German Citizens

Types of Indian Visas for German Citizens:

1. Tourist Visa: This visa is issued to foreigners who wish to visit India for tourism purposes such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural events. It is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days and cannot be extended.
2. Business Visa: This visa is granted to individuals travelling to India for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. It allows multiple entries and can be valid for up to 5 years.
3. Employment Visa: Issued to those who have secured employment in India or plan to work on a project/contract basis with an Indian company.
4. Medical Visa: For those seeking medical treatment in India, this visa allows entry into the country with two accompanying attendants.
5. Conference/Seminar Visa: Issued specifically for attending conferences/seminars held by government organizations in India.

1. Determine the Type of Visa Required – The first step is identifying the purpose of your visit and selecting the appropriate type of visa from the options mentioned above.
2. Required Documents – Once you have determined the type of visa needed, gather all necessary documents such as passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and two blank pages, a travel itinerary, etc.
3. Fill Out Online Application Form – All applicants must fill out the online application form available on the Indian government’s official visa website.
4. Wait for Visa Approval – The processing time for Indian visas can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you applied for.
5. Collect Your Visa – You can get it in your email once approved.

Types of Indian Visas Available for German Citizens

There are several types of Indian visas available for German citizens, depending on the purpose and duration of their visit to India. Each type of visa has its specific requirements and conditions, so it is important to select the appropriate one for your trip carefully.

1. Tourist Visa: This type of Indian visa is suitable for those who wish to visit India for recreational or sightseeing purposes. It allows a stay of up to 90 days and can be obtained with single or multiple entries. The application process is fairly simple and can be done online through the Indian official e-visa website.

2. Business Visa: As the name suggests, this visa is intended for individuals travelling to India for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. It has a maximum validity of one year with multiple entry options and requires a letter from the sponsoring company in India and other supporting documents.

5. Medical Visa: If you require medical treatment in India, this visa allows you to enter the country for that purpose only. A recommendation letter from your doctor, along with proof of appointment at an Indian hospital or clinic, must be submitted during the application process.

6. Conference Visa: This type of visa is granted if you plan on attending a conference or seminar in India organized by an Indian government agency/department/university/educational institution/private organization, etc.

7. Medical Attendant Visa: If you travel to India for medical treatment and need someone to accompany you, a medical attendant visa can be obtained for your companion. A letter from the hospital in India and proof of relationship between the patient and attendant is required.

Process for German Citizens to complete the India Visa Application

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for an Indian visa as a German citizen, you must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining from the date of arrival in India. Your passport must also have at least two blank pages for stamping purposes. Additionally, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India and return ticket or onward travel arrangements.

Application Process:

The application process for an Indian visa can be done online. If applying online, you must complete the application form on the official website (https://www.india-online-visa.com) and upload all required documents, such as a passport copy, photograph, travel itinerary, etc.

Required Documents:

Along with filling out the application form correctly and completely online, some other essential documents need to be submitted along with your application:

• A photocopy of your passport bio-page
• Proof of residence (if not residing in Germany)
• Proof of financial standing
• Confirmed flight tickets or itinerary
• Accommodation details (hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host)
• Any other documents specific to the type of visa you are applying for

Visa Fees:

The fees for an Indian visa vary depending on the type and duration of your stay and the processing time. The fees can be paid online or through a bank transfer if applying through an embassy/consulate.

Processing Time:

The processing time for an Indian visa may also vary depending on the type of visa and your location. It is best to apply at least four weeks before your planned travel date to allow enough time for processing.

Is there a requirement for German Citizens to visit Indian Embassy at any stage?

When an Indian Visa from Germany is applied online, there is no requirement at any stage to visit the Indian Embassy or Indian Consulate. Once the eVisa for India is received by email, you are authorised to travel to India.

You do not have to visit the Indian Embassy for any confirmation or stamp on the passport.

Indian Visa Online is recorded in the central computer system of the Government of India; the Immigration Officers can access this information from any Airport in the world. Your name, passport number, and German Nationality are recorded in the computer system.

German citizens are required to either keep a soft copy of an email received on their Phone/Computer/Tablet or a printed copy and carry the eVisa to the airport. There is no stamp requirement on the passport for German citizens for the electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) that is sent in an email.

How Long is an Indian Visa Valid for German Citizens?

When planning a trip to India, one of the first things that German citizens need to consider is obtaining an Indian visa. This essential document allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in India for a specific period. However, many travellers have questions about the validity of an Indian visa for German citizens.

The length of time that an Indian visa is valid for German citizens depends on several factors. Firstly, it is crucial to understand that there are various types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit. For short-term visits such as tourism or business trips, German citizens can apply for an e-tourist or e-business visa, which is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India.

If you plan on staying longer in India or wish to visit multiple times within a year, you can apply for a regular tourist or business visa. These visas are typically valid for up to six months from the date of issue and allow multiple entries into India. However, it is important to note that the duration of stay per visit cannot exceed 180 days.

For those looking to live and work in India, there are longer-term visas available. The Employment Visa is issued for up to five years or the duration of the employment contract (whichever is less) and allows multiple entries into the country. On the other hand, if you plan on studying in India, you can obtain a Student Visa with a validity period based on your course duration.

It’s also worth mentioning that all visas have a “valid until” date specified on them. This refers to the last day by which you must enter India using that particular visa after it has been issued. If this date passes without entry into India, your visa will no longer be valid.

In addition to these factors, keep in mind that Indian visas may have different validity periods depending on your nationality and other individual circumstances. Therefore, it’s always best to confirm with the Indian embassy or consulate in Germany for the most accurate information.

The validity of an Indian visa for German citizens varies depending on the type of visa, purpose of visit, and individual circumstances. It is essential to carefully consider your planned activities in India and choose the appropriate visa type to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Important Tips and Reminders for Applying for an Indian Visa

1. Start the Application Process Early: It is recommended to start the Indian visa application process at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. This will allow you enough time to gather all the necessary documents and complete any additional steps that may be required.
2. Check Your Passport Validity: Before applying for an Indian visa, ensure your passport is valid at least six months from arriving in India. If your passport expires soon, it is advised to renew it before starting the visa application process.
3. Choose the Correct Type of Visa: There are various types of visas available for travellers visiting India, such as tourist visas, business visas, and medical visas. It is essential to determine which type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel and apply accordingly.
4. Complete the Online Application Form Accurately: The Indian e-visa application requires detailed information about personal data, travel plans, and other relevant details. Double-check all entries before submitting to avoid any mistakes or delays in processing.
5. Provide Required Documents: Along with the completed online application form, certain supporting documents must be submitted while applying for an Indian visa. These can include a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a recent colour photograph with a white background, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), flight tickets or itinerary, hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in India (if applicable).
6. Be Aware of Non-Eligibility Criteria: Some individuals may not be eligible for an Indian e-visa due to criminal record or previous denial/revocation of an Indian visa. Check if you fall under any non-eligibility criteria before filling out the application form.

Should German citizens courier passports/photographs/documents to the Indian Embassy?

No, you do not need to courier any required or supporting document to obtain an Indian e-Visa. German Citizens can send the evidence documents by email in response to a query by the Immigration Officer or Government of India requirement regarding your Indian Visa Application or upload documents on this website in case required to support your India Visa Application. The link to upload documents required for Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) will be sent to the applicant’s email address provided at the time of filing Indian Visa Online. German Citizens can also email directly to India e-Visa Help Desk.

How many Airports can the citizens of German arrive in India?

Citizens of Canada can utilise the eVisa India on Thirty One (31) Airports as on 2024. This list of airports is constantly revised to stay up to date on the Indian Visa Arrival Airports and Seaports. Note that, if your Airport or Seaport is not in the list, then you should book a regular paper Visa at one of the Indian Embassy.

Is Indian Visa for German citizens needed if coming by cruise ship?

Electronic India Visa is required if coming by a cruise ship. As of today, however, the eVisa India is valid on the following sea ports if arriving by cruise ship:

• Chennai
• Cochin
• Goa
• Mangalore
• Mumbai

Can the German Citizens arrive in India from any country or only depart from their country of Passport?

You can arrive from any other country, no necessarily commence your flight or cruise from the country of your passport. Additionally, once you have received an Indian eVisa by email, you are not required to either visit the Indian embassy or get a paper stamp on your passport.

When do I need to contact Embassy?

During the Online electronic Visa process for India, at no stage are you required to visit or call Embassy of India.

However, if your eVisa is rejected for some reason, which is very rare case, then, you may be asked to apply for a regular paper Visa at the Indian Embassy. Read our guide on how to avoid rejection of Indian Visa.

11 Things To Do and Places of Interest for German Citizens

• Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
• The Great Stupa, Sanchi
• The Great Living Chola Temples, Thanjavur
• Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
• Nalanda University, Bihar Sharif
• Cooch Behar Palace, Cooch Behar
• Belur Math, Belur
• Akbar’s Tomb, Agra
• Sundarbans National Park, South 24 Parganas
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
• Marina Beach, Chennai

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions