Is your passport French or German? Are you wondering how to get an India visa for France or Germany? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need on how to obtain a tourist visa, business visa, student visa, and more. We’ll also tell you about certain restrictions that apply if you want to travel to India on business or as a student (or both!). Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting an India Visa for FRENCH Citizens or German citizen!
A) General Facts
The Indian government has been increasingly hostile towards foreign tourists in recent years. While it once seemed like India was letting in everyone with a passport, that’s no longer true. However, there are still a few countries whose citizens can travel to India without obtaining a visa beforehand; most of them are European. It is not uncommon for tourists from these countries to arrive at their destination only to be turned away because they lack a stamp on their passport indicating that they have applied for—and received—an India visa. To avoid being sent back home or having your trip cut short (not an insignificant thing considering how expensive airfare can be), make sure you know everything you need to know about getting an India visa before you leave home. Here’s what you need to know
B) Applying Online with VFS
One of the easiest ways to apply for your India visa is online. Our friends at VFS make it even easier by offering a suite of services that you can use, including applying online. When you submit your application, they will even guide you through what documents need to be collected, printed, signed, and notarized before sending them in. The process can be lengthy—it may take two weeks or more—but is well worth it if you’re short on time or don’t want to collect all of those documents yourself.
C) Options When Applying Online with VFS
There are several options when applying online with VFS, including applying from home, from a friend’s computer, or in person at a VFS office. If you choose to apply from home, you will be required to upload scans of your passport as well as other supporting documents. The application process can take anywhere between 10 minutes (in person) and 30 minutes (online). After submitting your documents and paying processing fees, you will receive either an email notification that your visa has been approved or that more information is needed before approval can be granted. This can vary greatly depending on whether you are replacing an existing visa (single entry only) or getting a new one entirely. India Visa for GERMAN Citizens
D) Phone Support
Remember, no matter where you’re from, even if it’s a country that doesn’t require a visa for India, you will still need to contact your local Indian embassy or consulate with any questions or concerns. You should be able to find their information on your respective government websites. For example, in Germany, please click here. If you live in France and would like further information about getting an India visa from there. However, because of varying laws pertaining to visas depending on citizenship, we always recommend checking with your own government first before making any plans.
E) Reconsideration
Applying for a visa can be intimidating. It’s a time-consuming process, but once you get through it, you have legal permission to be in India. Whether you’re headed there as a tourist or traveling on business, that little stamp of approval allows you easy entry into the country without having to apply every time you travel through Indian customs. As with any type of paperwork, however, getting your visa approved can be complicated—and it might take some reconsideration before you finally manage to get your paperwork stamped properly. If that sounds daunting, fear not; we have everything you need to know about applying for an India visa for French citizens and German citizens right here!
F) Visas on Arrival (VOA)
The Indian government has recently introduced Visas on Arrival (VOA) for travelers from many countries, including Germany. VOA makes traveling to India easier than ever since it allows you to obtain a visa upon arrival at airports in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Goa. So if you’re traveling from Berlin (Germany), Paris (France), or another European city with no Indian consulate nearby, it’s time to start packing your bags! Before making your way to India though, here are some facts about VOA that everyone should know.
G) Emergency Visas
If you’re planning on flying into India, especially as a tourist, then it’s possible you’ll be looking at one of two types of visas—one that is granted in advance (an e-visa) or one that is requested once you arrive at a port of entry. The former allows you to apply online prior to arriving in India, simplifying your paperwork process. The latter requires travel agents or airlines to obtain your visa from a consulate/embassy or airport service provider before your arrival. Both e-visas and emergency visas have their advantages, so it really depends on what country you live in, how long you intend on staying in India, etc.