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Etourist Visa - India - Advice needed

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Navigating the etourist visa process can be tricky, especially when you're balancing travel plans and residency. As a British citizen married to an Indian national, you're set to apply for an OCI card, but your current visa expires soon. With your flight to Thailand on the 30th and your return on the 1st, you’re faced with a decision: apply for a new visa while still in India or wait until you exit.

Navigating visa regulations can often feel like a daunting adventure, especially for those in unique family situations. The recent query from a British citizen living in India highlights the complexities of visa management, particularly when it comes to applying for an e-tourist visa while already in the country. This situation not only underscores the intricacies of visa policies but also serves as a reminder of the myriad challenges faced by expatriates and foreign nationals. As travel enthusiasts often seek guidance on similar matters, sharing insights from experiences like these can make a world of difference. For example, check out our articles on planning trips like Ischia and/or Capri? or A beautiful experience on my last day in Tokyo, which emphasize the importance of logistics in travel.

The individual in question finds himself on a tight timeline, with his current e-tourist visa set to expire at the end of the month. In an effort to secure a new visa while awaiting the processing of his OCI card, he must navigate the rule that requires applicants to be outside of India when applying for an e-tourist visa. This presents a significant dilemma: should he take the risk of applying beforehand, or should he wait until after his exit from India? This situation reflects a broader theme of uncertainty that many travelers face, especially when dealing with bureaucratic processes. The pressure to make the right choice is accentuated by the potential financial implications, considering his non-refundable flight and the costs involved with visa applications.

The debate over whether to apply for the visa while still in India or to do so once abroad raises important questions about the visa application process itself. It’s crucial for travelers to be aware of the specific requirements for the countries they plan to visit. Missteps can lead to extended delays, unexpected costs, or even being stranded in a foreign country. This situation also highlights the importance of thorough research and preparation before embarking on a travel journey, especially in a world where visa regulations can change frequently and without notice. For those considering travel, our article on Road trip/ Scenic ideas in Europe provides valuable insights into planning trips that allow for flexibility and exploration.

Moving forward, it's worth reflecting on the implications of such visa challenges in the context of global travel. As international regulations evolve and become more stringent or lenient, understanding the nuances of these processes will be vital for travelers. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community knowledge-sharing among travelers, as personal experiences can illuminate the path for others. For our readers navigating similar hurdles, it’s essential to remain resourceful and connected to fellow travelers, sharing tips and strategies that can ease the visa application process. The future of travel may depend on how well we adapt to these changing landscapes, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for adventure.

I'm British by birth, with a original British passport. My wife is Indian by birth. We married in the UK just over two years ago but are now living in India. Our daughter was born here 3 months ago.

I am on a 1 year etourist visa, which expires on the 30'th of may this month.

I have planned to apply for the OCI card, as I should be eligible. But that can take months, which I don't have.

So in the meantime, I need to exit the country and apply for a new etourist visa, so that I can re-enter and apply for the OCI.

This is all planned for, as I'm flying to Thailand on the 30'th and returning on the 1st.

My current etourist visa was applied for through Ivisa.com from the UK. It cost over £100. But it arrived within 24 hours, which was great.

I'm a little strapped for cash this time round, and have decided to apply through Indias official government portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ rather than the third party site. It's significantly cheaper, at around £40.

Here's the issue I'm having. I'm only now realising that India requires the person applying for an etourist visa to be outside of the country. They apparently don't allow it if I apply whilst I'm inside India.

So the dilemma is what to do. Do I gamble £40 and apply now, as it can take up to 5 days they claim to process the visa.

If it's rejected, Fine, I can figure something out maybe as I haven't flown yet nor has my current tourist visa expired.

If it's accepted, great, no issue.

Or, should I apply for it airside after being stamped as exiting the country on my passport on the 30th? My flight is 00:30am, and my return flight from thailand is 9pm on the 1st june. that gives them 2 and a half days roughly to process it whilst i'm abroad. But it's a gamble as my flight is non refundable (smart I know), and I could be stuck in Thailand.

Any suggestions? Has anyone applied for the etourist visa through the official government portal before? How long did it take? Were there any issues? Has anyone done a via run/hop before?

Note: I did fly to maldives for 3 days and back a few months ago to extend my current etourist visa (180 days/calender year etc). So I'm not new to the idea of visa hopping.

thank you

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#travel content#India#etourist visa#OCI card#apply#visa processing#official government portal#Ivisa.com#visa application#visa hopping#exit the country#visa requirements#Thai flight#visa rejection#one year visa#visa duration#visa rules#tourist visa#cost#cash strapped