In today’s interconnected world, international travel has become both a pleasure and a necessity. Be it business expansion, tourism, academic exchange, or medical consultations—India continues to attract global visitors for diverse reasons. If you're in Singapore and planning to travel to India, understanding the visa process can save you time, money, and stress. This guide, presented by india visa singapore, provides a comprehensive overview of obtaining an India visa from Singapore: what types are available, requirements, detailed procedures, helpful tips, and why IVC Services is the ideal partner for a smooth experience.
1. Why India? A Destination of Endless Possibilities ?
Tourism: From the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces to Kerala’s serene backwaters and the spiritual aura of Varanasi, India offers a kaleidoscope of travel experiences for every taste.
Business: India boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with flourishing sectors in IT, healthcare, textiles, and renewable energy. Singapore-based businesses often engage in collaborations, trade missions, and market research there.
Education and Research: Indian institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) attract international scholars and students.
Medical Tourism: India is gaining prominence for high-quality healthcare and affordable medical treatments, blending state-of-the-art facilities with internationally accredited hospitals.
2. Types of India Visas Available from Singapore
Understanding the type of visa that corresponds to your purpose of travel is essential:
e-Tourist Visa (eTV):
Ideal for leisure, recreation, sightseeing, visiting friends/family.
Maximum stay: up to 60 days.
Multiple entries allowed where applicable.
e-Business Visa (eBV):
Designed for business meetings, trade fairs, investments, and research activities.
Stay duration can go up to 180 days.
e-Medical Visa (eMV) & e-Medical Attendant Visa:
For individuals seeking medical treatment in India.
Valid for up to 60 days; attendants can apply for a separate visa.
e-Conference Visa:
For those attending official conferences/seminars.
Typically valid for up to 30 days.
Regular Sticker Visa:
For long stays such as employment, student programs, or diplomatic visits.
Requires submission of original documents.
3. Eligibility Criteria & General Requirements
Basic Requirements (Applicable to all visa categories):
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India with at least two blank visa pages.
Nationality: You must hold passport(s) from eligible countries.
Arrival & Departure: Entry and exit through designated ports in India.
Return Ticket and Funds: Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds for your stay.
Clean Record: No criminal history, and excluded from restricted lists.
Specific Requirements:
e-Visa Applications:
Digital passport copy (photo page).
Digital photo (as per specifications).
Letter of Invitation (for business/medical/ conference applications).
Sticker Visa Applications:
Original passport submission required.
Additional documents (e.g., admission letter for students, employment contract, medical referral letter, etc.).
4. The Step‑by‑Step Visa Application Process
A. For e-Visas (Tourist, Business, Medical, Conference)
Eligibility Check: Verify your nationality is eligible for India’s e-Visa.
Gather Documents: Passport scan, photo, invitation letter (if needed).
Online Application: Fill out personal and travel details via India’s e-Visa portal.
Upload Documents: Submit passport & photo copies.
Payment: Pay the visa fee online via credit/debit card.
Processing: Typically takes 3–5 business days depending on visa type.
Receive e‑Visa: Issued via email in PDF form.
Travel with e‑Visa: Print and carry the e‑Visa; it is scanned on arrival in India.
B. For Sticker Visas:
Initial Review: Ensure you have all required documents (passport, photos, invitation/admission letter, etc.).
Online Form Submission: Complete the regular visa form online.
Print & Sign: Print the submitted form and sign it.
Document Compilation: Prepare a physical packet including passport, photos, form, supporting documents.
Submission: Submit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) or via designated visa service.
Processing Time: Typically 7–10 business days, though longer processing may apply under certain conditions.
Passport Collection or Delivery: Once issued, you collect your passport with visa sticker or have it couriered.
5. Timelines & Fees (Indicative)
e-Tourist Visa (30-day): SGD 30–45; processing ~3 days.
e-Tourist Visa (60-day): SGD 60–85; processing ~3–5 days.
e-Business Visa: SGD 100–120; processing ~5–7 days.
e-Medical Visa: SGD 45–75; same-day/1–2 day processing in emergencies.
Sticker (Student/Employment): SGD 100–150; processing ~10 days.
(Fees vary with exchange rates, nationality, and urgency.)
6. Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Using an invalid passport (expired or fewer than 2 blank pages).
Uploading photos or scans in wrong format or resolution.
Mixing visa types with incorrect travel purposes.
Booking non-refundable flights before visa confirmation.
Selecting incorrect arrival/departure points or overstaying permitted days.
7. Helpful Tips & Best Practices
Book flights after visa issuance—aim for refundable tickets or flexible date change options.
Maintain digital & physical copies of your visa, passport, and receipts.
Mark your visa expiry date clearly—visa validity may differ from allowed period of stay.
Verify entry ports—only certain airports or seaports allow e-Visa scanning.
Check for documentary updates—due to policy changes, requirement details may vary.
Apply early—especially during peak travel seasons (October–January, April–June).
8. Why Choose IVC Services for Your India Visa
Expertise and Accuracy: Our seasoned visa consultants guide you through the entire process—reducing errors and ensuring your documents are correct.
Time-Saving Convenience: Skip the stress. We'll handle form-filling, document upload, and interactions with Indian consular services.
Fast-Track Options: Need an urgent visa? We offer express processing when travel plans are last-minute.
End-to-End Support: From initial eligibility evaluation to delivery of visa at your doorstep—consider it sorted.
Local Footprint in Singapore: Our on-ground presence enables timely submissions and quick pickups, keeping you updated at every step.
9. FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Can I apply for an India visa from Singapore if I’m not a Singaporean citizen?
Yes. You may apply provided you're a legal resident or hold a long-term pass with sufficient validity.
Q2: Do I still need visa stamps if I hold an existing Indian visa?
No—if your current visa is valid. For e-Visas, bring a printed PDF. For sticker visas, ensure the sticker is intact for re-entry.
Q3: Is multiple entry allowed on all visa types?
Most e-Tourist and e-Business visas include multiple entries, but check the latest policy when applying.
Q4: Can minors apply separately?
Yes. Children need their own visas, though application processes are simplified. Call us for detailed guidance.
Q5: Are transit visas required if staying under 24 hours?
No—if you remain in the airport transit zone. For any exit, a transit visa is required.
10. Checklist Before Applying with IVC Services
Passport valid ≥6 months with 2+ blank pages
Clear passport photo & scan ready
Proof of Singapore residency (if not a citizen)
Purpose-specific documents (flight bookings, invitation letter, etc.)
Visa fee in SGD (plus IVC’s service fee)
Signed & completed visa form
11. Final Thoughts
Traveling to India from Singapore promises countless opportunities—for leisure, business, education, or healthcare. A well‑managed visa application can mitigate potential hiccups and allow you to focus on what truly matters: your purpose of travel. At IVC Services, we are committed to making your India visa process hassle‑free, efficient, and transparent.
Plan ahead, prepare your documents correctly, and let IVC Services handle the rest. Leave the stress behind, and embark on a memorable journey to the vibrant heart of South Asia—India awaits!
