How does the India Visa on Arrival differ from the India eVisa | iVisa

Disclaimer: An arrival card is not a visa. It cannot be used as a substitute for a visa and does not grant permission to enter any country. Travelers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa, if required, prior to arrival. The arrival card is for administrative purposes only and does not serve as a travel authorization or entry permit.

India is one of the most visited countries in the world. Millions of people travel there every year, and for good reason! Colorful festivals, delicious food, and magical cities are just a few reasons to visit this mystical land.

If you're considering visiting India and are asking yourself how does a visa on arrival differ from an eVisa? - Then this article is for you.

India Visa on Arrival vs. India eVisa - Here's what you need to know

Regular visas, whether they're electronic or paper, need to be processed before traveling. But visas on arrival are granted at the border upon arrival.

If you're looking to get a paper visa to work or study in India for an extended period, then you'll need to visit an embassy to process the correct travel authorization. However, if you're looking to go on a short trip to India for tourism, business, or medical purposes, you can quickly get an electronic visa, or eVisa for short, entirely online.

Who can get an Indian Visa on Arrival?

As mentioned, a visa on arrival doesn't need to be processed before traveling. Visitors only need to present a valid passport at the airport or border, and the visa will be stamped directly in their passport.

Currently, only citizens of Japan and South Korea can apply for an India Visa on arrival, as long as they don't have Bangladeshi or Pakistani origins. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day-long tourism trip.

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can also get a visa on arrival, but only if granted an Indian paper or electronic visa before. In any other case, travelers are required to process an eVisa or paper visa before traveling to India.

When should you visit India?

The high season is from December to March. This is the perfect time to plan a trip to the beach, a tiger safari, or a tour through the temples. It is also when the country is most crowded, but part of the Indian experience is learning to live with the crowds.

At this time of the year, rainfall is rare, and the temperature is pleasant. The weather is perfect for exploring India's cities, with sunny days, cool nights, and low humidity.

To avoid tourist crowds, visit the country between April and June. We recommend bringing fresh clothes as the heat is intense, but you'll have the temples to yourself. This is also a great time to visit the cooler hills of the Himalayas in the north of the country.