How to Apply for a Tourist Visa from India: Step-by-Step Guide

If travelling abroad has been a dream of yours since a young age, then it is time to go for it finally. There can not be enough places in the world to visit before we die. But first things first, while you plan a vacation to a foreign country, a common requirement becomes, getting a visa. A visa is like a permit which allows you to travel to any country with all the legalities and permissions. Thus, while applying, there are some basic steps you have to follow to get your visa.

1.   Why Getting a Visa is Important?

A tourist visa is important if you want to travel and explore any country. While it is not mandatory for all countries, for many, it is an essential document. A visa is important to enter legally into any country and for specific purposes like travelling, business, meeting family members and others. it also help prevent any threat to the countries and stop illegal activities. Getting an Indian e visa is not difficult if you follow these simple steps:

Step 1- Choose the Destination of Your Choice

Before applying for a visa, you need to select which destination you are planning your vacation for. This becomes the most important step because, as mentioned above, not all countries require visa, therefore there might be a case where you need to apply for a visa at all. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius and others do not require visa for Indians to travel. so, you need to check your destinations, before your visa application.

I)  Did You Know the Various Categories of Visa?

After choosing the destination where you are travelling, you need to know about the various kinds of visas which are there. Yes! You heard right, there are many different types of visas which are available according to the choice of work you are visiting for. Some common visa types are mentioned below according to their respective works:

Types of Visas                                          
1. Tourist visa:- allows entry for tourists to travel legally in any country
2. Student visa:- allows students to study abroad
3. Business visa:- allows to set up a business in a foreign country with permit            
4. Medical visa:- allows for medical related visits            
5. Employment visa:- allows if you are offered a job or employment

Also Read:- What Is The Difference Between E-Visa and a Regular Visa?

Step 2- Gather all the Required Set of Documents

Buckle up! And be alert, as the documents listed below are some of the common ones you need to gather for your visa application:

i) Firstly, you need a passport which is valid, for your visa application

ii) Passport size photos, you may require two or more of these

iii) You will also need a complete travel itinerary (flight tickets, no. of days and more)

iv) Valid proof of accommodation, meaning, where you will be staying during your trip

v) Proof of financial means

vi) Medical certificates (Tuberculosis, COVID and others)

vi) and lastly you will need travel insurance

Step  3- Time to Fill Out the application Form

There are various government websites through which you can fill out the application for your visa. You can visit them and after reading all the basic information, fill out the application form from that website. Apart from this, you can always go for a trusted travel agency, which can make your visa application procedures easier and swifter. Be aware of the visa related scams that are going in the market. Double check the agency and make sure it is trusted. You can easily apply for your tourist visa from international visa services from India.

While filling the application form, keep a check on spelling errors and all the other information, as they can be the reason for the delay or even rejection sometimes. Match the information filled by you from the respective document, while filling in the form.

Step 4- Book the Visa appointment

After filling the application form carefully, you are now required to book a slot for your visa appointment. You can proceed your booking through any trusted websites or via embassy. Other than this, there are many visa facilitation centres which are there to help you out with everything in visa procedures. You should also gather some information regarding all the questions that might be asked during your visa interview.

Step 5- Paying the Designated Visa Fees

When you are done with your application process, you have to pay the assigned amount of fees for completion of your visa. You can pay the fees through online and offline medium, as per your wish. One important thing that you have to keep in mind is that different countries have their different visa fees, which are mandatory to pay. Generally, visas have a non-refundable policy, but you can still check if it is available in case of rejection or last minute change of plans.

Also Read:- The Ease of Acquiring an E-Visa for Dubai

Step 6- Keep Checking Your Visa Updates 

Since you are done with the whole procedures, it is time for you to wait for your visa to get accepted. Make sure to keep a track of your visa through online portals. If booked through agencies, then keep taking updates from there.

Step 7- Hooray! You Got Your Visa

Now what? Time to plan your dreamy and soothing vacation. Take a quick sneak-peek on the validity dates of your tourist visa and restrictions if there are any. Do not forget to pack all the documents that might be required during your trip. 

2. Avoid These Common Mistakes That Can Make Your Visa Rejected  

Being human beings, making mistakes is part of the common behaviour. But, here you would not want to make any mistakes because they will lead to delays, and rejection sometimes. So, here are some extremely common mistakes that people tend to do while applying for visas:

i) Filling out application form incorrectly, or incomplete.

ii) Having invalid travel insurance.

ii) Having expired passports

iv) errors in documents

Wrapping It Up

After going through the whole process, you will easily be able to receive your tourist visa. Hence, with Travel Saga Tourism, you can plan an uninterrupted, fun-filled, and splendid vacation in any country of your choice. And, no worries if you are stuck anywhere. Read again all the steps carefully, to avoid the mistakes and clarify all your doubts.