India Visa For Colombian Citizens

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on obtaining an Indian visa as a Colombian citizen. This article is designed to simplify the visa application process by providing all the essential information you need in an easy-to-understand format. We’ve organised the content with headings, subheadings, lists, and tables to ensure smooth navigation through the process.

Do Colombian Citizens Require a Visa for India?

Yes, Colombian citizens must obtain a visa to travel to India unless they are Indian nationals. Various e-visas are available for different purposes, such as tourism, business, conferences, and medical visits. Colombian citizens can conveniently apply for short-term visit visas online through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system.

Types of Indian e-Visas for Colombian Citizens

India offers several e-visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Below is a table outlining the main visa types, their purposes, validity, and benefits for Colombian citizens.

Document Requirements for Colombian Applicants

Colombian applicants need to provide the following:

• Valid Colombian Passport: Ensure it is valid for your intended stay.
• Digital Copy of Passport Biographical Page: Upload a scan of the passport page containing your details.
• Recent Passport-Style Photo: A recent photograph that meets passport specifications.
• Email Address: This is to receive communications about your e-Visa application.
• Credit or Debit Card Details: These cover the e-visa processing fee.

Depending on the e-Visa category, additional documents may be required, such as business cards and letters of invitation for business visas or medical letters for medical visas.

Additional Requirements for Colombian Business e-Visa Applicants

Colombian citizens applying for a Business e-visa to India must provide the following additional documents:

• Business Card: Include details of the host company in India.
• Letter of Invitation: A formal letter from an Indian-registered company detailing the purpose of your visit, planned activities, and the contact information for the individuals you will meet.
• Proof of Funds: Present bank statements or other financial records to prove you have enough money to cover your stay in India.

Photo Requirements for Indian Visa Application

For Colombian applicants, adhering to the specific photo requirements is crucial:

• Format: JPEG
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, maximum 1 MB
• Dimensions: Minimum 350 x 350 pixels
• Photo Appearance: Recent, front-facing photograph with a white or light-colored background. Full face visible, front view, eyes open, no spectacles, and the head centred from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.
• Additional Guidelines:
  • Do not use a cropped passport image as the photo.
  • Ensure photos are clear and meet the specified requirements to avoid application rejection.

Eligibility Requirements for e-Visa Services for Colombian Citizens

To be eligible for e-Visa services to India, applicants from Colombia must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens from countries that are eligible as listed on the e-Visa website.
• Purpose of Visit: Visas are issued specifically for the purposes previously mentioned.
• Passport Validity: Passports must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
• Travel Documents: Candidates must possess a ticket for their return or subsequent travel and sufficient funds to support their stay in India.

Restrictions:

• This service is not available to Pakistani nationals or those of Pakistani descent, including individuals whose parents or grandparents were born in or were permanent residents of Pakistan.
• The e-Visa is not available to holders of diplomatic, official, or laissez-passer passports, nor holders of any other type of international travel document.
• Individuals cannot be included on a parent’s or spouse’s passport; each traveller must possess their passport.

Ports of Arrival and Departure in India

Colombian citizens can enter India through designated ports that include 31 airports and 5 seaports. Here is a comprehensive list:

• Airports: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa (Dabolim), Goa (Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam.
• Seaports: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.

Colombian citizens may also depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) equipped to handle international departures.

Application Process for Colombian Citizens

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, Colombian citizens should follow these streamlined steps:

1. Complete the Online Form: Access the Indian e-Visa website, complete the Indian visa application form accurately, and ensure all required fields are completed to prevent delays.
2. Submit Necessary Documents: Compile and submit all required documents, including the passport page with personal details.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: Process the payment online according to the instructions provided on the portal and retain a copy of the receipt.
4. Track Your Application: Upon submission, you will receive a reference number, which you may use to track the progress of your application online.
5. Receive Your Visa: Upon approval, your visa will be emailed directly.

Cost and Processing Time of Indian e-Visas for Colombian Citizens

Indian e-Visa Costs

The cost of an Indian e-visa for Colombian nationals varies based on the type of visa, the number of entries, and the chosen processing speed. Colombian applicants should visit the India visa feepage, which provides a fee table and a calculator to help determine the specific costs.

Processing Times

The processing time for an Indian e-Visa for Colombian citizens can vary depending on the urgency of the application and its nature:

• Standard Processing Time: Typically, a standard Indian visa application for Colombian citizens takes 3-5 working days to process.
• Urgent Processing Time: Urgent processing is available for an additional fee and is usually completed within 1-3 working days for those requiring expedited service.

Note: If an applicant has multiple valid passports, damaged or expired passports, holds valid visas, or has submitted several visa applications, the government may require up to 4 days to decide.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

• Document Compliance: Ensure all documents are in English, in PDF format, and do not exceed 300 KB.
• Passport Photo Page: Upload the passport page with personal information such as name, nationality, birth date, and expiration date. Ensure it matches the details in the Passport Details section.
• Document Clarity: Submit only clear documents that meet all specifications.
• Review Before Submission: Double-check all entries and documents before submitting.
• Apply Early: Apply as early as possible to allow ample time for processing.
• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all information is complete and truthful to avoid rejection of the application.

By adhering to these recommendations and being well prepared, Colombian citizens can ensure a smooth process in obtaining their Indian visa and enjoy a successful trip to India.

FAQS

• What is the processing duration for an eVisa application?

  Processing times can vary, but generally, an eVisa is approved in 3-4 business days.

• How long is the eVisa valid for?

  Here's a concise summary of the validity periods for different types of e-Visas for India:

  • E-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): This visa is valid for one year or five years from issuing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It allows multiple entries and a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days per year.
  • E-Tourist Visa (30 days): This visa allows for a 30-day stay in India from the first day of arrival, with the possibility of two entries.
  • E-Business Visa: This visa remains valid for one year from the date of the ETA issuance. It permits multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days per visit. Stays extending beyond 180 days require registration.
  • E-Conference Visa: This visa permits a single entry up to 30 days from arriving in India.
  • The E-Medical Visa and E-Medical Attendant Visa: Both are valid for 60 days from the first entry into India and allow for three entries.
• Can I extend my eVisa stay in India?

  No, extensions for eVisas are not currently available. If your stay extends beyond the validity of your eVisa, you may need to apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy.

• What happens after my eVisa is approved?

  You will receive your Colombian e-visa via email. Print a copy of this to present at immigration upon arrival in India.

• Can I enter India at any port with an eVisa?

  E-Visas are valid at 31 specific airports and 5 seaports in India. You can see the names of these ports in the data above.

• Do I need any additional permissions besides a visa?

  Depending on your purpose of travel, you might need additional permits. For example, some restricted area visits may require special authorisation.

• What are the current COVID-19 restrictions for entering India?

  Entry requirements and restrictions can change due to the pandemic. It's advisable to check the latest guidelines from trusted sources like the Indian embassy or Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip.

• Is it safe to travel to India?

  Generally, India is a safe tourist destination. However, as with any travel, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, practice standard safety precautions, and research any specific regional advisories.

• What currency is used in India?

  The Indian Rupee (INR) is the national currency. You can exchange Colombian Pesos (COP) for INR at currency exchange counters or ATMs upon arrival.

• What is the best time to visit India?

  The ideal visitation period varies based on your interests. India has diverse climates across regions. The dry season (October to March) is generally considered the most pleasant time to visit most of the country.