Visas and documents
India e-Visa or OCI card: which do you need?
, 4 min read
If you’re an Australian citizen travelling to India, you’ll need either a visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Which one makes sense depends on your background and how often you travel.
The Indian e-Visa
The e-Visa is applied for online before travel and covers purposes such as tourism, visiting family, business and medical visits. It suits occasional travellers and people who aren’t eligible for an OCI card.
E-Visa types, validity and fees are set by the Indian Government and do change. Apply only through the official Indian visa website, and be wary of look-alike sites that charge extra.
The OCI card
OCI is a long-term status for people of Indian origin and certain family members who hold foreign citizenship. OCI holders can generally travel to India without a separate visa.
Applications take longer than an e-Visa, so if you’re travelling soon an e-Visa may be the quicker option while an OCI application is in progress.
Quick comparison
As a general guide:
- Travelling once or rarely, or not of Indian origin: an e-Visa is usually simpler
- Of Indian origin and visiting often: OCI can save repeated visa applications
- Travelling within weeks: an e-Visa is usually faster
- New passport: OCI holders may need to update their details, so check the current rules
Before you fly
Carry your passport plus a printed copy of your e-Visa approval, or your OCI card if you have one. Check that your passport has at least six months’ validity and blank pages.
We can help you work out which option suits your trip, check your application before you submit it, and book your flights to Chennai, Trichy or Kochi.
This guide is general information only and rules can change. Always check the official government website for your destination before you travel.
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