements of Birth Certificate Attestation
• Nativity Certificate
• Indian Citizen
• Foreign nationals who were previously Indian citizen
• Foreign Nationals
• How to apply
• AFFIDAVITS NOC FOR MINORS PASSPORT
• Attestation of Power of Attorney / Will
• Attestation of Civil Documents
• Attestation of Commercial Documents
• General Information - Attestation
• Casting of Votes
• Certificate of Birth
• FAQs for women in distres
• Global Entry Program
• Indian Citizenship by Descent
• India Motor Driving Licence
• Life Certificate
• Procedure for issuing NORI certificate
• Registration of Death
• Satellite Phones
• Transportation of Ashes to India
• Transportation of human remains to India
• NRI Certificate
• Guidelines for International Arrivals by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Consular fees
• BLS charges
• Authorized BLS Centers
• Press Releases
• Events/Photo Gallery
• FAQs on marital disputes
• World Hindi Day Quiz
• Mission Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Details
• Economic Bulletin
• Registration of Indian Associations

• Skip to main content
• Screen Reader Access

Consulate General of India Toronto, Canada

• Home ›   Consular ›   Visa ›   Entry Visa on Emergency Grounds

Submission of Entry Visa application on Emergency Ground

In order to facilitate faster processing of applications for Entry Visa on Emergency Grounds, it has been decided to set up special counters at BLS Centres in Toronto and Brampton w.e.f. Monday, 17 October, 2022 for acceptance of such applications.  The applicants are therefore advised not to approach the Consulate directly for submission of such applications.

In the cases of death of immediate family members (Parents, Grandparents and Siblings only), visa application should be submitted  from 8.00 AM to 11.00 AM during weekdays and from 10.00 AM to 11.00 AM on Saturdays at  BLS Centres at 1448 Lawrence Avenue E, Unit 6 A, Toronto ON M4A 2V6 and 60 Gillingham Drive, Unit 403, Brampton, ON, L6X 4X7.  Such applicants should approach the security personnel at BLS with all the required documents for further directions. Please note that in addition to the requisite documents, applicants are required to submit the following documents :

• Copy of death certificate/medical document, which confirms that the death has happened within the last 72 hrs
• Copy of Photo ID of the deceased
• Copy of Proof of relation of applicant with the deceased.

Once application is accepted and fee is paid at BLS, the applicant can bring the application with proof of payment (alongwith air ticket if travelling on the same day) to the Consulate latest by 2.00 PM during the weekdays and by 12.00 (Noon) on Saturdays for issuance of visa on the same day.  The applicant can choose to leave the application at BLS Centre, in which case the visa will be issued on the next working day.

In the case of serious medical emergency cases involving hospitalization of immediate family members, the applicant must submit a request for emergency appointment to the Consulate at SAMPARK portal on the website of the Consulate :  https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/sampark/enquiry.php?id=9  and wait for approval of the request from the Consulate.  The applicant can thereafter submit the application alongwith copy of SAMPARK approval at special counters of BLS as per details mentioned above.

Entry Visa in all such cases will be granted for a maximum period of 90 days with Single Entry.

• How To Apply
• Attestation
• Visa Categories
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Surrender Certificate
• Attestation and Miscellaneous Consular Services
• Emergency Certificate
• Travel guidelines

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Hyperlinking Policy
• Accessibility Statement

© 2024 Consulate General of India, Toronto, Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Visitors: 21617742  |  Page last updated on: 18-05-2024

Designed by - Jadon Webtech Pvt Ltd

• Insider Reviews
• Tech Buying Guides
• Personal Finance
• Insider Explainers
• Sustainability
• United States
• International
• Deutschland & Österreich
• South Africa

• Home ›
• travel ›
• international ›
• article »

Exploring the world on wheels: International road trips from India

Nepal: The Himalayan Odyssey

• Nothing Phone (2a) blue edition launched
• JNK India IPO allotment date
• JioCinema New Plans
• Realme Narzo 70 Launched
• Apple Let Loose event
• Elon Musk Apology
• RIL cash flows
• Charlie Munger
• Feedbank IPO allotment
• Tata IPO allotment
• Most generous retirement plans
• Broadcom lays off
• Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
• Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
• Nestle Sept 2023 report
• India Equity Market
• Best printers for Home
• Best Mixer Grinder
• Best wired Earphones
• Best 43 Inch TV in India
• Best Wi Fi Routers
• Best Vacuum Cleaner
• Best Home Theatre in India
• Smart Watch under 5000
• Best Laptops for Education
• Best Laptop for Students

• Advertising
• Write for Us
• Privacy Policy
• Policy News
• Personal Finance News
• Mobile News
• Business News
• Ecommerce News
• Startups News
• Stock Market News
• Finance News
• Entertainment News
• Economy News
• Careers News
• International News
• Politics News
• Education News
• Advertising News
• Health News
• Science News
• Retail News
• Sports News
• Personalities News
• Corporates News
• Environment News
• Richest people in India 2024
• Google I/O 2024 highlights
• Top 10 Richest people
• Top 10 Largest Economies
• Deleted Whatsapp Messages
• How to restore deleted messages
• 10 types of Drinks
• Instagram Sad Face Filter
• Recover Whatsapp Messages
• Check Balance in SBI
• How to check Vodafone Balance
• Transfer Whatsapp Message
• Dual Whatsapp on Single phone
• Phone is hacked or Not
• How to Port Airtel to Jio
• How to find website owner

Copyright © 2024 . Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.