Indian eVisa for French Citizens
The French citizens have long been fans of Indian culture and each year, thousands of French citizens visit India. The number, however, increased dramatically after the few years of Indian eVisa facility launch in 2014. The government of India, in a move to increase tourism and make the process of getting Indian visas easier, started the services for many nations to obtain Indian visas online.
In 2024, France is eligible, along with others (more than 170 countries) for an online Indian visa. If you intend to travel to India from France, be it for a trip or for professional reasons such as business meetings, you have options to apply for different eVisa types.
To make the process of getting an online visa for India with your regular French passport easier, below are important details for Indian visas for French citizens; read carefully for a successful Indian eVisa application.
Why Do French Citizens Require a Visa to Visit India?
Not only France, but except some visa-free countries, all foreign nationals are required to hold a valid visa for entering India. To maintain the security of the country and make travel safer for all the international travelers, the government of India has made visas mandatory.
However, French citizens have the benefit of applying for a more convenient visa option—Indian eVisa. The Indian Visa for French Citizens serves as official documentation that grants entry of French citizens into the country.
Types of Indian eVisas Available for French Citizens
1. Tourist eVisa
The e-tourist visa for India is perfect for French citizens who want to explore India’s rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Duration Options: Depending on the duration of your stay, the e-tourist visa has validity of 30 days, 1 year and 5 years.
- Purpose: Sightseeing, leisure activities, or visiting family and friends.
2. Business eVisa
Ideal for professionals traveling to India for business purposes.
- Validity: Business eVisa has a 1-year validity. With a Business eVisa, the French citizens get multiple entries.
- Purpose: Business meetings, trade events, or signing important agreements.
3. Medical eVisa
French citizens traveling for specialized medical treatments or surgeries can apply for medical e-Visa.
- Purpose: Access healthcare facilities in India for treatments, procedures, or consultations.
4. Medical Attendant eVisa
Designed for individuals accompanying a patient visiting India for medical reasons.
- Purpose: Providing support and assistance to the patient throughout their treatment period.
Steps to Obtain Online Visa for India for French Citizens
Step 1: Select the Right Visa Type
Determine which type of visa suits your travel purpose. You might come to India for personal purposes like tourism or professional or medical reasons. Choosing the correct visa category is crucial to avoid delays in processing.
Step 2: Visit the Official eVisa Portal
Head to the official Indian eVisa website to start your application. Always make sure you do not fall for fake or fraudulent websites. If you find a website suspicious, reconsider your decision.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Full name as mentioned on your regular French passport.
- Passport details (needs to be accurate)
- Travel itinerary.
Verify all the information thoroughly before submission to prevent rejections or delays.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents, such as:
- The biographical page of your French passport (scanned)
- Your passport-sized photograph that matches all the given photo requirements for Indian eVisa and format mentioned on the Indian eVisa website.
- Double-check the quality of your uploaded document to ensure clarity.
Is There a Need to Go to the Indian Embassy Physically for French Citizens?
French citizens obtaining an online Indian visa are not required to physically go to an Indian embassy or office. Once your eVisa is approved and emailed to you, you’re all set to travel. There is no need for an in-person visit to obtain a stamp or confirmation on your travel documents.
The eVisa details are securely recorded in the Indian government’s centralized system, which immigration officers can access at airports and seaports. Your name and passport number are linked to facilitate your entry seamlessly.
Make sure to keep a copy of your approved eVisa handy—either as a digital file on your phone, tablet, or laptop or as a printed document. For French citizens, there is no need for a physical stamp on their passport when traveling with an electronic Indian visa.
How Can French Citizens Retrieve Their Indian Visa Online?
Once your application is approved, the confirmation email with your eVisa details can be received on your given email ID. If you can’t find it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.
For applications submitted via authorized platforms, you can log in to the account automatically created during your application process. If needed, you can reset your password to retrieve your visa documents quickly and securely.
Is There Any Document for French Citizens That Needs to Be Sent Offline?
To get an eVisa, French nationals do not need to courier their passports, photos, or other documents. Any supporting documents required by Indian immigration authorities can be submitted digitally.
Here’s how it works:
- If additional documentation is needed, a secure upload link will be sent to the email address you provided during your application.
- You can email the requested documents directly or upload them through the provided link.
For further assistance, French citizens can contact the India eVisa helpdesk for support at any stage of the process.
Quick Tips for French Citizens
- Always double-check your email for your eVisa approval, including the spam folder.
- French citizens are advised to always upload copies of their documents that are clear so they do not face any rejection due to blurred documents.
- Keep your eVisa copy accessible during your journey for a hassle-free experience.
Key Entry Points for French Citizens with an Indian eVisa
To enter India with an online visa, the government of India has allowed entry through 31 airports and 6 seaports in India. French citizens holding an eVisa can enter India through the following designated airports and seaports:
Airports:
- Varanasi
- Goa (Mopa)
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Jaipur
- Mangalore
- Pune
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Bhubaneshwar
- Ahmedabad
- Amritsar
- Gaya
- Lucknow
- Goa (Dabolim)
- Madurai
- Hyderabad
- Nagpur
- Visakhapatnam
- Bagdogra
- Guwahati
- Coimbatore
- Kannur
- Trivandrum
- Indore
- Tiruchirapalli
- Port Blair
- Cochin
- Kolkata
- Calicut
Seaports:
- Port Blair
- Goa
- Mangalore
- Cochin
- Mumbai
- Chennai
Common Questions About the Indian Visa for French Citizens
What Is the Estimated Time for Indian eVisa Approval?
Indian eVisa applications are generally processed within 2-4 business days. However, peak travel seasons may experience slight delays.
Can the eVisa be Extended?
No, the Indian eVisa cannot be extended. French travelers must exit India before their visa expires.
If I make a mistake on my application, what will happen?
Errors can delay or invalidate your application. Double-check all details before submission. If a mistake is identified after submission, you may need to reapply.
The process of obtaining an Indian visa for French citizens is usually simpler and much faster compared to the traditional Indian visa system. Moreover, different Indian eVisa types can be applied for professional, medical and personal travel purposes.
French citizens, however, are advised to keep their personal and passport details accurate and keep themselves aware of the knowledge and current Indian eVisa guidelines.