India Visa for Australian Citizens

As an Australian citizen, you can now conveniently apply for an Indian eVisa online to explore this captivating monument and immerse yourself in India’s rich cultural tapestry.

Here is everything you need to know about India eVisa for Australian citizens, including its application process, eligibility criteria, document requirements, and key considerations.

Types of India Visas for Australians

India offers several types of eVisas tailored to the needs of Australian visitors:

India eVisa Fees for Australian Tourists

Note: An additional 3.5% on PayPal or 2.5% Payment Gateway charge applies to India visa fees for Australians.

India eVisa Eligibility Criteria for Australian Citizens

To qualify for an India eVisa, Australian applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Passport Validity: Your Australian passport should have at least 6 months of validity from arriving in India.

• Purpose of Visit: Your visit must fall under one of these categories:

  • Recreation, sightseeing, or casual visit to meet friends/relatives

  • Short-term yoga, Vedic culture, or Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, etc.) courses

  • Business meetings or activities

  • Medical treatment (including AYUSH)

• Return/Onward Journey Ticket: You must have a return or onward journey ticket with sufficient funds to cover your stay in India.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are arriving from a Yellow Fever-affected country, you must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

India eVisa Document Requirements for Australian Tourists

When applying for an India eVisa, Australian citizens must submit the following documents:

1. Passport: A scanned copy of your Australian passport’s bio page, with at least two blank pages for stamping upon arrival.

2. Photograph: A recent, front-facing, white background photograph in JPEG format (size: min 10 KB, max 1 MB; dimensions: min 350 x 350 pixels).

How to Apply for India eVisa for Australian Citizens?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for your India eVisa:

Step 1: Visit the official India eVisa website.

Step 2: To begin your application, click the ‘Apply Here’ button.

Step 3: Select your eVisa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, etc.), and fill in your nationality, port of arrival, and other required details. Click ‘Continue’.

Step 4: Complete the application form with your personal, passport, and visit details. Ensure all information matches your passport.

Step 5: Upload your passport page scan and photographs per the specified guidelines.

Step 6: Pay the visa fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal.

Step 7: Submit your application and note down your Application ID for future reference.

Step 8: Await your visa approval via email within the specified processing time.

Visa Processing Time and Next Steps

• Processing Time: The India eVisa processing time for Australians is typically 72 hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 5 days.

• Checking Application Status: You can check your visa status by visiting the official portal and entering your Application ID and Passport Number.

• Approval Email: Upon approval, you will receive your eVisa via email. Print a copy to carry with you during your trip.

• Passport Stamping: Present your approved eVisa and passport at the Indian immigration desk for stamping.

India eVisa Rejection Reasons for Australian Citizens

Common reasons for India eVisa rejection for Australian applicants include:

1. Incorrect or incomplete information in the application form.

2. Unclear or non-compliant passport page scan or photograph.

3. Insufficient or invalid supporting documents.

4. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria based on the purpose of the visit.

5. Adverse background verification or security concerns.

Top Reasons to Visit India for Australia Tourists

Climate

India’s climate varies significantly across regions and seasons. The best time to visit is from October to March when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C).

Australian visitors should pack light, breathable clothing for the day and warmer layers for cooler evenings.

The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, especially in coastal areas. Carry appropriate rain gear if traveling during this period.

Flight

• Several airlines, including Air India, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines, operate direct flights from major Australian cities to India.

• Flight duration ranges from 10-16 hours, depending on the route.

• Return fares start from approximately AUD 800-1200, with higher prices during peak seasons.

Visa Requirements

Australians must obtain a valid eVisa before traveling to India.

• The eVisa application process is entirely online, with fees ranging from AUD 18-148 based on the visa type and validity.

• Processing typically takes 72 hours, but applying at least 4 days before the intended travel date is advisable.

Currency Exchange and Affordability

The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency, with an exchange rate of approximately 1 AUD = 55 INR (as of May 2023).

India is generally affordable, with budget accommodations starting from AUD 10-20 per night and meals costing around AUD 2-10. However, prices can be higher in popular tourist areas and luxury establishments.

Tourism Trends and Popularity

India has seen a steady growth in Australian tourist arrivals, with over 350,000 visitors in 2019 before the pandemic.

Popular destinations include the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Goa, Kerala, and Rajasthan. Australians are drawn to India’s rich history, diverse culture, spiritual experiences, and culinary delights.

Language Support

English is widely spoken and understood in major cities and tourist areas. However, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi can be helpful.

Most signs and announcements in public places are in English and Hindi. Translation apps like Google Translate can assist with communication when needed.

Religious and Cultural Ties

India is a land of diverse religions, with Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism being the most prominent.

The country celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja, offering unique cultural experiences for visitors. Australian tourists can explore iconic spiritual sites like the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and the Golden Temple.

FAQs

1. What is an Australia tourist eVisa, and who can apply?

An India tourist eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible Australian citizens to enter India for tourism purposes. All Australian passport holders can apply for an eVisa online.

2. What documents are needed for an Australia eVisa?

To apply for an India visa, Australians need a valid passport, a recent photograph, and a credit/debit card or PayPal account for fee payment. Additional documents may be required based on the purpose of the visit.

3. How long is the India eVisa valid for Australian citizens?

The validity of an India eVisa for Australians depends on the visa type:

• 30 days double-entry eVisa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival

• 1 Year multiple-entry eVisa: Valid for 1 year from the date of grant

• 5 Years multiple-entry eVisa: Valid for 5 years from the date of grant

4. How much does an India eVisa cost?

The India visa fee for Australian citizens varies based on the visa type and season:

• 30 days eVisa (April to June): AUD 18.49

• 30 days eVisa (July to March): AUD 46.24

• 1 Year eVisa: AUD 73.97

• 5 Years eVisa: AUD 147.92

An additional payment gateway charge of 2.5% applies.

5. Can I apply for an India Visa on arrival?

No, Australian citizens cannot apply for an India visa on arrival. The visa must be obtained online before traveling to India.

6.Is a printed copy of the visa required?

Yes, it is recommended that Australian citizens carry a printed copy of their eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to India. Immigration officials may ask for it upon arrival.

7. Can I extend my India eVisa?

No, the India eVisa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer than the granted duration, you must apply for a regular visa at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

8. What should I do if my India eVisa is rejected?

If your India eVisa application is rejected, you will receive an email stating the reason for rejection. You may need to apply again with the correct information and supporting documents or opt for a regular visa through the Indian embassy.

9. Do minors need their Indian eVisa?

Yes, minors must have their eVisa to travel to India. Each traveler, regardless of age, requires a separate eVisa.

10. What is the processing time for an India eVisa?

The standard processing time for an India eVisa for Australian citizens is 72 hours. However, it may take up to 5 days in some cases. Applying at least 4 days before your intended travel date is recommended.