Recordings of Life: Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa (Malaysians)

Here's a compilation of procedures and required documents to apply for an Indian Tourist Visa. I usually use the application at one of the Indian missions because I require multiple entry into India. However, there is a simpler application via e-TV, where your application is done online. This is only limited to a number of countries (Malaysia included) and a single entry into India allowed. You can do this here https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/Registration, but I've not used this!

For a multiply entry visa - this will require you to visit one of the Indian missions scattered around Malaysia. The process is simple enough. Register yourself on the web page, fill up the forms, print forms, bring these and other required documents to the any of the IVS Global Center (third party who deals with Indian visas; the Indian embassy no longer do it), then collect your passport within 3-4 days. Easy peasy.

These links are your best friend.

Main page-

http://www.indiavisa.com.my/index1.php

Extensive information on the tourist visa can be found here

http://www.indiavisa.com.my/visa_type/tourist_visa.php

Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa

1. Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/info1.jsp and fill form.

Some information that may require digging are parents' places of birth, and referees in both Malaysia and India. Others are pretty standard stuff: travel dates, job role, etc. It takes me about 15 minutes to complete this part.

2. Once confirmed and electronically "signed", print a copy.

3. Go to any one of the Indian mission (check if they are open first! They are sometimes closed in conjunction of a public holiday in India) for submission of your documents.

You can visit the India Visa Centre at any time, to your convenience - they are open Mondays- Fridays from 9am-2pm for visa submission.

Bring these with you

Your passport
A photocopy of your passport
A photocopy of your IC
A printed application form
2 x photographs (2"x2" on a white background)
**Confirmed ticket to India (eg confirmation ticket from agent, or flight itinerary)
Sufficient cash for visa fee payment

4. If the queue is long, note that you can opt to go to the "Express Counter". There will be an additional charge of RM50 but you skip the queue.

You MUST apply for the Indian visa in person for the biometric registration. There are a couple of exceptions:

You're older than 70 years old;
Children below 12 years of age
The VFS already have your record (this is usually noted at the bottom of your completed online application form)

In these instances, it is possible to have someone apply the visa for you.

5. Submit your documents when your number is called. Make payment and keep the receipt. This receipt will be required for your visa collection.

Collecting Your Visa

Your preferred option (whether to courier or selecting which Indian mission to collect) is selected when you are filling up the visa form.

If you are applying from the main centre in KL, expect three working days before the visa is ready. This 3 working days include the day you apply. So, if you apply on a Monday, the visa should be ready for collection by Wednesday.

If applying from another Indian mission (Penang, Johor Bahru), 4 working days is needed. This does not include the day you apply. If you apply on Monday, the visa will be ready on Friday. Don't ask me why, but this is from my experience (most likely they courier your passport to the main center on the first day, so it didn't count).