India issues new UAE travel guide for tourist visa applications

UAE residents and citizens planning travel to India must navigate a specific set of visa protocols based on their nationality and residency status. A new regulatory guide issued on Friday, 24 July, outlines the essential steps for securing entry, distinguishing between the traditional paper-based application and the electronic visa (e-Visa) system. Electronic Visa Eligibility and Costs The India e-Visa is available to citizens of 172 countries, including the UAE. Applicants can choose from multiple durations, including 30 days, one year, or five years. The 30-day tourist e-Visa carries a fee of $25 (Dh92) during peak travel months from July to March. For travelers visiting during the off-peak window of April to June, the fee is reduced to $10 (Dh37.50). The one-year multiple-entry visa is priced at $40 (Dh147), while the five-year option costs $80 (Dh294). Applicants must upload a digital photograph with a white background and a scanned copy of their passport information page. The e-Visa application should be submitted at least four days before the intended arrival date. Once approved, the traveler receives an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which must be printed and presented to immigration officials at one of 31 designated international airports or six major seaports in India. Regular Visa and Documentation Requirements Nationalities not eligible for the e-Visa, or those seeking longer stays for work or medical reasons, must apply for a regular paper visa through…