Visas
What is the difference between the regular visa and the electronic visa (e-visa)?
The regular visa has a longer duration (up to 6 months, from 1 to 5 years from the date of the issuance) and offers multiple entries in India. This visa is issued in person at the High Commission of India in Kingston (see JURISDICTION).
The electronic visa (e-visa) has a shorter duration (60 days from the date of entry) and offers double entry in India. The electronic visa can be issued for the sole purposes of Tourism (e-Tourist Visa), Business (e-Business visa), and Medical Treatment (e-Medical visa).
What is the ideal visa for my trip to India?
The regular visa can be issued in the following categories. For more information, go to the REGULAR VISA / VISA TYPES section.
The electronic visa can be issued in the following categories. For more information, go to the section TYPES OF VISA / ELECTRONIC VISA (e-visa).
– e-Tourist Visa (e-TV)
– e-Business Visa (e-BV)
– e-Medical Visa (e-MV)
Electronic Visa (e-visa)
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I apply for an electronic visa (e-visa)?
To apply for the electronic visa you must access and fill in the following
link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Some additional information:
– Advance: e-Visa must be requested within 120 days prior to arrival in India. Applicants must request it at least 4 days in advance of the arrival date in the country.
– Upload of documents and photo: During the online application process, the applicant must upload a recent and frontal photograph of the face with white background, besides the pages of the passport in which the photo and the personal data are (name, date of birth, nationality, date of expiration, etc.). The request is subject to rejection if the passport and photo inserted are not legible and in accordance with the specifications.
– Fee: the applicant must pay the indicated rate per passenger, in addition to the debit / credit card charges. The fee must be paid at least four (4) days in advance of the landing in India. Once paid, the fee will not be refunded.
– Printing: the applicant must print and carry the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), sent by e-mail. This paper must be delivered to the competent authorities at the arrival airport of India. The biometric information of the applicant will be collected by the Immigration Service upon arrival in India.
How many electronic visas (e-visa) can I take out per year?
You can apply for the electronic visa (e-visa) twice (02) times a year.
I need a multiple-entry visa, but the electronic visa (e-visa) offers only two tickets. How do I get a multiple entry visa?
You will need to apply for a regular visa. Check the regular visa information.
I already issued an electronic visa (e-visa), but I need to take another visa. How do I apply for the other electronic visa (e-visa)?
Just follow the step by step available on the website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
I’m going to take a cruise, can I get an electronic visa (e-visa)?
Yes, as long as your entry is by the following seaports: Cochin, Goa and Mangalore.
What form should I fill out to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa)? Is it possible to print the form and fill in the hand?
The visa application form is filled out completely electronically and cannot be printed and filled out by hand. The form is available on the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
I made a mistake while completing the electronic visa form. How do I correct the error?
If you have already made the payment, contact the Electronic Visa Help Desk
(https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html ). If you haven’t made the payment, it is possible to fill the form again, as long as no more than 3 attempts have been made.
What if I have an unexpected and need to stay in India after the expiration of the visa? There is a problem?
The electronic visa (e-visa) does not allow extension in India. If you want to stay longer in India, try applying for a new visa outside India.
TYPES OF VISA
What types of electronic visa (e-visa) can be requested?
– e-Tourist Visa (e-TV): serves visitors whose purpose is recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to friends or relatives, or short-term yoga courses. The e-Tourist Visa allows a maximum stay of 60 days in India. The e-Tourist Visa allows up to two tickets in the country.
– e-Business Visa (e-BV): serves visitors whose purpose is the search for customers or suppliers, attend trade fair, attend business meetings, or other purposes normally allowed by the Business Visa. The e-Business Visa allows a maximum stay of 60 days in India. The e-Business Visa allows up to two tickets in the country.
– e-Medical Visa (e-MV): serves the purpose of those seeking medical treatment, including treatments under the Indian medical system. The e-Medical Visa allows 60-day stay in India, extendable for up to six months, according to the individual FRRO / FRO case analysis. The e-Medical Visa allows up to three tickets in the country.
COSTS AND MODES OF PAYMENT
How do I pay for the electronic visa (e-visa)?
The electronic visa (e-visa) must be paid by credit card or debit card, at the visa application site itself.
I could not make the payment of the electronic visa (e-visa), how should I proceed?
The High Commission of India in Kingston cannot assist applicants in paying for e-visa fees. For help, contact the Electronic Visa Help
Desk: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
How much is an electronic visa (e-visa)?
The value of the electronic visa (e-visa) may vary according to nationality and type of passport. For Jamaican is Gratis, with a common passport, it can cost up to USD 100 (one hundred dollars).
DURATION AND VALIDITY OF THE VISA
When does my electronic visa (e-visa) become valid?
The electronic visa (e-visa) becomes valid from the entry into Indian territory.
What is the duration and validity of the electronic tourism visa (e-TV)?
The electronic tourism visa (e-TV) is valid for up to 60 days from the date of arrival and serves up to 2 entries in India.
What is the duration and validity of the electronic business visa (e-BV)?
The electronic business visa (e-BV) is valid for up to 60 days from the date of arrival and serves up to 2 entries in India.
What is the duration and validity of the electronic medical visa (e-MV)?
The electronic medical visa (e-MV) is valid for up to 60 days from the date of arrival and serves up to 03 entries in India.
I will be in India for more than 60 days, can I request the extension of the e-visa in India?
No. A new visa is required. Visas cannot be extended.
PHOTO UPLOAD ON FORM
Is it mandatory to insert / upload the photo in the electronic form?
Yes. The insertion / upload of the photo in the form is mandatory.
Do I need to bring physical / printed photos for visa issuance?
Yes. It is important to take the physical / printed photo for presentation to the port / harbor authorities
.
ISSUANCE OF THE VISA
How do I know that my e-visa has been approved?
The e-visa visa response will arrive in your registered e-mail within 72 hours. Only people with the status “GRANTED” will be able to travel to India.
BIOMETRICS
If I apply for an e-visa, will I need to go to the High Commission for my biometrics to be collected?
No. Biometrics are collected in India ONLY for applicants for electronic visa (e-visa).
JURISDICTION
I’m not from Jamaica. Can I apply for an electronic visa?
People from all over Jamaica can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa).
FOREIGNERS
I am a foreigner, I can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa)?
Only applicants from the following nationalities can apply for the e-visa: Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameron Union Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, China – SAR Hong Kong, China – SAR Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg , Madagascar, Malawi, Mal Mali, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Niue Island, Norway Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Romania Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, , the Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
What fee do I have to pay to issue an e-visa?
The rate varies according to the nationality of the passport, and can reach up to USD 100 (one hundred dollars).
CHILDREN AND ELDERLY
Can children and the elderly apply for an electronic visa (e-visa)? How should I proceed?
Yes. Children and the elderly can also apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). The form of request is the same for all ages.
ICWF
Is it necessary to pay the ICWF fee in the application for the electronic visa (e-visa)?
No, only the visa fee will be charged.
Regular Visa
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I apply for a regular visa?
You should access the website of the High Commission of India Kingston, fill out the form available online, print, sign the form and take it to the High Commission in person. Depending on the type of visa requested, other documents must also be submitted. All visa applicants must submit their processes in person to the consular section, in order to collect the biometric data.
What form should I fill out to apply for a regular visa? Is it possible to print the form and fill in the hand?
The form for the regular visa can be found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/. The form cannot be completed by hand.
I made a mistake while completing the regular visa form. How do I correct the error?
The form cannot be edited. We advise the applicant to ignore the incorrect form and begin a new filling out of a new form.
What if I have an unexpected event and need to stay in India after the expiration of the visa? Is there a problem?
Yes. All visitors must remain in India ONLY DURING THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF THE VISA. Staying in India after the visa expires can cause serious problems.
Can I buy my ticket to India even without the visa issued?
We advise all applicants who purchase the ticket to India ONLY AFTER THE VISA IS ISSUED to avoid problems. High Commission of India is not liable for losses or expenses with airline tickets.
TYPES OF VISA
What kind of visa can I apply for?
The visa list is detailed on the High Commission’s website:
https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mw,,
What kind of visa serves my purpose of travel?
You must have clear information about your travel purpose and based on this information, decide what visa to ask for. Please see the following link for more details on which documents should be submitted for each type of visa: https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mw,,
How much does it cost to take the visa?
Each visa has a different value. Please refer to the values in the link: https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mw,,
Can I pay for the visa through a payment slip or a bank deposit?
No. The visa must be paid in person at the time of delivery of the documents in the Consular Section of the High Commission of India.
Can I request for my passport to be sent by the Post?
Yes. You have to arrange by any courier service.
DURATION AND VALIDITY OF THE VISA
When does my visa become valid?
Your visa begins to be valid from the date of issue.
I will be in India for more than the period of my visa, can I request the extension of the visa in India?
No. The visa cannot be extended. For more information, contact the local FRRO in India (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/ ).
PHOTO UPLOAD ON FORM
I could not insert the digital photo. Is it mandatory to insert / upload the photo in the electronic form?
Yes, photo upload is required. Form without photo upload will not be accepted.
Do I need to bring physical / printed photos for visa issuance?
Yes. The photos should be 5x5cm in size and should be the same photo used in the upload.
I have no photo 5x5cm. Can I take a photo 3x4cm or 5x7cm (passport size)?
No. The only accepted photo size for visa applications is 5x5cm.
What are the photo formats that the High Commission of India requires?
Clear picture, with white background, no shadows on the face and no glasses or hats. The face must be frontal and it cannot be covered whatsoever.
ISSUANCE OF THE VISA
How do I know that my visa has been approved?
Simply access the following website, enter your process number and your passport number to verify that your visa has been issued: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/StatusEnquiry
BIOMETRICS
I do not live in Jamaica. Do I need to go to the High Commission for my biometrics to be collected?
Yes. All persons residing in the Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands Regions must go to the High Commission of India in Kingston, Jamaica for the mandatory collection of biometric data.
How long do I need to go to the High Commission of India to collect my biometrics?
Biometric data information is valid for a 5 year period.
I’m over 70 years old. Do I need to collect my biometrics?
No. Applicants age 70 or older do not need to collect biometric data.
My son / daughter is under 12 years old. Is it necessary to collect biometrics?
No. Children under the age of 12 need not collect biometric data.
Should everyone apply for a visa in Kinston, Jamaica?
No. Residents in the Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands. The consular section of the High Commission of India in Kingston.
FOREIGNERS
I’m a foreigner. Is the value of my visa the same as for Jamaica?
The fee of the visa for foreigners may differ according to nationality. Please contact this High Commission to check the fee that applies to your nationality: reception.kingston@mea.gov.in, consoffice.kingston@mea.gov.in
CHILDREN AND ELDERLY
Children below 12 years old and elderly above 70 years old do not need to collect biometrics. Will they have to go to the High Commission to issue the visa?
No. They may send their application via post and for the payment they make a Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India
ICWF
Is it necessary to pay the ICWF fee on the regular visa application?
Yes, ICWF fee payment is required. Remember that because it is a fee apart from the visa fee, it must be paid separately.
OFFICE TIME
What are the hours of operation of the High Commission of India?
To request new visas: Monday to Friday from 9am to 12am. For withdrawal of the visa and documentation: Monday to Friday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions and would like to get in touch by phone, our phone hours are from 08:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Do I need to schedule time to apply for a visa?
No. Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I know the High Commission of India will be open?
The High Commission will be open every day except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. For a complete list of the holidays in which the High Commission will be closed, please consult: https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Nw,,
Passport
STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR :-
A) RENEWAL OF PASSPORT
B) FRESH PASSPORT
Steps to be followed for filling up passport form:
a) Go on our website embassy.passportindia.gov.in
b) Click on Online Registration Form
c) Select Mission name and Services required and then fill the form completely and then take a printout of the form (3 pages)
(Some part of the form to be filled manually.)
d) Visit our Mission at #5, Earls Court, Acadia Kingston-8 0930-1230 hrs with i) Duly filled application form
ii) Copy of passport (front and back page) alongwith original
iii) Copy of valid visa page/Visa Stamping
iv) 2 photographs (2 inch by 2 inch in size with white background colour photo)
v) Copy of birth registration (new born)
vi) Copy of Passport of Father and Mother (If Indian)
vii) Copy of birth certificate
viii) Requisite Fee (details mentioned below)
Note: Sl. No. v,vi , vii will be additional document for applying of fresh passport after registration of birth of child at Indian Mission.
I’m Indian and I need to get a new passport. How should I proceed?
Go to the following website for information on the documentation: https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mg,,
How much does it cost to issue a passport?
Passport fee of 36 pages with validity of 5 years (under 18 years of age) – US $ 52,00
Passport fee of 36 pages with validity of 10 years (over 18 years of age) – US $ 77,00
Passport restocking fee (36 pages, valid for 10 years) that has been lost, damaged or stolen – US $ 152,00
My Indian passport has expired. How should I proceed?
Go to the following website for information on the documentation: https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mg,,
Do I need to go to the High Commission to apply for a passport?
There are two possibilities for applying a passport:
– In person
Applicants who come in person to the consular section of the High Commission of India can pay the fees in cash. The amount brought must be exact.
– By mail
Applicants who send their documentation by mail must pay the fees through Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India. Personal or business cheques are not accepted.
I do not live in Jamaica. Do I need to go to the High Commission to apply for a passport?
There are two possibilities for applying a passport:
– In person
Applicants who come in person to the consular section of the High Commission of India can pay the fees in cash. The amount brought must be exact..
– By mail
Applicants who send their documentation by mail must pay the fees through Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India. Personal or business cheques are not accepted.
How do I send the documents by Post?
Applications may sent through courier. If passport is requested to be returned by post/courier, a pre-paid waybill should be enclosed with application. No courier fee is accepted.
Renunciation/Surrender of Indian Passports
1.Under Indian law, Persons of Indian Origin, who have acquired foreign citizenship, are required to surrender their Indian passports to the nearest Indian Mission/Post immediately after acquisition of foreign citizenship. The Government of India has fixed fee for renouncing the Indian Citizenship/surrender of Indian passport at Rs.7, 000/-.
2.The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, does not provide for dual citizenship. Holding Indian passport/acquiring Indian passport/travelling on Indian passport after acquisition of foreign citizenship constitutes an offence under the Indian Passport Act, 1967, and attracts penalties. The Government of India has prescribed imposition of penalty on a graded scale, depending on number of trips made on Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality, for the violation of Passport Rules ranging from a minimum of Rs. 10,000/- to a maximum of Rs. 50,000/-.
3.In view of these provisions, Persons of Indian Origin, intending to apply for OCI Cards, should surrender their Indian passports and then apply for these services. In case they do not have the Indian passports in their possession for any reason (loss/misplacement/submission to Home Office long time back, etc.), they are required to furnish duly notarized affidavit in this regard. If the Indian passport is still valid but has been misplaced/lost, then Police report should be submitted additionally (to rule out any misuse).
4.Persons of Indian Origin applying for Indian visa for the first time after acquiring foreign nationality are required to first renounce/surrender their Indian passports.
FOR DOWNLOADING RENUNCIATION OF CITIZENSHIP FORM - PLEASE CLICK HERE
OCI
For more information regarding OCI, please visit:
https://hcikingston.gov.in/pages/Mjg,
http://www.passport.gov.in/oci/
How do I convert PIO into OCI?
Please visit the following site for more information: http://www.passport.gov.in/oci/capchaActionPIO
The following documents are required:
Print-out of the Online Application form duly signed
The original PIO card
Original or attested (notarized) copy of the passport
The following documents need to be uploaded in the Online form:
(i) Copy of the PIO card
(ii) Relevant documents, like birth/marriage certificate, passport etc. (the originals or the notary attested copies must be sent with the application form)
The conversion of PIO in lieu of OCI is free of charge until December 2017. After this period, the PIO card will no longer be valid.
I do not live in Jamaica. Do I need to go to the High Commission to apply for the OCI card?
There are two possibilities for applying a passport:
– In person
Applicants who come in person to the consular section of the High Commission of India can pay the fees in cash. The amount brought must be exact..
– By mail
Applicants who send their documentation by mail must pay the fees through Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India. Personal or business cheques are not accepted.
How much does it cost to issue a OCI and PIO?
Fresh OCI card - US$- 278
Replacement of Lost/Damaged OCI card- US$- 103
OCI Miscellaneous Services- US$- 28
PIO to OCI conversion- US$- 103
How do I send the documents by Post?
Applications may sent through courier. If passport is requested to be returned by post/courier, a pre-paid waybill should be enclosed with application. No courier fee is accepted.
PCC
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
The Police Clearance Certificate is a document issued by the High Commission of India which proves the personal data, according to the travel document, of the Indian citizen. It is a document that may be required by the Jamaican authorities.
How do I apply for the Police Clearance Certificate?
To apply for the Police Clearance Certificate, the applicant must:
(i) Print and fill online form for the Police Clearance Certificate (available at Click Here)
(ii) Send or bring the completed form to the High Commission, with two 3x4cm photos,
(iii) Write a simple letter, stating the reason for which Consular Inscription is necessary and for which body it will be presented in Jamaica;
(iv) Notarized copy of the passport, and
(v) Original passport.
What are the amounts and the forms of payment to obtain the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
The amount for the issuance of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is US$ - 27/-
Do I need to go to the High Commission to apply for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
There are two possibilities for applying a passport:
– In person
Applicants who come in person to the consular section of the High Commission of India can pay the fees in cash. The amount brought must be exact.
– By mail
Applicants who send their documentation by mail must pay the fees through Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India. Personal or business cheques are not accepted.
I do not live in Jamaica. Do I need to go to the High Commission to apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
There are two possibilities for applying a passport:
– In person
Applicants who come in person to the consular section of the High Commission of India can pay the fees in cash. The amount brought must be exact.
– By mail
Applicants who send their documentation by mail must pay the fees through Demand Draft in the favour of High Commission of India. Personal or business cheques are not accepted.
How do I send the documents by Post?
Applications may sent through courier. If passport is requested to be returned by post/courier, a pre-paid waybill should be enclosed with application. No courier fee is accepted.
Others
I’m getting married in India. How should I proceed?
Each region of India has its own rules for marriage documentation. Therefore, the couple must consult the authorities of the place in which they intend to get married in order to confirm what documents must be presented.
I have an Indian friend who wants to visit Jamaica. How can I help him/her?
Any foreigner wishing to enter Jamaica should contact the Jamaican Honorary Consulate General In New Delhi, India.
High Commission of India in Kingston is available to reply to other issues not addressed above by e-mail (reception.kingston@mea.gov.in) and / or by telephone 876-9273-114 & 876-927-4270, only in the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
