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E- Visa: Requirements, Benefits and Application Process

Team AckoApr 30, 2024

E-visas offer a convenient way to apply for a visa online without having to visit a consulate or embassy in person. But before you apply, it's important to understand the requirements, types, fees and eligibility of an E-visa. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about E-visas, so you can make sure you have all the necessary information before submitting your application. So, whether you're a student, tourist, or business traveller, make sure to read all the way through!

Contents

What is an E-visa?
E-visa application process
Eligibility criteria for E-visas
E-visa fees
Benefits of E-visa
List of countries issuing E-visas
Frequently asked questions

What is an E-visa?

An E-visa is a type of visa that allows travellers to apply for entry into a country online. It is also known as an electronic visa.

Instead of having to visit a consulate or embassy in person, you can apply for an E-visa through the host country's official government website. Once your application is approved, you will receive an electronic copy of your visa. You can later print it out or save it on your phone to present to the relevant authorities.

One of the main advantages of an E-visa is that it makes the visa application process faster and more convenient. You don't have to worry about mailing in your passport or waiting in long lines at the consulate. Additionally, E-visas are often valid for a longer period of time than traditional visas. So you can plan your trip with more flexibility. It's important to note that not all countries offer E-visas. The availability of E-visa options may vary based on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your stay.

E-visa application process

The process of obtaining an E-visa is generally simple and straightforward. Here's an overview of how it works.

First, you need to visit the official government website of the country you wish to visit. After that, check if they offer an E-visa option, and if so, what are the requirements and eligibility criteria.
Next, you will need to fill out an online application form and submit it along with the required documents. These may include a passport-size photo, a scan of your passport, and any other documents that may be specific to the country you're visiting.
After submitting your application, you will need to pay the E-visa fee. The fee amount can vary depending on the country and the type of E-visa you are applying for.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an electronic copy of your visa. After that, you can print it out or save a copy on your phone.
You will need to present the E-visa along with your passport at the immigration check when you arrive in the country. The immigration officials will check your visa and passport details and allow you to enter the country.

It's important to note that the processing time for an E-visa can vary depending on the country and the time of year. So, make sure you apply well in advance of your planned trip. And also, make sure to double-check all the information you have provided in your application form. Mistakes in your application can lead to a delay or even a rejection of your application.

Eligibility criteria for E-visas

In this section, we will go over the main eligibility criteria for an E-visa.

A valid passport
A clear criminal record
Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
A letter of invitation from a host or sponsor in the country you're visiting (if required)
Proof of travel arrangements such as a hotel booking or flight itinerary (if required)
A certain level of health insurance coverage (if required)
Proof of a yellow fever vaccination (if required)
Specific criteria based on the type of E-visa you are applying for (i.e. student visa, tourist visa)
Remember to check the official government website of the country you're visiting for more country-specific information.

E-visa fees

While applying for an E-visa as an Indian citizen, one of the things you'll need to consider is the cost. E-visa fees can vary depending on the country you're visiting and the type of E-visa you're applying for. For example, a single-entry tourist E-visa for a country like Bhutan might cost around Rs. 2,000, while a multiple-entry business E-visa for the United States could cost closer to Rs. 14,500.

It's also important to note that some countries may have additional fees for expedited processing or for changing or extending your visa once you're in the country. It's a good idea to check the official government website of the country you're visiting for specific information about the fees for the type of E-visa you are applying for.

While paying for the E-visa, you will need to use a credit or debit card to pay through the secure online portal. It's essential to budget for the E-visa fee when planning your trip and make sure you have the funds available before submitting your application. Failure to pay the fee can result in your application being rejected.

Benefits of E-visa

Here are a few key advantages of applying for an E-visa.

Convenience: Applying for an E-visa is much more convenient than the traditional visa application process. You don't have to worry about mailing in your passport or waiting in long lines at the consulate. You can apply for an E-visa from the comfort of your own home or office.
Speed: E-visa applications are typically processed much faster than traditional visa applications. This means you can plan your trip with more flexibility and less uncertainty.
Validity: E-visas are often valid for a longer period of time than traditional visas, giving you more freedom to plan your trip and stay in the country.
Cost-effective: E-visa fees are often lower than traditional visa fees, making it a cost-effective option for travellers.
Easy to access: E-visa application forms are easily accessible and can be filled out online, making the process more streamlined and efficient.
No physical documents needed: Since it's an electronic visa, there's no need to submit any physical documents. This makes the process less cumbersome and more efficient.
Saves time: Instead of booking an appointment, waiting in long queues and travelling to the consulate or embassy, you can apply for an E-visa online in a matter of minutes.

Overall, an E-visa is a convenient, fast and cost-effective option for travellers and it's worth considering if the option is available for the country you're planning to visit. Also, keep in mind to buy travel insurance while travelling to other countries on E-visa.

List of countries issuing E-visas

Here are some countries that provide Indian citizens with electronic visas.

Georgia	Armenia	Bahrain
Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire)	Djibouti	Ethiopia
Gabon	Kenya	Moldova
Myanmar	Tanzania	Thailand
Uganda	Botswana	Zambia
Zimbabwe	Madagascar	Sierra Leone
Singapore	Vietnam	Turkey
Cambodia	UAE- Dubai	Oman
Myanmar	Malaysia	Laos
Sri Lanka

Frequently asked questions

The most common queries about e-visas have been addressed in this section.

For how long is an E-visa valid?

An E-visa is generally valid for a specific period of time, which can vary depending on the country you're visiting and the type of E-visa you're applying for. Some E-visas are valid for a single entry, while others are valid for multiple entries or for a longer period of time. It's a good idea to check the official government website of the country you're visiting for specific information about the validity of the E-visa you are applying for.

How straightforward is the process of obtaining an E-visa?

The process of obtaining an E-visa is generally simple and straightforward. You can apply for an E-visa through the host country's official government website by filling out an online application form and submitting it along with the required documents. The payment of the E-visa fee is also done through the website. However, it's important to double-check all the information you have provided in your application form and make sure you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application.

Is it possible to extend an E-visa?

Whether or not you can extend an E-visa depends on the country you're visiting and the type of E-visa you have. Some countries may allow you to extend your E-visa while you're in the country, while others may require you to apply for a new E-visa. It's a good idea to check the official government website of the country you're visiting for specific information about extending your E-visa.

What are the common reasons for E-visa rejection?

E-visa rejections can happen for a variety of reasons, such as failure to provide accurate information on the application form, failure to pay the E-visa fee or failing to meet the eligibility criteria. Sometimes, the application is rejected because the passport is not valid for the required period or the passport is damaged.

How much time does it typically take to receive an E-visa?

The processing time for an E-visa can vary depending on the country and the time of year. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive an E-visa. It's a good idea to check the official government website of the country you're visiting for specific information about the processing time for the E-visa you are applying for and apply well in advance of your planned trip.

How does an E-visa differ from a traditional visa?

An E-visa is an electronic visa that allows travellers to apply for entry into a country online. A traditional visa, on the other hand, requires a physical application and submission of documents at a consulate or embassy. The E-visa process is faster and more convenient than the traditional visa process. Also, E-visas are also often valid for a longer period of time than traditional visas. Additionally, E-visa fees are often lower than traditional visa fees.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet.