Indian Tourist Visa Requirements for Italians and Latvians

India has been one of the attractive tourist destinations for European tourists. With seamless travel facilities and easier access to several tourist attractions in India, European tourists find that the country offers the most diverse travel experience. As per the official data, over a million European tourists visited India in 2023.

However, to come to India, one must apply for a valid visa. If you don’t know how to apply, or what documents you need to apply for a tourist visa from Italy or Latvia, we are here to help you. 

What if you have not applied for an Indian visa? Can you get a visa on arrival? We will know all about these in this blog. Let’s start with the types of Indian visas available for you, especially if you are coming from Italy or Latvia.

Types of Indian Tourist Visas Available

You can get an Indian visa from the comfort of your home by visiting the relevant website online. Indian visas for Italian citizens or any other citizens are now very easy to get. Let’s explore the types of visas you can get online in detail.

E-Visa or Electronic Visa

International travellers who wish to explore the rich and diverse land of India, might apply for an e-visa. 

To apply for this visa, you will need to have a passport that will remain valid for six months after you enter the country. However, you cannot apply for an e-visa if you have diplomatic work in the country. Otherwise, you are welcome to apply for the same.

Before you plan for a trip to India, make sure to plan an itinerary to fully optimize your stay in the country. You should also have your return ticket or a ticket to an onward destination, as proof of your departure from the country. 

Your financial position should also be strong enough to support your stay in the country. 

E-tourist visa comes in two variants-

• 30-day validity, double entry, and a maximum you can stay for 30 days
• One year and Five years e-tourist visa, multiple entry option but maximum stay can be up to 180 days in a calendar year.

Choose the one as per your plan. Remember that you cannot visit the country on a multiple-entry e-tourist visa and do your business or any other work.

Regular Tourist Visa

You also have an option to apply for a regular tourist visa to India. However the process is much more time-consuming compared to the electric version. Still, let’s give you a brief description of the application process.

During the initial stage, you have to fill out the application on the online platform and submit it. After submission, take a printout of the same, sign it, attach necessary documents (a valid passport and other supporting documents), and then submit it to the Indian Application Center in your country.

Upon approval, you will receive your visa through post or Indian Mission or Visa Application Center. Through this process, you can get an Indian visa for Latvian citizens or an Indian visa for Italian citizens.

But is there any option for you to get a visa on arrival if you are an Italian or Latvian citizen? Let’s find out.

Visa on Arrival

Sadly, this visa is not approved for Italian or Latvian citizens. The only people who can apply for a visa on arrival are citizens from South Korea, Japan, and the UAE.

Applying for an Indian eVisa: A Step-by-Step Process

As an Italian or Latvian tourist, you have to follow a specific process to complete the application for the same. Let’s explore the steps one by one.

Online Application Process 

Whether you are applying for an Indian visa for an Italian citizen or an Indian visa for a Latvian citizen, first, you have to fill in the application form.

• In the online application form you have to fill in your personal details like your name, DOB, personal email address, residential address and mobile number.
• Next, you have to fill in your passport information, the issuing country, date of issue and expiry date.
• Fill in other necessary details like – education, nationality, occupation and others. 
• Before final submission, check the information you have filled in and see if there are any misspellings or incorrect information you have entered.
• Now, sit back and relax till your visa is approved. 

You’ll receive the visa via email after it is approved. 

Documents Needed  

At the time of making an application for an Indian visa through an online portal, you have to present some important documents. It includes the following-

• A valid Italian passport for Italian citizens and a valid Latvian visa for Latvian citizens.
• Scanned photocopy of your passport, especially the first page with your personal information and passport-sized photo.
• You have to upload a scanned copy of your passport-sized photo
• A functional email address 
• A valid card (either a credit or debit card) 

Additionally, you will have to present a return flight ticket to mark the day of your exit from the country.

Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in India  

Once you arrive at any airport in India with a valid Indian visa for an Italian citizen or an Indian visa for a Latvian citizen, you will have to go through immigration. 

You will need to fill out an Arrival card upon arrival, and your personal belongings will be checked.  If any object that you possess does not go with the norm or doesn’t match the item list you have provided, you may not enter the country. 

Once you arrive at the airport, you will have to register your biometric data as a mandatory procedure. Any person visiting or leaving the country goes through immigration. 

How To Avoid Rejection of Your Visa 

Don’t worry, there is no reason for your visa application getting rejected. However, if you wish to avoid this scenario, then you should avoid making the following mistakes: 

• Incomplete application form with single or multiple mistakes. To avoid such mistakes, double-check your application form to find out any mistakes.
• Lack of funds to support your stay in the country and return home or travel onward. The only way to resolve this is to show a sufficient balance in your bank and get the approval.
• Not providing all the required documentation at the time of application for your Indian visa for Italian citizens or Indian visa for Latvian citizens. Avoid this mistake by knowing all the requirements of documents and keeping them with you at the time of application.

If you follow these tips, you will have no issues getting your visa application approved.

Extending or Renewing an Indian Visa 

Can you extend or convert your Indian visa? The answer is – ‘No, you cannot’. Indian visa once issued to you cannot be extended or converted to another category. If you need an extension of an e-tourist visa, you’ll have to exit the country and apply again.

Why wait anymore? Book your ticket to India now!

Now that you know everything about visiting India, apply for an Indian visa as an Italian or Latvian citizen online. You will receive the visa online. We suggest you apply for an e-tourist visa as it is the most convenient way to get an Indian visa. Keep necessary documents at hand and get your itinerary ready to visit the country.

Remember, it cannot be extended or converted into a different visa type. So, leave the country before your visa expires. Otherwise, you may experience legal action. Wishing you a safe trip.