Indian eVisa for Bahamian Citizens: The Stepwise Guide

Are you a Bahamian citizen who needs to go to India? No matter if you want to go there to enjoy the amazing culture and heritage, meet your friends, or make a business deal, you can do so in the easiest way—with an Indian eVisa. This Indian eVisa was introduced in 2014 to make travel to India more convenient and the application process simpler. 

As the entire process of applying for the eVisa takes place online and the approval is sent to you via email, the need to go to an embassy has been removed. However, it’s important to know that an Indian eVisa is only applicable for short-duration visits. You cannot use it for long stays.

If you’re a Bahamian citizen who wants to travel to India for the purpose of tourism, meeting family or friends, conducting business, attending a business meeting, or needing some medical treatment in India, an Indian eVisa is perfect for you.

Categories of Indian eVisa

Tourist eVisa

If you want to visit India for cultural heritage exploration and sightseeing, you need to apply for a tourist eVisa. There are three types of validity options available: 30-day validity, one-year validity, and five-year validity. Depending on what you need and plans, you can apply for the one most suitable for your requirements. Here Read more about Indian tourist eVisa for a hassle-free application process.

Business eVisa

If the reason you’re traveling to India is for a business meeting, a conference, or such, you have to apply for a business eVisa. A business eVisa is applicable for one year from the day/date your application is approved. Although the validity is 12 months, you’re permitted to stay in India for 180 days.

Medical eVisa

You can apply for a medical eVisa if you need medical treatment in India. This eVisa is valid for 60 days. Within these 60 days, you can enter India three times.

Medical Attendant eVisa

This eVisa is for the person traveling with a patient who needs medical care in India. Every patient coming from the Bahamas is allowed to have two medical attendants with them. The validity of this visa is also 60 days and you can visit India three times within the 60 days only.

When traveling with children, make sure they have a valid passport and an eVisa as well. All Bahamian citizens must apply for an Indian visa, regardless of age.

Documents You Must Have for Your Indian eVisa Application

Passport

You need to have a Bahamian passport with a validity of a minimum of six months or more from the day you’re planning to arrive in India. Your passport is also required to have 2 empty pages for stamps. Remember that only ordinary or regular passports are allowed. If you have a diplomatic passport, it will not be valid for eVisa.

Photograph

You need to upload your photograph while filling the Indian eVisa form. The photo you need to upload must meet very specific requirements. The photo cannot be older than 6 months, which is a crucial prerequisite. Here Read all the photo requirements before you start filling the eVisa application in detail.

Email address

You need to provide an email address in the form. You must make sure that the email ID you share is accessible to you at all times. You will receive all application-related information at this email address. If you have no access, you will miss important emails regarding your application.

Credit Card or Debit Card

As you complete the form, you’ll also have to pay an online visa fee. Although the different websites offer a variety of payment mode options, credit/debit card options are available almost everywhere. So keep a valid card handy with you.

Return Ticket 

You must also have a return ticket to the Bahamas or another country. This ticket works as proof that you’re planning to leave the country within the limit allowed by your eVisa.

Financial Proof

When you enter India, you will have to show financial proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. You can use the last three bank statements as your financial proof.

Processing Time for Indian eVisa

Indian eVisa is mostly processed within 3 to 4 business days. If your application contains any errors, this time could go up. In such a scenario, you will either face a delay in your approval or rejection.

It is always recommended that you submit your form at least a week before you want to travel to India. This way, if there is a delay or your application is rejected, you can reapply.

Other Important Information to Keep in Mind

 According to the type of Indian eVisa you apply for, you will need some additional documents:

• If you apply for a medical eVisa, you’ll need a letter from the hospital where you’re getting the treatment. You must make sure that the letterhead is clearly visible.
• If you’re applying for a business eVisa, you’ll need a letter from the company you’re doing business with. Again, make sure that the letterhead is clearly visible. You will also need the business card of that company.
• If you’re applying for a tourism eVisa and planning to meet your family or friends, you’ll need a letter of invitation from them.

In addition to these documents, all keep these points in mind:

• Do not overstay your eVisa limit. In such a situation, you can face costly fines or may even be banned from entering India.
• You cannot enroll in any university degree or any kind of employment that is of long duration. If you need to pursue a university degree or get a job in India, you will have to apply for a standard visa from an Indian Embassy.
• You are not allowed to visit a military or cantonment area with an eVisa. If you need to visit these areas, you must first get special approval from the government.
• Carry the printout of your approval with you. You can also keep a soft copy, but a printout is safer as it has less chance of getting lost. You can keep it with your passport and it will stay safe.
• There are 31 authorized airports and 6 authorized seaports through which you can enter India with your eVisa.

How to Apply for an Indian eVisa?

Now that you’re aware of all the documents that you require for the application, you can start filling the form. The steps are very simple and won’t take long to fill.

• Go to an Indian visa website. This website can be the official website or another reputable one.
• Fill the form. During this step, make sure to double-check all the information and documents that you upload.
• Pay the visa fee through your preferred payment mode. Here it is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, so if your application is denied, you have to pay the fees again when reapplying. That’s why you should make sure everything is right before you proceed to the next step.
• Submit the form. After this, keep an eye on the email address you’ve shared in the form. After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email and later, the approval will be sent to you via this email. Now you are all set to fill your form with confidence. 

Travelers now can enjoy a stress free entry into India, having the opportunity to apply for the visa online for short visits. Although, the application form is easy, but, if you have any other confusion or need clarification regarding something, visit the Indian visa online helpdesk, easiest way to solve your queries.