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-   -   Is it an unlimited tourist visa (https://britishexpats.com/forum/india-169/unlimited-tourist-visa-894717/)

not2old Mar 30th 2017 5:42 pm

Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
From what I've seen previously on the India immigration website, there was at one time the stipulation rule of a gap of two months 'leave the country requirement' to be able to get the next 'tourist visa'

In the link below, it would seem that the two months does not apply to EU passport holders, Canadians, Australians, Kiwi's, Americans & others

http://mha1.nic.in/pdfs/ForeigD-FAQ-TVisa280710.pdf

Could someone please help clarify this further on how to go from one 180 day visa to getting the next 180 day tourist visa & thereafter?

Thanks


.

BritInParis Mar 30th 2017 10:02 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
What are you trying to do exactly? Live in India on tourist visas?

Bipat Mar 30th 2017 10:46 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by not2old (Post 12217468)
From what I've seen previously on the India immigration website, there was at one time the stipulation rule of a gap of two months 'leave the country requirement' to be able to get the next 'tourist visa'

In the link below, it would seem that the two months does not apply to EU passport holders, Canadians, Australians, Kiwi's, Americans & others

http://mha1.nic.in/pdfs/ForeigD-FAQ-TVisa280710.pdf

Could someone please help clarify this further on how to go from one 180 day visa to getting the next 180 day tourist visa & thereafter?

Thanks

.

That old rule (which no longer applies, apart from the listed exceptions) was for re-entry, after exit when using the same multiple entry tourist visa.

For a new visa you need to apply in the usual way in your home country.

quiltman Mar 31st 2017 1:46 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by BritInParis (Post 12217731)
What are you trying to do exactly? Live in India on tourist visas?

Here in the Philippines, that's exactly what hundreds of expats do! you can renew tourist visas for up to 3 years , then have to leave - technically back to your home country for a month, in practice a 24 hour visa run works then you start your 3 years over again! Costs a fair bit tho' but is straightforward.

Bipat Mar 31st 2017 9:06 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by quiltman (Post 12217851)
Here in the Philippines, that's exactly what hundreds of expats do! you can renew tourist visas for up to 3 years , then have to leave - technically back to your home country for a month, in practice a 24 hour visa run works then you start your 3 years over again! Costs a fair bit tho' but is straightforward.

India routinely gives a 6 month tourist visa, or tourist e-visa, for certain airports, for 30 days.
I believe those who bought property before the law was tightened, or rent long-term and live 'permanently' can get a year visa. No tourist visas can be renewed.
Visa rules are strict because of terrorism risks.
Those who can prove Indian origin and spouses can apply for lifetime visas.

not2old Mar 31st 2017 3:37 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
On the basis it's a British passport holder (retiree aged 65 +) with no connection to India making their first visit with the intention of staying 6 months.

On the basis they have their first 6 month e-visa (tourist), would they need to leave the country before applying for another one, then return?

Or, would it be possible to apply for the second e-visa before a current e-visa expired?

Or should they do a visa run to say Thailand, Singapore, Sri-Lanka to apply from there for the next e-visa?

Suggestions, comments please

Thanks

Bipat Mar 31st 2017 4:20 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by not2old (Post 12218224)
On the basis it's a British passport holder (retiree aged 65 +) with no connection to India making their first visit with the intention of staying 6 months.

On the basis they have their first 6 month e-visa (tourist), would they need to leave the country before applying for another one, then return?

Or, would it be possible to apply for the second e-visa before a current e-visa expired?

Or should they do a visa run to say Thailand, Singapore, Sri-Lanka to apply from there for the next e-visa?

Suggestions, comments please

Thanks

A tourist e-visa is for 30 days only.

An ordinary six month tourist visa, yes, you would also need to leave the country after six months. Visas cannot be renewed, you have to apply for a new one.

It used to be the case that you could apply for a tourist visa from a nearby country, but I think it is possible you do not get it for full 6 months. You could check that on the visa section of Indiamike Forum.

For Citizens of Other Countries - Visa and PIO/OCI Questions - India Travel Forum | IndiaMike.com

not2old Mar 31st 2017 5:27 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
Bipat @ post #7, thanks & sorted for now

Tourist Visa to India - FAQs, Visa Requirements, Application Process, and India Visa Costs - India Travel Forum | IndiaMike.com

* A tourist visa to India allows you stay in India for a maximum period of 180 days or until your visa expires, whichever happens first. Tourist visas can be issued with less than 180 days stay. Please check with the embassy or High Commission in your country. The visa expiry countdown begins from the date of issue of the Indian tourist visa on your passport. So if you have a 5, 10, or even a one year Tourist visa, then the 180-day countdown begins from the time you enter India.

For instance, if you have at least 6 months of validity left on your visa and you enter India on January 1, you will be required to leave on or before June 29, or in a leap year, June 30.


* For UK citizens, 3 month, 6 month, or 1 year tourist visas can be obtained with single, double, or multiple entries - BUT check the VFS website, as of 1st April 2013 it states visas are available for 6 months (£92.20), up to 2 years (£287.20) and 2 to 5 years (£517.20).

*How long will it take to get a tourist visa for India?

-For UK citizens, 5-7 days processing time is usual, but it can take up to 10 days.

not2old Mar 31st 2017 6:11 pm

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
in my situation being both a British citizen as well as a Canadian citizen, it is better for me to apply using my Canadian passport which I am renewing later this year

India 10 year visa for Canadians

https://www.hciottawa.ca/press_detail.php?nid=49


.

a_f_d Apr 9th 2017 5:53 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 
evisas now valid for 60 days double entry. Five year T visas now more generally available (180 day max stay?). link
Foreign nationals (not of Indian origin) who have property in India can get an X visa renewable in India.


AndyD 8-)

Bipat Apr 9th 2017 6:37 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by a_f_d (Post 12224771)
evisas now valid for 60 days double entry. Five year T visas now more generally available (180 day max stay?). link
Foreign nationals (not of Indian origin) who have property in India can get an X visa renewable in India.


AndyD 8-)

Hello Andy, when will the 60 days e-visa etc. start do you think? Is it immediate? (One daughter hasn't got OCI yet.)
Is this all because of future Post Brexit trade deals etc. Hammond, Carney etc.
On a trade mission there?

a_f_d Apr 9th 2017 6:56 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by Bipat (Post 12224784)
Hello Andy, when will the 60 days e-visa etc. start do you think? Is it immediate? (One daughter hasn't got OCI yet.)
Is this all because of future Post Brexit trade deals etc. Hammond, Carney etc.
On a trade mission there?

April 1st - not joking!

AndyD

Bipat Apr 9th 2017 7:26 am

Re: Is it an unlimited tourist visa
 

Originally Posted by a_f_d (Post 12224795)
April 1st - not joking!

AndyD

Thanks for the info. It will be useful when 'our lot' come next Christmas, mainly the increased application window.


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