While India has recently extended to 120 days the period during which the 30-day e-Tourist Visa may be used to enter the country, Indian authorities have now announced a revision of the fees applicable to certain categories of electronic visas (e-Visas)…
This sequence may come as a surprise: at the very moment New Delhi is easing entry conditions to facilitate travel, it is simultaneously strengthening the pricing component of its visa system for longer-term or business-related visas.
A significant increase for the e-Business Visa
Among the most notable changes is the increase in the fee for the one-year business eVisa.
Previously priced at US$80, the updated visa fee schedule now shows this visa being offered at a standard rate of US$120.
Depending on the applicant’s nationality, however, the fee may be significantly higher:
- New Zealand: US$130
- Ukraine: US$130
- United States: US$140
- Poland: US$145
- France: US$165
- Czech Republic: US$190
- Thailand: US$200
- Australia: US$215
- Saudi Arabia: US$215
- Philippines: US$220
- Ecuador: US$240
- United Kingdom: US$242
- United Arab Emirates: US$415
These differences reflect a differentiated pricing structure, apparently based on bilateral agreements and/or reciprocity principles.
The five-year e-Tourist Visa also affected
The five-year tourist eVisa is likewise subject to this revision.
Under the new tourist visa fee schedule, its cost increases from US$80 to a standard rate of US$200.
Some nationalities, however, remain subject to substantially higher fees, particularly citizens of the United Kingdom and certain associated territories such as Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, for whom the price now reaches US$484.
Visa categories remaining unchanged
By contrast, several categories of Indian electronic visas are not affected by any fee changes.
Fees remain unchanged for the following:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Medical Visa (and e-Medical Attendent eVisa)
- e-Ayush Visa (and e-Ayush Attendent eVisa)
