The Indian electronic visa (e-Visa) or the electronic travel authorization or the (ETA) was launched by the Indian government in 2014.
Currently, there are around 156 countries eligible to apply for the Indian e-Visa.
Moreover, the Indian e-Visa application process is entirely online and can be applied without needing to visit the Indian embassy or consulate.
Kenya is also a part of the 156 countries eligible to apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa. Hence, Kenyan travellers looking to visit India can easily apply for an Indian e-Visa online from around the world.
Here is how you can apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa.
Can Kenyan travellers apply for an Indian e-Tourist visa?
Yes, Kenya is among the 156 countries eligible to apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa. Before you purchase your flight ticket, you can first decide which Indian e-Tourist visas you need:
One-month e-Tourist visa
You can apply for a one-month e-Tourist visa, provided you want to travel to India for a short-term period of 30 days. The visa can further be used for double entries and is non-convertible and non-extendable.
Please note that the one-month tourist visa must be applied for online a minimum of 4 days in advance.
One-year e-Tourist visa
You can apply for a one-year e-Tourist visa, provided you want to travel to India for a long-term period. The one-year e-Tourist visa has a validity of 365 days, from the date of approval of the electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Moreover, this e-Tourist visa can also be used for multiple entries.
Please note that the one-year e-Tourist visa must be applied for online a minimum of 120 days in advance, from the expected date of travel.
Five-year e-Tourist visa
The five-year e-Tourist visa has a validity of five years, from the date of approval of the electronic travel authorization (ETA). However, the continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days.
Furthermore, this e-Tourist visa can also be used for multiple entries.
Please note that the five-year e-Tourist visa must be applied for online a minimum of 120 days in advance, from the expected date of travel.
What are the documents required to apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa?
The documents required to apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa are as follows:
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* A valid Kenyan passport:
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A scanned bio page of the Kenyan passport clearly showing the photograph and details.
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The passport should have at least a six months validity from the date of application.
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The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
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* For short-term courses, a copy of letter from the institute or organisation or hospital is concerned on the letter-head
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* For voluntary work of short duration, a copy of letter from the organisation concerned on its letter-head.
How to apply for an Indian e-Tourist visa?
To apply for the Indian e-Tourist visa, you are required to follow the steps given below:
Fill out the online application form
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* Fill out the e-Visa application form from the Indian visa online website. Please note that each online application form is meant for one person only, and a separate application form has to be filled out for each applicant.
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* Provide your personal and passport information, as required.
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* Make sure to verify the application details before submitting the online application. You can save the online application form and fill it out later, as convenient.
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* For further requirements, applicants will be required to keep the Application ID generated automatically after submitting the online e-Visa application form.
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* Pay the required Indian e-Visa fees using a credit card, debit card, or any other payment wallet.
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* You will receive the approved electronic travel authorization at your provided email address.
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* Make sure to take a printout of the electronic travel authorization and present it at Immigration Check Post, where the e-Visa will be stamped on your passport.
Please note that further modifications will not be allowed once the online application form has been submitted. Hence applicants are requested to review the details before submitting the online application form.
Photo requirements
You will be required to upload a digital photograph of themselves meeting the following requirements and a copy of the passport page, along with the visa application:
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* Format – JPEG
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* Size
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Minimum 10 KB
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Maximum 1 MB
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* The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
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* The photo should present a full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
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* Center head within frame and present full face from the top of hair to bottom of the chin.
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* The background should be plain light colored, or white background.
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* No shadows on the face or in the background.
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* Without borders.
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* Scanned Bio Page of the passport showing the Photograph and Details.
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Format – PDF
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Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 300 KB
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* Other documents for Business/Medical Purposes
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Format – PDF
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Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 300 KB
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Can you check the status of you Indian e-Tourist visa?
Yes, you can check the status of their Indian e-Tourist visa application by following the steps given below:
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* Visit the Indian Visa Online website.
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* Fill in your ‘Application Id’ and ‘Passport Number’.
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* Enter the Captcha accurately.
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* Click on ‘Check Status’
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* You will now be able to view your visa and payment status and print your e-Visa or ETA.
Please note that the Application Id can be found in the Acknowledgement email and the printed Application form.
