Travelling to India from Bulgaria requires obtaining the appropriate visa, which depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. To help Bulgarian citizens plan their trip to India, this comprehensive guide offers step-by-step application procedures, detailed information on the various types of visas, necessary documentation, and additional advice.
Indian E-visa Explained
The India E-visa is an electronic authorisation that allows international travellers to visit India for various short-term purposes without needing to obtain a traditional visa sticker affixed to the passport. This system is a part of India's attempts to streamline the application process for visas, increase its accessibility, and improve its efficiency for travellers from qualified nations.
Different types of India E-visas
India provides a variety of e-Visas designed to meet the needs of international visitors with different travel intentions. Here’s a detailed look at the different e-visa categories offered by India, explaining their intended purposes, validity periods, and other key details to assist travellers in planning their visit.
E-Tourist Visa (e-TV):
- Purpose: Ideal for tourists visiting for sightseeing, to meet friends or relatives, or attending cultural events.
- Validity: Offers single or double entry, valid for up to 180 days.
E-Business Visa (e-BV):
- Purpose: Suited for those engaged in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or conducting market research.
- Validity: Valid for up to 180 days.
E-Conference Visa (e-CV):
- Purpose: For those attending conferences, seminars, or workshops.
- Validity: Single entry, intended for short-term stays of up to 30 days.
E-Medical Visa (e-MV):
- Purpose: For individuals seeking medical treatment in recognised healthcare facilities in India.
- Validity: Duration depends on the treatment plan.
E-Medical Attendant Visa (e-MAV):
- Purpose: For accompanying individuals holding an e-medical Visa.
- Validity: Aligned with the validity of the primary e-Medical Visa.
E-Ayush Visa (e-AY):
- Purpose: To undergo treatments under the traditional Indian Ayush system, which includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
- Validity: Duration varies according to the specific treatment plan.
E-Ayush Attendant Visa (e-AY Attendant):
- Purpose: For attendants accompanying an e-Ayush Visa holder.
- Validity: Coincides with the validity of the e-Ayush Visa.
E-Emergency X-Misc Visa:
- Purpose: Intended for those dealing with emergency or exceptional circumstances; currently not available.
- Validity: Not applicable.
India E-visa Eligibility Requirements for Bulgarian Citizens
Bulgarian citizens interested in applying for an e-Visa to India must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Applicants must come from countries listed as eligible on the official e-Visa website.
- Purpose of Visit: The visa is specifically granted for the activities outlined earlier.
- Validity of Passport: At the time of application, applicants' passports must have two blank pages and be valid for at least six months from the date of issue.
- Travel Requirements: Applicants must have enough money for their entire stay in India as well as a return or onward ticket.
Authorised Airports for Entry with an E-Visa
- Ahmedabad
- Amritsar
- Bagdogra
- Bengaluru
- Bhubaneswar
- Calicut
- Chennai
- Chandigarh
- Cochin
- Coimbatore
- Delhi
- Gaya
- Goa (Dabolim)
- Goa (Mopa)
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Indore
- Jaipur
- Kannur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Madurai
- Mangalore
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Port Blair
- Pune
- Tiruchirapalli
- Trivandrum
- Varanasi
- Vishakhapatnam
These guidelines help ensure that the e-Visa process is open only to eligible travellers, promoting lawful and organised entry into India for specific approved activities.
Required Documents for an Indian e-Visa Application for Bulgarian Citizens
Bulgarian citizens looking to apply for an Indian e-Visa must prepare the following documents:
- Valid Bulgarian Passport: Your passport should be valid for a period longer than your intended stay in India.
- Digital Passport Copy: Upload a clear digital scan of the page with your passport's biographical data.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo: Provide a recent photo that complies with the passport photo requirements (check the Indian e-Visa website for specifics).
- Email Address: Put in your email address to receive updates on your e-Visa application status.
- Credit/Debit Card Information: To cover the e-Visa processing fee, use a legitimate credit or debit card.
Additional Documents Based on e-Visa Type
- E-Business Visa: Include a business card with your host company's details in India and an invitation letter from a registered Indian company detailing the purpose of your visit, activities planned, and contact information for the individuals you will meet. Proof of sufficient funds may also be required.
- E-Medical Visa: Submit a letter from the Indian medical facility outlining your appointment and treatment plan.
- Pro Tip: Always verify the most current document requirements for Bulgarian citizens on the Indian e-Visa website.
Navigating the Indian e-Visa Application Process for Bulgarian Citizens
Applying for your e-Visa is a clear-cut procedure:
- Visit the Indian Visa Online Portal: Go to the Indian e-Visa website.
- Complete the Online Application: Accurately fill in the Indian visa application form with all necessary details.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach digital copies of your passport, a recent photograph, and any other documents required for the specific e-Visa category you are applying for.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Follow the instructions on the portal to pay the visa fee using a legitimate credit or debit card.
- Track Your Application: After your application has been submitted, you will receive a reference number. Use this number to check the status of your e-Visa application on the portal.
- Visa Approval and Receipt: Upon approval, your e-visa will be sent to you via email. Ensure to print and keep a copy of the e-visa for your travel records.
Fees and Processing Duration for an Indian e-Visa for Bulgarian Citizens
Indian e-Visa
The cost of an Indian e-visa for Bulgarian citizens varies depending on the visa type, the number of entries it permits, and the processing speed selected. For specific fee details, visit theIndia visa feepage on the India e-visa website, where you can find a detailed fee table and a fee calculator designed to suit your specific requirements.
Processing Times for Indian E-visa
The time required to process an Indian e-visa for Bulgarian citizens varies based on the application type and the urgency of the request:
- Normal Processing Time: Generally, processing a standard Indian visa application for Bulgarian citizens takes between 3 to 5 working days.
- Urgent Processing Time: For those needing faster processing, urgent applications are typically completed within 1 to 3 working days, although this service may incur additional charges.
Guidelines for a Smooth Visa Application Process
Here are some guidelines for ensuring a smooth visa application process:
- Document Requirements: Confirm that all documents are translated into English, saved in PDF format,and their file size does not exceed 300 KB.
- Passport Information Page: Upload a clear scan of the passport page that includes your name, nationality, date of birth, and expiry date. Make sure it corresponds with the details provided in the Passport Details section of your application.
- Quality of Documents: Only attach documents that are legible and meet the required standards.
- Final Review: Carefully review all information and documents for accuracy before submitting your application.
- Timely Application: Submit your application well in advance to ensure there is enough time for processing.
- Accuracy of Information: Provide complete and truthful information to avoid any issues with the application process.
Following these tips can help facilitate a seamless visa application experience, paving the way for a pleasant journey to India.
FAQs
I am travelling to India to do sightseeing and visit relatives. Which e-Visa should I apply for?
You would likely be eligible for the E-Tourist Visa (e-TV) for this purpose.
How much does an e-visa cost?
The cost varies depending on the e-Visa type, number of entries, and processing speed. Check the fee table on the Indian e-Visa website for specific details.
Do I need to carry any additional documents specific to my e-visa type?
It's advisable to carry any documents that support your e-Visa application, such as a business invitation letter or medical appointment confirmation, in case they are requested by immigration officials.
Which airports can I enter India with an e-Visa?
You can find a list of authorised airports for e-Visa entry on the Indian e-Visa website. These include major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Goa.