India’s visa policy determines who can enter the country, based on nationality, purpose of travel, and specific eligibility criteria. Below is a concise overview of who can come to India, focusing on visa eligibility, exemptions, and key requirements, tailored to your interest in traveling to shop in Jaipur’s markets.
Who Can Come to India?
1. Visa-Exempt Nationalities
Nepal and Bhutan: Citizens can enter India without a visa or passport for unlimited stays, including living and working, but must not arrive from or transit through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Pakistan.
Maldives: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Cardholders: Exempt from visa requirements; can live and work in India indefinitely. Expired Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards (post-Jan 9, 2015) may also qualify.
NOTE: Nationals of Bangladesh and Pakistan are not eligible for OCI/PIO exemptions.
2. e-Visa Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of over 160 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, most EU nations) can apply for an e-Visa online for short-term visits.
» Types of e-Visas:
e-Tourist Visa:
- For tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends/relatives.
- Validity: 30 days (double entry), 1 year, or 5 years (multiple entries).
- Stay: Up to 90 days per visit (180 days for Canada, Japan, UK, USA).
e-Business Visa:
- For business meetings or trade.
- Validity: 1 year (multiple entries).
- Stay: Up to 180 days per visit.
e-Medical Visa:
- For medical treatment (60 days, triple entry).
- e-Conference Visa: For attending seminars (30 days, single entry).
- Entry Points: Allowed via 31 designated airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur) and 6 seaports (e.g., Cochin, Goa). Land borders are not permitted for e-Visa entry.
Not Eligible for e-Visa:
- Nationals of Pakistan or those of Pakistani origin (must apply for regular visas).
- Holders of diplomatic/official passports or laissez-passer documents.
- Applicants with military/security backgrounds (must apply for regular visas).
3. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
- Available only for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (UAE citizens must have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular visa).
- Valid for 60 days, double entry, at 6 airports: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai.
- Non-extendable, non-convertible; fee ~INR 2,000.
4. Regular Visa Applicants
- Nationalities not eligible for e-Visa or VoA (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China) must apply for a regular visa through Indian embassies or consulates.
- Types include tourist, business, student, employment, medical, and more, for short or long-term stays.
Special Cases:
Pakistani nationals or those of Pakistani origin face longer processing (weeks/months) and stricter scrutiny. Proof of renounced Pakistani citizenship is needed if applicable.
Chinese citizens may face additional checks due to diplomatic relations but are e-Visa eligible.
5. Restricted Areas
Certain regions (e.g., parts of Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, or areas near the India-Pakistan border) require special permits, even with a valid visa. Contact the Indian Bureau of Immigration or state authorities for guidance.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To visit India, including for shopping in Jaipur, travelers must meet these general criteria:
1. Passport
- Valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Must have 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.
2. e-Visa Requirements
Digital Documents:
- Recent passport-style photo (white background, full face).
- Scanned passport bio page (PDF format).
Payment: Visa fee ($10-$100, varies by nationality; non-refundable) via credit/debit card or PayPal.
Travel Details: Return/onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay.
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Business Visa: Invitation letter from an Indian company.
- Medical Visa: Hospital letter confirming treatment.
- Conference Visa: Event invitation.
3. Regular Visa Requirements
- Completed application form via indianvisaonline.gov.in or embassy portals.
- Two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches, white background).
- Supporting documents based on visa type (e.g., hotel bookings for tourism, admission letter for students).
- Proof of residence and financial stability (e.g., bank statements).
- Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) at visa centers like VFS Global, if required.
Fees: $100-$400, depending on visa type and nationality.
4. Health Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccination: Mandatory for travelers from affected countries (e.g., parts of Africa, South America). Carry the certificate.
COVID-19: No widespread vaccine proof required as of April 2025, but check for updates before travel.
5. Other Conditions
No Pakistani Ancestry for e-Visa: Applicants with parents/grandparents born in Pakistan must apply for regular visas.
Purpose of Visit: Must align with visa type (e.g., tourism for shopping in Jaipur). Misrepresentation can lead to entry denial.
FRRO Registration: Required for stays exceeding 180 days (except e-Visa holders staying less than 180 days).
Who Cannot Come Easily?
Pakistani Nationals/Origin: Face strict vetting, longer processing, and must apply via embassies.
Nationals from Conflict Zones: Countries like Afghanistan or stateless persons require extensive background checks.
Travelers to Restricted Areas: Need prior approval for sensitive regions, not applicable to Jaipur.
Ineligible for e-Visa: Those with diplomatic passports or suppressed professional backgrounds (e.g., military) must use regular visa routes.
Conclusion
Most travelers can visit India for a shopping spree in Jaipur with an e-Tourist Visa, available to over 160 nationalities, requiring just a valid passport, photo, and online application.
Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives citizens enjoy visa-free access, while Japan, South Korea, and some UAE nationals qualify for Visa on Arrival.
Others, especially from Pakistan or with Pakistani ancestry, need regular visas with stricter rules. Always apply early, ensure your passport has 6 months’ validity, and carry a yellow fever certificate if required.
For Jaipur, the e-Visa is your simplest bet—shop worry-free at Johari Bazaar with a printed ETA in hand! Check indianvisaonline.gov.in for the latest eligibility or contact your local Indian embassy for specifics.
