Tourist visa vs. Entry visa

[ronnieboy]

I got my 10-year tourist visa a few days ago. I heard the rules changed recently and PIO's can get only an Entry visa after paying extra for a "Surrender Certificate". Will this rule change affect me even though I have a tourist visa? Will they ask for a "Surrender Certificate" or other document at the Indian airport? When I applied for my tourist visa I had to fill out a "renunciation form" and my Indian passport now has a stamp saying it is cancelled because I'm a US citizen. Do I need to show that at the airport? What is the difference between tourist and entry visa besides the cost?

[curtdfw]

Let's get clear about our terms -- are you a Person of Indian Origin (meaning you have Indian heritage) or are you a PIO cardholder? A PIO card eliminates the need for a visa to India for 15 years.

They won't ask for the Surrender certificate at immigration -- that document is only part of the info to get the visa for those who once held Indian passports.

The primary differences between Tourist and Entry visas are:

Tourist visas have a limit of 180 days for each stay in India, regardless of overall visa length. The Entry visa does not, though you would need to register with the FRRO if staying over 180 days.

There's a required two-month break required between visits to India unless you apply for and are granted a Re-entry Permit prior to departing the US. Entry visas have no such limitation.

There are probably other differences, but those are the major ones. As you qualify for OCI, spending the money for that will eliminate any visa paperwork for life. It's not that complicated -- my wife's cousin just got hers through the DC consulate, and it took under six weeks.

[ronnieboy]

Thanks Curt. Looks like an entry visa is better than a tourist visa. As for OCI, I'm not so sure as I'm over 50 so I'll have to get it reissued when I change my passport so it's not really a lifetime benefit.

[scs83]

Drawback is entry visa is given for a max. of 5 years and costs $233. OCI costs $300 and is good for life.

[curtdfw]

As for OCI, I'm not so sure as I'm over 50 so I'll have to get it reissued when I change my passport so it's not really a lifetime benefit.

But you won't have to re-qualify, just get the 'U' visa sticker transferred to the new passport and have the new passport number entered into the OCI booklet. Cost per the DC consulate is $25. However, if your visits to India are infrequent, it may not be worth it.

[hope123]

Tourist Visa or Entry Visa..please help!

Hello,

My USC husband and I have been married less than a year. We are going to visit my parents in India in december 2011. My husband has no Indian roots but me .. What type of visa should he apply for? tourist or entry? I don't understand the real difference between the two except a rip-off (with a higher fee) for the entry visa application..but we obviously have to get him the right type of visa. Also, we do not intend to spend beyond 6 months in India during our future travels. Please help!

Thank you!

[ronnieboy]

Tourist vs. Entry visa again!

But you won't have to re-qualify, just get the 'U' visa sticker transferred to the new passport and have the new passport number entered into the OCI booklet. Cost per the DC consulate is $25. However, if your visits to India are infrequent, it may not be worth it.

I was just searching the forum for this topic and came across my own post from a few years back!. Well, I need to apply for India visas again and the travisa site doesn't really explain the dif between these 2 visas, i.e., the pros and cons. And I see that your info is outdated: you say that PIOs must apply for entry visas and are not eligible for tourist visas. Wrong. Persons of Indian origin: Per requirements of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, if any person of Indian Origin does not want to apply for an Entry, they may apply for a Tourist visa. This is verbatim from travisa. I'm going to apply for tourist visas because it doesn't require registration unlike entry where you have to register within 14 days of arrival. That's the only info I could glean from travisa. If you have updated info, please share. Also info about PIO vs OCI. I heard one of them is now not applicable. Thanks.

[dollygo]

info regarding tourist visa

can we apply for OCI card from india if we visit india on a tourist visa.
I am taking a tourist visa for my daughter as i have to travel to india next month. Can I apply for OCI card from India for my daughter incase needed.

Kindly reply asap
ThANK YOU

[proonindiandoc]

Let's get clear about our terms -- are you a Person of Indian Origin (meaning you have Indian heritage) or are you a PIO cardholder? A PIO card eliminates the need for a visa to India for 15 years.

They won't ask for the Surrender certificate at immigration -- that document is only part of the info to get the visa for those who once held Indian passports.

The primary differences between Tourist and Entry visas are:

Tourist visas have a limit of 180 days for each stay in India, regardless of overall visa length. The Entry visa does not, though you would need to register with the FRRO if staying over 180 days.

There's a required two-month break required between visits to India unless you apply for and are granted a Re-entry Permit prior to departing the US. Entry visas have no such limitation.

There are probably other differences, but those are the major ones. As you qualify for OCI, spending the money for that will eliminate any visa paperwork for life. It's not that complicated -- my wife's cousin just got hers through the DC consulate, and it took under six weeks.

there's no more two months break rule anymore, that was at least 2 years ago

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can we apply for OCI card from india if we visit india on a tourist visa.
I am taking a tourist visa for my daughter as i have to travel to india next month. Can I apply for OCI card from India for my daughter incase needed.

Kindly reply asap
ThANK YOU

no unless you are permanently reside in india, otherwise have to apply according to your current jurisdiction