The ancient and amazing country of India has long been a Mecca for foreign tourists. And the flow of travelers in this direction is not scanty. In 2012, the country was visited for the purpose of recreation by six and a half million tourists from abroad, which is 5% more than a year earlier. Many travelers, falling under the relaxing influence of Indian culture, faced with a completely different way of life and worldview, try to stay here for a longer period. Immigration authorities are struggling with the so-called “downshifters” and impose strict requirements on obtaining permission to enter the country. How to get a visa to India, where to apply, in what time frame and how much it will cost - read this article.
The necessary package of documents
Citizens of Russia to apply for entry should contact the consular departments at the Embassy of the country not only in Moscow or St. Petersburg, but also in Vladivostok. Documents must be submitted through the so-called Indian Visa Application Centers in these cities. These are accredited intermediaries for whose services you need to pay a special fee. It is one hundred thirty-five rubles per person. This applies to absolutely all tourists, including children who are included in the parental passport. A visa to India for Russians is issued in three to four business days. For CIS citizens living in the Russian Federation, the period for opening an entry permit increases to ten days.
What are the requirements for foreigners who want to visit the country for the purpose of relaxation, India? The visa for the Russians of 2013 did not represent any insurmountable difficulties or problems. The package of necessary documents includes a passport with a copy of the first page, a photo taken recently in the studio according to the rules, an online form filled out in English, a questionnaire printed on two sheets, a reservation confirmation from the hotel or a voucher from a travel company, a copy of the internal passport and airline tickets there back. As you can see, India does not make humiliating requirements (such as a certificate of employment or income), as the
Schengen states. It is necessary that the passport has at least two blank pages and be valid six months later after the end of the proposed trip. A visa to India opens for Russians for six months and involves multiple entry into the country. It is a pleasure of 1600 rubles. In case of refusal of a visa, this amount is not refundable.
Goa State Features
In India, it is impossible to apply for entry permits at land, sea borders, and also at airports. The one exception is Goa State Air Gate. If you are arriving on vacation with a group, having issued a tour through an Indian tour operator, a visa to India for Russians is issued upon arrival at the Dabolim airport. But the passports are taken from tourists for the holidays, and instead of them a document Temporary Landing Permit is issued.
What is expected in the future?
According to one of the ministers of this state, Rajiv Shukla, from October 2014, a visa to India for Russians can be opened “upon arrival”. This applies not only to the Dabolim airport in Goa, but also to nine other cities, including the capital of Delhi and Mumbai. Such a one-time entry permit will be valid for thirty days.