India visa info

India says it want tourists, but does its best to screw them around with the visa process, it still uses colonial bureaucracy, at least in Kathmandu. Plan ahead.

Visa on arrival

NOT possible.

Visa issued from India's embassy in Kathmandu 

Yep, you will have to waste good time on this. You have to have an interview simply to get the form, then wait.

There are two types available:

Transit visa - this is valid for a maximum of 14 days FROM the date of issue, not the date you enter India. 2 photos required.

Tourist visa - valid for 6 months from the date of entry. First you have to fill out a telex form so that they can check whether you have been refused a visa in your home country, and wait a week for a reply, then it is a one day process of waiting. The cost varies by country but US$40 or so is normal.

Visa issued in your home country

This is definitely the best option. In London you wait 10-20 minutes and the process is complete. Using your travel agent's visa services is worth it, if you are not in London. Similarly in the USA. If they ask you where you are going in India just say Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Saying that you are going trekking invites unwarranted attention.

For Americans, there are 5 and 10 year visa options available, well worth getting one of these if you will be returning.

You might have to list two contact addresses in India, you can use these the hotel we usually stay in and our Delhi agent's address:

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