India is one of the most popular countries for backpackers and travel lovers to visit, as well as those looking to broaden their horizons through study or improve business relations. But, whatever the purpose of your visit, will you need a visa if you’re visiting India from Australia?
At Crown Currency Exchange, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Australians applying for a visa to India. We’ll walk you through the process, list the documents you’ll need, and look at how long it will take to receive your visa.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit India?
Any Australian citizen wishing to visit India will need a visa, regardless of the reason you’re visiting. There are also two different types of visas you can apply for when visiting India: business visas and tourist visas.
These visas are fairly self-explanatory, and if you’re visiting India for pleasure or to see friends and family, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. Likewise, if you’re visiting for work, you’ll need to apply for a business visa.
The application process for these visas is quite straightforward and can be done online. This means there’s no need to visit an embassy, and you are not required to attend an interview.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Visa to India?
As is the case with most other countries, there are certain documents you’ll need to provide alongside your application form to help get your visa granted and prevent any delays. These include:
- Your Australian passport: You’ll need to provide your Australian passport information when submitting your application, including your passport number, along with a copy of it. Your Australian passport must also have at least six months left before it expires from the date you enter India. Otherwise, you’ll need to get it renewed before submitting your application.
- Recent passport-style photograph: A recent passport size photograph measuring 400 mm x 300 mm will also need to be submitted with your visa application. This must be front-facing, show only your head and shoulders, and be set against a white background.
- Proof of accommodation: You will also need to provide proof of any hotels, hostels, or other accommodations you have booked for your trip to India, and if you are travelling across India, you’ll need to provide proof of accommodation for each separate place you have booked.
- Proof of travel: As well as accommodation, you’ll need to provide evidence of your flight details, including departure and arrival airports, flight numbers, and the passenger name.
- Bank statements: The immigration officer who processes your visa application will also need to see that you have sufficient funds available to cover your stay in India.
Do Children Need a Visa to Travel to India from Australia?
Children under the age of 18 years old will need a visa, which must be applied for separately by their parent or guardian. There isn’t as much supporting documentation needed though, and all you’ll need to provide is a copy of their birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
However, should the child be travelling with just one parent, you’ll need to provide a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent.
How Do I Apply for a Visa to India?
As soon as you have gathered all of your documents, you can start with the application process. This is actually pretty straightforward and can be done by following these steps:
- Complete the application form: Apply online through the Authorised Portal for Visa Application to India website. Here, you’ll need to provide personal details and select the type of visa you wish to apply for.
- Upload documents: Next, you’ll need to scan and upload your supporting documents. Make sure each scan is clear and readable and uploaded in the format required.
- Check the details: Once you have completed the form and submitted your documents, run back through it and double-check that all of the information provided is correct. This will catch any mistakes and ensure your application is processed as smoothly as possible.
- Pay: The final step, you’ll need to pay your visa fees before your application can be processed. This can be done directly on the website using a credit or debit card.
- Receive your visa: Your visa will be processed, and provided all is well, an e visa will be sent to the email address you provided on your application form. This must be printed and kept safe, as you’ll need to provide it to the immigration officers when you arrive in India.
What is the Processing Time for a Visa from Australia to India?
When you apply for your visa to India, you will be given a choice of three different processing times. These are:
- Standard Processing: This is the cheapest option and takes up to 4 days to process.
- Rush Processing: This speeds things up a little and gives you your visa decision within 2 days.
- Super Rush Processing: The most expensive option, Super Rush Processing guarantees that your visa will arrive in your inbox within 30 hours of the application being received.
While two of these options are great if you need your visa as soon as possible, it’s always best to apply with plenty of time to spare. This allows enough time to answer any queries from immigration officers and fix any mistakes on the form.
Final Thoughts
While there is quite a bit of documentation needed when applying for a visa to India, the application itself is simple. Remember, however, that you will need a visa for any purpose when visiting India from Australia, and not having one will result in your being detained at immigration and returned to your departure port on the next available flight.
As well as being organised with your visa to India, it’s important to make sure you have your travel money sorted before you leave. Crown Currency Exchange has 60 locations in Australia that can help you buy INR at competitive rates with no fees.