A tourist visa is available to foreigners who do not have residence or employment in India. The primary purposes for visiting under this visa include recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends and relatives, and attending short-term yoga programs. No other activities are allowed on a tourist visa.
Non-Eligibility
- Diplomatic/Official Passports: Holders of Diplomatic/Official passports are not eligible for the VoA facility.
- Conversion and Extension: The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other type of visa.
- Note: VoA is not available to individuals if they or their parents/grandparents were born in or are permanent residents of Pakistan. Such individuals must obtain an appropriate visa from the Indian Mission/Post.
Application Process from Australia
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Checklists and Forms:- Tourist Visa Checklist: Tourist Visa Checklist
- Declaration Form: Declaration Form
- Form D (for specific situations): Form D
- Complete a separate checklist and application form for each applicant.
- Ensure all documents are accurately completed and signed.
Step 2: Complete Online Application Form
- Online Form: Complete the application at Indian Visa Online.
- Submission Locations: Find VFS locations to submit applications in person or by courier: VFS Global Locations.
Basic Documents Required during Submission
- Complete the online application form. Download, print, and sign the forms where applicable.
- One recent photograph (2 inch x 2 inch) meeting strict specifications.
- Original Passport valid for at least six months from the application date and have at least two blank pages.
- Appointment letter for VFS Global if you're submitting your application in person.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Ensure the application form and checklist are signed, and all supporting documents are included.Submission Methods:
- By Post/Courier: Follow details for postal submissions.
- In Person: Schedule an appointment at an Application Centre. Book an Appointment
If you're in need of an emergency visa service, visit this website.
Indian Visa Fees for Australia
Payment Instructions
For Applications Sent by Express Post/Courier to the IPVSCs:- Money Order/Postal Order: Payable to VFS Services Australia Pty Ltd.
- Credit Card: Complete the Credit Card Authority form and send it with your postal application.
- Payment Methods: Cash (AUD), Debit Card, or Credit Card/EFTPOS.
- Credit/Debit Card Surcharge: A 1.20% surcharge applies for card payments. Only Australian-issued MasterCard or Visa cards are accepted.
- Personal Cheques: Not accepted.
Use the Visa Fee Calculator to determine the exact fee.
The basic fee for an Indian Tourist Visa is around 160 AUD but may vary based on application specifics, fee payment method, and duration of stay.
Indian Tourist Visa Validity for Australian Citizens
Visa Validity: Effective from the date of issue, not from the applicant's travel date.Duration: Issued for 1 year with multiple entries, non-extendable and non-convertible.
Processing Time for Indian Visa Applications
Postal/Courier Submissions
- Transit Time: Typically 1-3 days but can be longer in remote areas. Processing times do not include transit times.
- Incomplete Applications: Incomplete applications will delay processing and incur additional courier return fees.
Average Processing Times for Complete Visa Applications
- Canberra and Brisbane: 5 working days
- Melbourne: 5 working days
- Sydney and Adelaide: 5 working days
- Perth: 5 working days
Special Categories with Longer Processing Times
- Minimum 45 Days: Nationals of Pakistan or those previously holding Pakistani nationality.
- 10 Working Days: Non-Australians from countries excluding Afghanistan, China, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, DPRK, Iran, Pakistan.
- Minimum 4 Weeks: Nationals of Afghanistan, China, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, DPRK, Iran, or those previously holding nationality from these countries.
- Minimum 45 Days: Applicants for conferences/seminars/workshops who are/were nationals of Afghanistan, China, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan.
- Participants visiting 'Restricted' or 'Protected' areas in India, such as Jammu & Kashmir and the North Eastern States.
General Guidelines
- Do not finalize travel plans before receiving your visa. The processing times listed are averages and can vary.
- VFS Global and the Government of India are not responsible for any issues arising from finalizing travel plans before obtaining a visa.
- The Australian High Commission provides various consular services, but there are limitations to what they can assist with.
- Travellers intending to stay in India for an extended period should register with the Australian High Commission. Register online at ORAO.
Currency Declaration: Declare USD 2,500 or more (or the equivalent) on arrival.
Airport Tax: Rs.500 per person departure tax; check if included in your ticket price.
Track Your Visa Application
You'll Receive updates via email or SMS as your application status changes. Check your visa application status online using the reference number from your receipt and your date of birth.Track your application status here.
Collect Your Passport
How to Receive Your Passport- Collect your passport in person from the Visa Application Centre.
- Bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of government identification.
- You can authorize someone else to collect your passport. They must present a signed authorization letter from you, the receipt, and their government identification.
- Opt to have your passport returned by courier for an additional fee.
