India, a vast subcontinent famed for its unparalleled diversity—from the snow-capped Himalayas to the tropical beaches of Kerala—offers an unforgettable experience for travellers from Albania. Historically, obtaining an Indian visa required an in-person application at an embassy or consulate, but thanks to the India Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system, the process is now entirely digital, fast, and highly convenient for Albanian citizens.
The Indian e-Visa system is a significant step towards streamlining international travel, allowing you to secure your mandatory travel authorization from the comfort of your home in Tirana or anywhere else. This comprehensive guide about India e-Visa for Albanian Citizens, the specific requirements, fee structure, and step-by-step application process for Albanian passport holders.
Do Albanians need a visa for India?
Yes, a visa is mandatory. Albanian passport holders are required to secure a valid visa before entering the Republic of India for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
The India e-Visa is the recommended method for obtaining this authorization. It is critical to secure the electronic visa authorization (ETA) before traveling, as India does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Albanian citizens.
What other visa types can Albanian citizens apply for besides tourist and business?
The Indian government provides several flexible e-Visa options designed to accommodate various lengths and purposes of stay, all of which are accessible to Albanian passport holders:
e-Tourist Visa (eTV): Available in three distinct validity periods:
30-Day (Short-Term): Double-entry visa valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
1-Year (Longer Term): Multiple-entry visa valid for 365 days from the date of grant.
5-Year (Maximum Term): Multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years from the date of grant.
e-Business Visa: Valid for 1 year with multiple entries.
e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days with triple entry for the patient and two accompanying attendants.
e-Conference Visa & e-Ayush Visa: Available for specific short-term events or traditional wellness treatments.
What are the different durations and entry types for Indian e-tourist visas?
The permitted stay duration depends on the e-Visa type and the total allowance within a calendar year:
30-Day eTV: Allows a maximum continuous stay of 30 days (double entry permitted within that period).
1-Year & 5-Year eTV: Allows a continuous stay of up to 90 days per visit. The total cumulative stay allowed in India within one calendar year (January 1st to December 31st) must not exceed 180 days.
If your travel requires a continuous stay longer than 90 days, the e-Visa is not the correct document, and you should consider a regular visa application through a consulate.
What documents are needed for an Indian e-Visa application for Albanian citizens?
The Indian e-Visa application requires the mandatory digital submission of two core documents, along with information related to your itinerary:
Valid Albanian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in India. It must also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
Digital Passport Photograph: A recent (not older than six months) digital photo of the applicant. This must be a JPEG file with specific dimensions (5cm x 5cm, white or light background).
Scanned Passport Bio Page: A high-quality scan of the page in your passport that contains your photograph and personal details (the biographical page).
Depending on the visa category selected, you may need to upload additional supporting documents:
e-Business Visa: A business card, an invitation letter from the Indian company, and the URL of your foreign company's website.
e-Medical Visa: A letter from the hospital in India where treatment will be received.
How long does an Indian e-visa take to approve?
The processing time for the Indian e-Visa is significantly faster than traditional visa applications:
Normal Processing: Applications are typically processed within 3 to 6 business days after successful submission and payment.
Urgent Processing : Some authorized service providers offer expedited services that may reduce the processing time to 1 to 2 business days for an additional fee.
It is strongly advised for Albanian citizens to apply at least one week before their planned departure date to accommodate any unexpected delays or requests for additional information.
Does Using an Agent Simplify the Application Process or Reduce Errors?
How to apply for an Indian visa step by step?
The application process is handled online:
Complete the Form: Fill out the detailed, multi-page application form online. This includes personal history, previous travel details, and contact information.
Upload Documents: Upload the required digital photo and the scanned copy of your passport bio page. Ensure the photo meets the specific size (5cm x 5cm) and background requirements.
Review and Pay: Review all entered data meticulously. Pay the applicable e-Visa fee online using a valid credit or debit card. Note the generated Application ID for status tracking.
Receive ETA: Once approved, you will receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via your registered email address.
What are the photo requirements for an Indian eVisa?
The digital photograph requirements for Indian e-Visa are precise and critical to avoid application rejection:
Size and Format: The photo must be a square image (5cm x 5cm) and in JPEG format.
Background: Must be a plain white or very light background.
Head Position: Full face view, centered, with the face covering 70-80% of the photograph.
Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes open.
Glasses/Headwear: Glasses are acceptable only if eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. Religious headwear is permitted but must not obscure facial features.
What is the next step after visa approval?
Receiving the ETA approval email means your visa has been granted, but you must complete one critical final step:
Print the ETA: You must print a physical copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) document. This document is required to be presented to airline staff when checking in for your flight to India and again to the immigration officers upon arrival at one of the designated ports of entry.
What is the port of entry for India eVisa?
The Indian e-Visa is only valid for entry through designated entry points, which include major international airports and seaports:
Designated Airports: Entry is permitted at 28 major international airports across India (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata).
Designated Seaports: Entry is permitted at five major seaports (e.g., Kochi, Goa, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Chennai).
Land Borders: The e-Visa is not valid for entry via land borders or railway crossings. If you plan to enter India overland, you must apply for a traditional sticker visa through the appropriate Indian Mission.
What are the Strict Rules Regarding e-Visa Extension and Conversion?
The Indian e-Visa is subject to strict rules concerning its validity and purpose:
Non-Extendable: The e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Conference visas are generally non-extendable while you are in India, except in the case of the e-Medical Visa, where an extension may be granted by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Convertible: These e-Visas are typically non-convertible to any other visa category (like a work or student visa) while you are in India.
Albanian citizens must plan their trip duration carefully to ensure departure before the maximum permitted stay (30 or 90 days) expires.
Can Albanian Citizens with a Schengen Visa Skip the e-Visa?
No, the possession of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa does not exempt Albanian citizens from the requirement to obtain an Indian visa. Unlike some other countries (like Albania itself), India mandates that Albanian passport holders secure an Indian visa (either e-Visa or traditional) before entering.
What is the Reapplication Policy if My e-Visa is Rejected?
If your e-Visa application is rejected, the fee paid is non-refundable. The Indian government does not typically provide detailed feedback on the reasons for denial.
Reapplication: You are generally allowed to reapply after a rejection, but you must meticulously review your previous application for errors (passport validity, photo quality, incorrect data entry) and address them before submitting a new application with a new payment.
Consulate Application: If you face multiple rejections, you may need to apply for a traditional visa through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate, as this process allows for a face-to-face interview and the submission of more supporting documents.
Why is it Crucial to Enter the Correct Port of Entry?
Ensuring you list the correct intended port of entry (airport or seaport) on your e-Visa application is vital:
Immigration Verification: The e-Visa is linked to your intended arrival point. While the ETA is technically valid at any of the designated ports, listing the incorrect one can sometimes lead to additional questioning or delays during the electronic verification process upon arrival.
Consistency: Always ensure the flight itinerary you carry matches the location data provided in your visa application form.
Conclusion: Opening the Door to the Indian Subcontinent
The India e-Visa system offers Albanian citizens a straightforward, fast, and cost-effective method to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of India. By applying within the correct timeframe, adhering strictly to the digital document standards, and choosing the visa type that perfectly matches your duration of stay, you ensure a stress-free start to your journey.
