How to obtain India Visa on Arrival (VOA): A complete guide

The India Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility is available only for Japan, South Korea and UAE nationals. VOA can be obtained only at the six major airports in India. 

Before the pandemic, a handful of countries were eligible for the Visa on Arrival in India. But as of now, only these three countries are eligible.

If you haven’t already, refer to the India Visa Guide for a general overview of various visa types for tourists, their eligibility and requirements.

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Who is eligible for India Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of the following 3 countries are eligible to obtain India Visa on Arrival.

1. Japan
2. South Korea
3. United Arab Emirates (only if you held an Indian e-Visa or India consular visa previously)

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What is the validity of India Visa on Arrival?

India Visa on Arrival is valid for 60 days from the day of arrival. VOA cannot be extended or converted to another type of visa.

For stays longer than 60 days, you must apply for an India e-Visa or a regular Indian tourist visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. 

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How many days can you stay in India?

You are allowed to stay up to 60 days in India with the Visa on Arrival. 

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How many times can you enter India on Visa on Arrival?

India Visa on Arrival is a double-entry visa. That means, after you have obtained your Visa on Arrival and returned from India, you can enter India one more time using the same Visa on Arrival that you have obtained previously. The second entry must be made within the validity of your Visa on Arrival. 

Getting your Visa on Arrival itself constitutes an entry, so you can reuse your India Visa on Arrival to enter India one more time. Each time, you will receive 60 days of entry.

Here is an example.

• You obtained Visa on Arrival in India on 01 June
• Your Visa on Arrival validity is from 01 June to 30 July (60 days)
• You can stay in India for up to 60 days between 01 Jun and 30 Jul
• Your first entry: You entered India on 01 June (the day on which you obtain VOA) and left India on 05 July
• Your second entry: You left India on 05 July and your VOA is valid till 30 Jul. You can enter India again anytime before 06 July and 30 July to get another 60-day entry. 

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At which airports can you obtain Visa on Arrival?

India Visa on Arrival is available only at the following 6 international airports. 

International Airports

1. Delhi
2. Mumbai
3. Chennai
4. Kolkata
5. Bengaluru
6. Hyderabad

NOTE
India Visa on Arrival is available at the above 6 international airports only; NOT available at land borders or seaports. 

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What is the India Visa on Arrival fee?

The India Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 INR payable in cash in Indian Rupees or its equivalent in any other major currency. 

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What documents are needed for the Visa on Arrival?

The following documents are needed for obtaining Visa on Arrival.

1. Original passport
2. Completed Visa on Arrival form (download here or grab one at the airport)
3. Completed India e-Arrival Card (either online or on mobile app)
4. Cash in Indian rupees or any major currency for the visa fee
5. Return or onward flight ticket (optional)
6. Proof of financial solvency, such as cash, cards or bank statements (optional)

Passport requirement

In order to obtain Visa on Arrival, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival and must contain at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) application form

You can grab the application form at the VOA counter in the airport or you can download and fill it out before your arrival. I recommend downloading and filling it out before your arrival.

How to fill India Visa on Arrival application form

Download and print the India Visa on Arrival application form. Then complete the form with the following information.

• Date [Instruction:Enter today’s date or the date on which you will obtain VOA]
• Flight No. [Instruction:Enter the code and number of the flight on which arrive in India]
• Name of Applicant [Instruction:Enter your full name as per your passport]
• Date of Birth [Instruction:Enter your date of birth as per your passport]
• Nationality [Instruction:Enter your nationality as per your passport]
• Passport No. [Instruction:Enter your passport number]
• Father’s Name [Instruction:Enter your father’s name as per your passport]
• Father’s Nationality [Instruction:Enter your father’s current nationality]
• Mother’s Name [Instruction:Enter your mother’s name as per your passport]
• Mother’s Nationality [Instruction:Enter your mother’s current nationality]
• Marital Status [Instruction:Enter your marital status as per your passport]
• Spouse Name [Instruction:Enter your spouse’s name as per your passport]
• Spouse Nationality [Instruction:Enter your spouse’s current nationality]
• Applicant’s Previous Nationality (if any) [Instruction:You can skip this. Enter only if you held a different nationality previously]
• Whether holding other nationality/Dual Nationality (specify)  [Instruction:You can skip this. Enter only if you hold dual nationality]
• Whether Applicant’s parents/grandparents are of Pakistan origin? (specify names) [Instruction:You can skip this. Enter only if your parents/grandparents are/were Pakistani citizens or residents]
• Purpose of Visit [Instruction:Enter the purpose of your visit]
• Occupation [Instruction:Enter your current occupation]
• Address in India [Instruction:Enter your hotel address here]
• Permanent Address Abroad [Instruction:Enter your residential address from your country]
• Email Address [Instruction:Enter your email address]
• Contact Nos. (in India & Abroad) [Instruction:Enter your mobile phone number from your country]
• References in India (Name and complete addresses with phone numbers) (Wherever applicable) [Instruction:Enter your hotel name and address here]
• Date of return/onward journey [Instruction:Enter the date on which you will return from India]
• Flight No. [Instruction:Enter the code and number of your flight by which you will return from India]
• Final Destination [Instruction:Enter your next destination after India. Enter your home country if returning back or a country where you will spend more than 24 hours. Do not enter any stop-overs]
• Place [Instruction:Enter the city name in India where you are/will be obtaining your Visa on Arrival]
• Date [Instruction:Enter the date on which you are/will be obtaining your Visa on Arrival]
• Signature of Applicant [Instruction:Sign in this box]

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How to obtain India Visa on Arrival at the airport?

Applying for India Visa on Arrival at the airport is a straightforward process. It takes about 10 minutes, but it can take longer depending on the crowd. 

After exiting your flight, follow the signs and walk toward the Visa on Arrival section. At the Visa on Arrival section, grab an application form and fill it out. To save time at the airport, you can download and complete the India Visa on Arrival application form before your trip. 

Present your completed Visa on Arrival form, passport and completed e-Arrival Card at the Visa on Arrival counter. Pay the fee in Indian rupees or its equivalent in any major currency. If asked, provide additional documentation such as your return ticket or financial proof. 

Collect your passport and verify the validity dates on your India Visa on Arrival stamp. If everything looks good, you can exit Visa on Arrival and head to the immigration section. 

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