How to Apply for a Tourist Visa from India

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 Planning an international trip from India? Whether you're heading to the glamorous streets of Paris, the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, or the historical landmarks of the United States, the first step is obtaining a tourist visa. The process may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's smooth and straightforward.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how to apply for a tourist visa from India, step-by-step, with valuable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and delays.

What Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is an official travel document that grants permission to enter a foreign country temporarily for leisure, recreation, or sightseeing. It does not permit work or long-term study. Each country has its own regulations regarding visa validity, duration of stay, and application requirements.

Types of Tourist Visas for Indians

Indians may apply for different kinds of tourist visas depending on the destination country:

  • Single-entry tourist visa

  • Multiple-entry tourist visa

  • e-Tourist visa (Electronic Visa)

  • Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Popular countries offering e-Visas or VOAs to Indians include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, and Turkey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Tourist Visa from India

1. Choose Your Destination and Understand Visa Requirements

Each country has different eligibility conditions and documentation requirements. Always visit the official embassy website or authorized visa partner of the country to verify:

  • Visa type

  • Processing time

  • Fees

  • Required documents

  • Biometric and interview requirements

2. Gather All Required Documents

The most common documents needed for a tourist visa application include:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with 2-3 blank pages)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Recent passport-sized photographs

  • Travel itinerary (confirmed flights and accommodation)

  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, ITR, salary slips)

  • Travel insurance (especially mandatory for Schengen and European countries)

  • Cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of visit

  • Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family abroad)

Note: Specific countries might require additional documentation such as employment letters, leave approval, or notarized affidavits.

3. Book Visa Appointment (If Required)

For countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Schengen zone, visa applicants need to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or consulate. This often includes biometric submission and an in-person interview.

Tip: Book your slot early, especially during peak travel months.

4. Pay Visa Fees

Visa fees vary by destination and visa type. The fee can be paid online through the official portal or at the visa application center (if allowed). Some countries require service charges in addition to the application fee.

For instance:

  • USA B2 Tourist Visa: Approx. ₹13,120

  • UK Standard Visitor Visa: ₹11,000+

  • Schengen Visa (Europe): ₹7,000+

5. Submit Your Application

Submit your visa application either:

  • Online (for eVisas or certain embassy systems)

  • Offline (through VFS Global or BLS International centers)

Ensure that:

  • All documents are in the prescribed format

  • Photographs meet embassy specifications

  • Cover letter is clear and professionally worded

Pro Tip: Keep both physical and digital copies of your submission receipt and documents.

6. Attend the Interview (If Applicable)

For countries like the USA and Canada, an interview is mandatory. Be prepared with:

  • Clear answers about your travel plans

  • Proof of intent to return to India (employment, family ties)

  • Honesty and confidence

7. Track Your Application

Once submitted, use the tracking ID provided by the visa center to check the status online. Processing times vary:

  • USA/UK/Canada: 7–30 working days

  • Schengen Countries: 15–20 working days

  • eVisas: 24 hours to 3 working days

Top Destinations & Their Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

1. USA

  • Visa Type: B2 Tourist

  • Interview: Mandatory

  • Documents: DS-160 form, confirmation page, appointment confirmation, financial proofs

  • Processing Time: Up to 30 days

2. United Kingdom

  • Visa Type: Standard Visitor

  • Biometrics: Yes

  • Financial Proof: Strongly required

  • Duration: 6 months (extendable in some cases)

3. Schengen Area (France, Germany, Italy, etc.)

  • Visa Type: Short Stay (Type C)

  • Biometrics: Compulsory

  • Insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage

  • Travel Itinerary: Must cover all Schengen countries you’ll visit

4. Thailand

  • Visa Type: eVOA or sticker visa

  • Processing: 2-5 working days

  • Documents: Booking confirmations, bank balance proof

5. Australia

  • Visa Type: Visitor (Subclass 600)

  • Submission: Online via ImmiAccount

  • Biometrics: Yes

  • Medical Test: Sometimes required

Tips to Avoid Tourist Visa Rejection

  • Ensure all documents are genuine

  • Maintain financial consistency in bank statements

  • Avoid last-minute bookings and visa applications

  • Write a clear and concise cover letter

  • Provide strong ties to India (employment, family, assets)

  • Avoid travel history gaps (if you claim to be a frequent traveller)

eVisa Countries for Indians

You can apply online for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) for countries like:

  • Turkey

  • Vietnam

  • Malaysia

  • Sri Lanka

  • Kenya

  • Bahrain

  • Azerbaijan

Processing is fast, and documents can be uploaded online. Print your visa before travel.

Visa-Free & Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indian Passport Holders

As of 2025, Indian citizens can travel visa-free or get visa-on-arrival to 60+ countries, including:

  • Nepal & Bhutan – Visa-free

  • Maldives – VOA for 90 days

  • Indonesia – VOA for 30 days

  • Sri Lanka – eTA online

  • Thailand – VOA for 15 days (frequently extended during promotions)

Always check the latest visa updates from the Ministry of External Affairs or the destination's embassy website.

How SMOTPRO Can Help You Get a Tourist Visa Without Hassle

Navigating visa paperwork, embassy protocols, and appointment bookings can be overwhelming. That’s where SMOTPRO.IN steps in to simplify the journey for you.

At smotpro.in, we have dedicated agents available 24x7 who bring decades of expertise in handling complex visa documentation. Whether it's your first international trip or your tenth, we manage everything from start to finish.

We operate through our pan-India offices in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Vizag, and Pune. With over 20 years of trusted service, we have helped thousands of travelers with tourist, business, student, and other visa categories.

Our core strengths:

  • Expert visa consultants

  • Personalized document checklist

  • Quick appointment bookings

  • High success rate for approvals

  • End-to-end assistance

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long overseas vacation, let us take care of the paperwork so you can focus on the memories.

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