30-day India e-visa quiz: Is it the right fit for your travel plans?

Travelers can take the quiz below to find out if the 30-day e-Visa is a good fit for you! The questions are followed by options, and below them are the answers listed with an explanation.

1. Can you use the 30-day India visa for medical or business visits?

(A) Yes, you can use the 30-day electronic visa for medical and business purposes.

(B) No, you can use the 30-day India e-Visa solely for tourism, recreation, voluntary work, sightseeing, short-term yoga, and other informal short courses.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The 30-day India e-Visa is for tourism, sightseeing, meeting family and friends, etc. If visitors are planning a medical or business trip, they’ll need to apply for a different type of visa ( eMedical or eBusiness visa).

However, travelers must note that on a 30-day tourist e-Visa, they can pursue a short-term course in medicine, which should not be a formal or structured course. The course must not exceed 6 months’ duration (as the e-Visa duration is 30 days). Additionally, it must not be issued with a qualifying certificate and diploma.

2. How long is a 30-day Indian visa valid for?

(A) 30 days (approximately one month), allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Indian culture.

(B) Three months, giving you ample time to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The tourist e-Visa is a double entry visa and is valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of entry. This is why it is also called a one-month tourist e-Visa (30 days).

The e-visa for 30 days includes two key dates: the date of issue, when it is issued by the Indian immigration authority, and the date of expiry, which is the final date by which entry into the country must occur.

3. How long can you stay in India on 30-day tourist e-visa?

(A) You can consecutively spend 30 days experiencing the vibrant cities and serene countryside at a leisurely pace.

(B) You can enter the country two times to stay a maximum of 15 days per visit, enabling tourists to explore various regions at their own pace.

(C) Both options (A) and (B) give visitors the flexibility to experience the best of India in a way that suits them the best.

Answer:(C)

Explanation: Tourists can stay in India for up to 30 days consecutively. They can also avail of two entries within 30 days.

4. When do the 30 days start?

(A) The day of arrival marks the beginning of the Indian adventure.

(B) The day of issue, providing a clear timeline for the travel to India.

Answer:(A)

Explanation: The 30-day period commences on the day visitors enter India. Remember, the last day of stay is determined by the date of entry into India. Please note that this date is not explicitly stated on the e-Visa. However, the entry must occur within the date of issuance and expiry date.

5. How many times can you use the 30-day India visa?

(A)Up to two times within 30 days from the date of entry, allowing you to revisit your favorite destinations or explore new ones.

(B) Up to three to four times within the validity period of 30 days if you want to experience more of India’s wonders.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Visitors can enter India twice with a 30-day electronic visa, allowing them to explore different regions as it is a double-entry visa

6. Do You Need to take a Printout of the 30-Day Visa?

(A) No, a digital copy is sufficient for immigration purposes.

(B) It’s optional, but it’s recommended you have a printed copy handy.

(C) Yes, a printed copy is mandatory. Immigration officials will verify your visa has arrived in the country.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Yes, a printed copy of the 30 day e-Visa is required for entry into India.

6. Can you extend the 30-day visa?

(A) Yes, you can extend the visa for up to 30 days if you have a valid reason.

(B) No, the 30-day electronic visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, so plan your trip wisely.

(C) It depends on your circumstances, so check with the Indian embassy for more information.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The 30-day electronic visa for tourism is non-extendable, so visitors must ensure they have enough time to explore India before the electronic visa expires.

7. Can the 30-day Indian e-visa be used to visit prohibited sites?

(A) Yes, you can visit the restricted sites on the e-Visa.

(B) No, you cannot visit prohibited sites on the e-Visa.

(C) Only certain prohibited sites are accessible with special permission.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: No, the 30-Day India e-Visa cannot be used to visit prohibited sites. These sites are off-limits to foreigners due to security reasons. If any visitor wants to visit a prohibited site, they will need to apply for a special permit from the Indian government.

8. Can anyone apply for a 30-day India tourist e-visa?

(A)No, you can apply only if you are a citizen of 171 e-Visa eligible countries.

(B)Yes, anyone in the world can apply for the India tourist e-Visa.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Remember, not every country is eligible for the India tourist e-Visa. There are currently 171 countries eligible for it.

9. Identify the countries currently eligible for the India tourist e-visa?

(A)USA

(B) UK

(C)Pakistan

Answer: Both (A) and (B)

Explanation: Citizens from the USA and the UK are eligible for the Indian e-Visas for tourism (30 days, 1 year, and 5 years). Unfortunately, Pakistani nationals or any traveler of Pakistani origin are not eligible to apply for the electronic visa.

Can I apply for the e-Visa twice?

Yes, travelers can apply for an India e-Visa twice in a calendar year. During the e-Visa application process, exercise caution when making payment to avoid application ID blockage.

If payment attempts are more than three, the application ID will be blocked, requiring the applicant to start a new application. Before re-applying, wait for up to four hours for payment status updates to reflect successfully.

Usually, the Indian e-Visa application can take up to 72 hours to process. 

What is a double entry electronic visa?

A double entry electronic visa allows two visits within the validity period. The 30-day Indian tourist e-Visa allows double entry to individual and group tourists for sightseeing, recreation, family visits, short-term yoga programs, and more.

Please note it is non-convertible and non-extendable.

Why does the electronic visa get rejected?

The reasons for rejection of the Indian e-Visa can vary depending on the type of electronic visa the applicant may have applied for. The most common reasons are having a Pakistan connection, hiding a criminal background, missing business e-visa requirements, and more.

Other reasons can be blurred facial photographs, unclear passport scans, passports expiring soon, incorrect references from the applicant’s home country, and more.

Is the e-Visa valid for cruise ship entries?

Yes, the e-Visa is valid for cruise ship entries, but only if the cruise docks at an e-Visa-approved port such as Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, or Mumbai. For other seaports, a regular visa stamped inside the passport is required.

Do children or minors require an e-Visa?

Yes, all eligible travelers, including children and minors, must have a valid e-Visa to travel to India. It’s essential to ensure that the child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

Is an e-Visa allowed for journalism purposes and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)?

No, an Indian e-Visa is not allowed for journalism purposes and NGO activities.

What does ’Visible Identification Mark’ refer to on the application?

The term’ Visible Identification Mark’ refers to noticeable physical marks such as moles, birthmarks, or permanent scars. These marks should be visible and can be verified upon request by the Indian Immigration authority.

Who is required to carry the Yellow Fever Vaccination card?

Foreign nationals arriving in India within six days from a yellow fever endemic country must possess an original and valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

The list of yellow fever endemic countries can be found on the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website.