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India Tourist Visa – a thorough guide

India Tourist Visa – a thorough guide

If you're eager to experience the captivating beauty and cultural wonders of India, Arabiers tourist visa service to India is your key to unlock the doors of this enchanting nation. Whether you're planning a leisurely vacation, seeking recreational activities, or visiting friends and relatives, the tourist visa caters for non-business purposes.

However, it's important to adhere to the guidelines and requirements set forth by the High Commission of India to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa application process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential details and documents needed to secure your tourist visa, allowing you to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant tapestry of India.


What is the India Tourist Visa ?


The tourist visa is specifically designed for Sri Lankan and foreign nationals who do not have a residence or occupation in India but wish to explore the country for tourism, sight-seeing, recreation, and casual visits. It's important to note that engaging in any other activities beyond the scope of tourism is not permissible under this visa category.

Furthermore, the tourist visa is non-extendable and cannot be converted into other types of visas. Violation or misuse of the visa may result in deportation by Indian authorities.


Processing Time for India Tourist Visa


The processing time for India Tourist Visa is approximately 6 to 7 working days.


Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Nationals


Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Nationals

For Sri Lankan nationals applying for a tourist visa, it's crucial to provide the following documents :

  • Clear and legible scanned copies of identification documents such as NIC card, driving license, or birth certificate (English translated versions required for documents in Sinhala/Tamil).
  • Two recent, passport-sized color photographs (2x2 inches) with a clear view of the full face and both ears visible against a white background.
  • Details of previous visits to India, including the visa number and date of issue.
  • A passport with a minimum validity of 9 months from the date of application, containing at least two blank pages. Tampered or damaged passports are not accepted. Submit all previous passports, and if any previous passport is lost, provide a police complaint report.
  • A three-month bank statement demonstrating a healthy average daily balance, reflecting the account holder's name, address, and opening date. In the case of a business entity, provide the business registration certificate.
  • Proof of address that matches the document attached in the previous point (e.g., utility bill, government service certificate, or student ID card).
  • For applicants under the age of 18, include a no-objection certificate (NOC) signed by both parents, specifying travel details and the guardian if traveling without parents. Attach photocopies of both parents' passports.
  • Dual nationals must present both passports at the time of application.

Financial Requirement for India Tourist Visa.


( a ). Self-Finance :

  • Maintain an average monthly balance of LKR 40,000 per applicant.
  • Sudden deposits just prior to the application date will not be accepted.
  • Current accounts with overdraft or insufficient funds are not accepted unless accompanied by a linked collateral security-fixed deposit receipt.
  • Include a copy of an international credit card with the applicant's name and validity date, along with a statement showing the total and available credit.

( b ). Sponsored Cases :

  • Attach the first page of the sponsor's passport.
  • The sponsorship letter should clearly state the sponsor's relationship with the applicants.
  • The sponsor should have an average monthly balance of LKR 50,000 per person and should not sponsor more than four applicants, excluding immediate family members.
  • Current accounts with overdraft or insufficient funds are not accepted unless accompanied by a linked collateral security-fixed deposit receipt.
  • Credit card statements and fixed deposit receipts cannot be submitted as financial guarantees.

Document Checklist for Non-Sri Lankan Nationals


  • Complete the visa application form.
  • Provide two recent passport-sized color photographs (2x2 inches).
  • Provide the accurate visa details for your previous visit to India in the designated section marked "Serial Number F" on the sample Visa application Form.
    • Include the visa number, starting with an alphabet (e.g., VLI123456), and the date of issue (e.g. 25 June 2017) for the last visa you obtained and traveled on.
    • If your last visa was an eTV (electronic Visa / e-visa), please provide the visa number and the date of your first entry into India as stamped or registered on your passport by the Bureau of Immigration, India.
  • Submit photocopies of your passport and the current Sri Lankan visa page.
  • Fill out the FAX reference form.