Can US citizens travel to India right now?
Yes. Blessed with stunning landscapes and rich heritage, India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Numerous travelers arrive in India to visit the pilgrimage sites and immerse themselves in its diverse culture. Since November 2021, India has lifted a 20-month ban on international travel thanks to the increasing vaccination and low coronavirus infection rates. That means US citizens are now free to have a trip to India. Before traveling to the country, a visa is an indispensable item that US nationals must not forget.
The Indian Government has issued an electronic visa which accelerates the visa application process, eliminating the need to apply for a regular visa at a diplomatic mission. To apply for an Indian visa online, US travelers need to have some required documents at hand. Some necessary documentation will be required during the application process are:
- A scan of the passport’s biographical page. The passport used to apply must be valid for at least 06 months from the intended entry date in India.
- A recent photograph of the applicant in any version with a clear face against a white/ plain background.
- A valid email address to receive Indian eVisa.
Besides that, US citizens should prepare some additional papers depending on the type of visa they are applying for.
- For a Business eVisa: A business card, an invitation letter from the host, as well as the host’s ID card/ passport (If any)
- For a Medical eVisa: A medical letter from an Indian hospital
- For a Conference eVisa: An invitation letter from the conference organizer and political clearance from the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).