For Benin citizens planning to visit India, the e-visa offers a convenient and efficient method of obtaining the necessary travel authorisation. This publication offers in-depth information about how to apply for an e-visa to India, including the types of e-visas available, the application process, requirements, and other essential tips.

India E-visa overview

The India e-Visa is an online travel authorisation created by the Indian Government to simplify obtaining a visa for international tourists. Travellers from qualified nations, such as Benin, are permitted entry into India for a range of reasons, including conferences, business, tourism, and medical visits. Here are vital aspects of the India e-Visa:

Types of E-visas

India offers several categories of e-Visas for Benin citizens based on the visit objectives:

• e-Tourist Visa (e-TV)

  Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends or relatives, cultural events

  Validity: Single or double entry, up to 180 days

  Multiple Entries: Not permitted

  Benefits: Eligible nations can apply easily online without a physical visa stamp.

• e-Business Visa (e-BV)

  Purpose: Engaging in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or conducting market research

  Validity: Up to 180 days

  Multiple Entries: Permitted

  Benefits: Facilitates business travels, permitting multiple entries during the validity span.

• e-Conference Visa (e-CV)

  Purpose: Participation in conferences, seminars, workshops

  Validity: Single entry, short-term (30 days)

  Multiple Entries: Not permitted

  Benefits: Simplifies the visa application process specifically for conference attendance.

• e-Medical Visa (e-MV)

  Purpose: Medical treatments in India

  Validity: Depends on the treatment duration

  Multiple Entries: Depends on the treatment

  Benefits: Provides access to authorised healthcare facilities in India.

• e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV)

  Purpose: Accompanying a holder of an e-Medical Visa

  Validity: Matches the validity of the associated e-Medical Visa

  Multiple Entries: Not permitted

  Benefits: Enables companions to assist patients from Benin during their medical treatment in India.

• e-Ayush Visa (e-AY)

  Purpose: Undergoing treatments within the Ayush system of traditional Indian medicine

  Validity: Varies with treatment

  Multiple Entries: Varies with treatment

  Benefits: Offers access to holistic healthcare practices under the traditional Indian medicinal systems.

• e-Ayush Attendant Visa (e-AY Attendant)

  Purpose: Accompanying an e-Ayush Visa holder

  Validity: Concurrent with the e-Ayush Visa

  Multiple Entries: Not permitted

  Benefits: Supports companions in assisting patients from Benin receiving Ayush treatments in India.

• e-Emergency X-Misc Visa

  Purpose: For emergency or exceptional circumstances (currently unavailable)

  Validity: N/A

  Multiple Entries: N/A

  Benefits: N/A

Eligibility Criteria for India E-visa for Benin Citizens

Before applying for an India e-Visa, citizens of Benin must ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria. This section outlines the necessary requirements to qualify for an e-Visa, ensuring a smooth application process.

Eligibility for Benin Citizens:

• You must hold a valid Benin passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your intended arrival in India and at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• You must not be a citizen of a country with restrictions on E-visas.
• You should not be planning to enter through a non-designated immigration check post.

India E-visa port of entry

Here's the list of the 31 airports that allow entry into India with an Online India Visa (Indian e-Visa):

What are the required documents I need to apply for India E-visa?

When applying for an India e-Visa, the documents needed may differ based on the kind of e-Visa you are applying for (e.g., tourist, business, medical). Here are the general requirements for each category:

Basic Documents for All E-Visa Types

• Passport: A scanned image of your current passport's personal information page.which must have two blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in India.
• Photograph: A recent front-facing photograph with a white background, similar to a passport photo.

Additional Documents by E-Visa Type

E-Tourist Visa

• No additional documents beyond the basic requirements listed above are required.

E-Business Visa

• Business Card or Letter: A copy of your business card or a letter from your company detailing the nature of the business to be conducted.
• Invitation Letter: If applicable, an invitation letter from the Indian company you will visit.

E-Medical Visa

• Medical Letter: This is a letter from the hospital in India where treatment is planned. It should outline the medical treatment to be received.

E-Conference Visa

• Invitation Letter: An invitation from the organiser of the conference. This must be supplemented by a political clearance from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and a clearance for an event from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India.

E-Medical Attendant Visa

• Patient's Medical Visa Copy: A copy of the e-Medical Visa of the patient you will be accompanying.
• Letter from Hospital: Confirmation from the hospital in India involved in the patient’s treatment.

Do children also require an electronic Visa for India? Is there a group Visa for India?

Every person travelling to India, regardless of their age, must have their own visa. This includes infants and children who possess their own passports. India does not offer a family or group visa option; every traveller must submit a separate visa application.

Guide to Obtaining an Indian Visa for Benin Citizens

This guide outlines the steps for Benin citizens applying for an Indian visa. It includes a pre-application checklist to help ensure you have all necessary items ready, such as a valid passport, recent photographs, relevant documents, and a payment method for the visa fee, making the application process smoother.

Pre-application Checklist

Before starting your visa application, make sure you have:

• A valid Benin passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
• Recent passport-size photographs.
• Appropriate supporting documents based on the visa type you are seeking.
• A credit or debit card is ready to pay the visa fee.

Step-by-step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

• Go to the Indian Visa Online portal. Carefully fill in the Indian visa application form, ensuring that all mandatory fields are accurately completed to avoid any delays in processing.

Step 2: Document Submission

• Assemble and submit all required documents, which typically include your passport, photographs, and possibly an invitation letter from India, depending on the type of visa.

Step 3: Visa Fee Payment

• Pay the visa fee online following the guidelines provided on the application portal. Be sure to keep a copy of the payment receipt for your records.

Step 4: Track Your Application

• You're able to monitor the status of your visa application using the application ID provided after your application has been submitted.

Step 5: Approval and Delivery: Upon approval of the application, the visitor receives the visa immediately by email.

This guide provides a clear pathway for Benin citizens to follow when applying for an Indian visa, ensuring a straightforward and efficient application process.

Fee structure of India E-visa

The price of an Indian e-visa varies depending on the visa type, the applicant's nationality, the number of entries, and the desired processing speed. For accurate pricing, you can refer to the Indian visa feewebpage. This page offers a fee table or a calculator to help you determine the exact cost according to your specific needs.

How much time will it take to Process?

Here are all the available processing times for India E-visa:

Normal Processing	3-5 Working days	No extra cost
Urgent Processing	1-3 Working days	Extra costs may be applied

Can Beninese citizens obtain a visa on arrival in India?

Beninese citizens are generally required to secure a visa before arriving in India. This can be done through an online application. While there are certain rare exceptions where Beninese travelers might be granted a visa on arrival—such as for medical reasons or to attend a conference—these instances are not common and cannot be depended upon for all travel purposes. It is advisable for Beninese citizens who are interested in travelling to India to apply for a visa well in advance of their travel date.

Key Guidelines for Benin e-Visa Applicants

• Photo Specifications: For your Indian visa application, Ensure your photo is a recent JPEG, sized between 10 KB and 1 MB, with minimum dimensions of 350 x 350 pixels. It should show your full face against a light background without glasses. Avoid using cropped passport photos to prevent application rejection. Non-compliance, such as a blurry image, may also lead to rejection.
• Port of Entry Restrictions: Be aware that not all ports of entry in India permit the entry of e-Visa holders. It's important to check the designated entry points which accept e-Visa arrivals in India, information that can be found on the Indian e-Visa website.
• Currency Exchange: Consider exchanging Beninese Franc (XOF) to Indian Rupee (INR) upon your arrival at major airports in India.
• Travel Insurance: Although not a requirement for the visa application, obtaining travel insurance is advisable to cover unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
• Local SIM Card: purchasing a SIM card for the region upon arrival can be beneficial for staying connected and navigating around easily. Ensure your phone is unlocked to use the Indian network.
• Transport Safety: Opt for authorized and reputable transport services, especially for journeys from the airport to your place of stay to ensure your safety.

FAQs

Which type of e-visa should I apply for if I'm visiting India for tourism?

Apply for the e-Tourist Visa (e-TV). It allows for single or double entry for a maximum of 90 days per visit.

My friend requires medical treatment in India. Can I accompany them with an e-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV)?

Yes, you can apply for an e-MAV. You'll need a copy of their e-Medical Visa and a confirmation letter from the hospital involved in their treatment.

Can I enter India through any airport with an e-visa?

No, there are designated entry airports. You can find a list of the 31 airports that allow e-visa entry on the website.

How long is a tourist e-visa valid for? Are extensions possible?

Tourist e-visas come in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year validity options. Extensions are not possible for e-visas.