Journey to the Subcontinent: Navigating the Indian Visa For Kyrgyz Citizens and Indian Visa For Lithuanian Citizens

India, a land of ancient spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, and bustling metropolises, continues to be a magnet for travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences.¹ From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched beaches of Kerala, and the vibrant markets of Delhi to the tranquil backwaters, India offers a tapestry of sights and sounds. For citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Lithuania aspiring to explore this incredible nation, understanding the visa application process is the essential first step. This article will detail the requirements for obtaining an INDIAN VISA FOR KYRGYZ CITIZENS and an INDIAN VISA FOR LITHUANIAN CITIZENS, with a focus on the widely used e-Visa facility.

INDIAN VISA FOR KYRGYZ CITIZENS: Simplified Access to India

For Kyrgyz citizens, traveling to India has been made significantly easier with the introduction of the Indian e-Visa system.² This online platform is the most convenient and recommended method for obtaining a short-term visa for various purposes.

The Indian e-Visa: The Preferred Option for Kyrgyz Travelers

The e-Visa allows KYRGYZ CITIZENS to complete their INDIAN VISA application entirely online, eliminating the need for a physical visit to the Embassy of India in Bishkek for most short-term travel.³ This facility is available for tourism, business, medical treatment, conference attendance, and accompanying a medical patient.

Key Requirements for Indian e-Visa (Kyrgyz Citizens):

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be an ordinary/regular passport, valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India. It should also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps upon entry. Diplomatic passports are generally not eligible for the e-Visa.
• Digital Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, high-resolution digital photograph (JPEG format) meeting specific criteria:
  • Square shape, with dimensions between 350x350 pixels and 1000x1000 pixels.⁴
  • Full face, front view, with eyes open, against a plain white background.
  • No shadows on the face or background.
• Scanned Passport Biodata Page: A clear digital copy (PDF format, 10KB-300KB) of the biographical page of your passport that includes your photograph and personal details.⁵
• Valid Email Address: Essential for receiving your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
• Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card for online payment of the visa fee.
• Additional Documents (depending on visa type):
  • e-Business Visa: Invitation letter from an Indian company, business card.
  • e-Medical Visa: Letter from a recognized Indian hospital, medical reports.⁶
  • e-Conference Visa: Invitation letter from the conference organizer, political and event clearance (required for the organizer).⁷

Application Process for Indian e-Visa (Kyrgyz Citizens):

1. Access the Official e-Visa Website: Navigate to the legitimate government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. It is crucial to use this official site to avoid scams.
2. Select Visa Category: Choose the appropriate e-Visa category (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Medical Attendant) based on your purpose of visit.
3. Fill Out the Application: Complete the online application form accurately with all required personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your digital photograph and scanned passport biodata page. Ensure clarity and adherence to specifications.
5. Review and Pay: Carefully review all entered information for accuracy before proceeding. Pay the applicable visa fee securely online. Fees vary by validity and type:
   • e-Tourist Visa: Available in 30-day (double entry, approximately $25), 1-year (multiple entry, up to 180-day stay per year, approximately $40), and 5-year (multiple entry, up to 180-day stay per year, approximately $80) validities.
   • e-Business/Medical/Conference Visas: Generally 1-year validity (multiple entry, fees vary, typically around $60-$80).
6. Receive ETA: Once approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print a copy of your ETA and carry it with you along with your passport when traveling to India.

Processing Time: Normal processing typically takes 3-5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days in advance of your intended travel date.

Important Note for Kyrgyz Citizens: The e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible to other visa types once you are in India.⁸ If you intend to visit Protected/Restricted Areas, you will require prior permission from the Civil Authority, as the e-Visa is not valid for such areas.⁹ For longer stays or purposes not covered by the e-Visa, or for diplomatic/official passport holders, a traditional visa application at the Embassy of India in Bishkek might be necessary. Biometric details will be captured upon arrival in India.

INDIAN VISA FOR LITHUANIAN CITIZENS: Effortless Entry to India

Lithuanian citizens also greatly benefit from India's e-Visa facility, making the process of obtaining an INDIAN VISA for tourism, business, or medical purposes straightforward and efficient.¹⁰

The Indian e-Visa: Your Primary Application Method

LITHUANIAN CITIZENS are fully eligible for the Indian e-Visa, which encompasses the same categories as for Kyrgyz citizens: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference visas.¹¹ This means no in-person visit to the Embassy of India in Vilnius is typically required for short-term visits.

Key Requirements for Indian e-Visa (Lithuanian Citizens):

The requirements for Lithuanian citizens mirror those for Kyrgyz citizens:

• Valid Passport: An ordinary/regular passport, valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages.
• Digital Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, clear, square-shaped digital photograph (JPEG), meeting the specified dimensions and white background requirements.¹²
• Scanned Passport Biodata Page: A clear digital copy (PDF format) of the biographical page of your passport.¹³
• Valid Email Address: For receiving your e-Visa.
• Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card for online payment.
• Supporting Documents (as per visa type): Similar documents as listed for Kyrgyz citizens (invitation letters, hospital letters, etc.).

Application Process for Indian e-Visa (Lithuanian Citizens):

The application process for LITHUANIAN CITIZENS is identical to that for Kyrgyz citizens:

1. Access the Official e-Visa Website: Use the legitimate government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
2. Choose Visa Category: Select the relevant e-Visa type.
3. Complete Application Form: Fill in all personal, passport, and travel details accurately.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your digital photo and scanned passport biodata page.
5. Pay the Fee: Securely pay the visa fee online. The fees are generally similar to those for other e-Visa eligible nationalities (e.g., $25 for 30-day e-Tourist, $40 for 1-year e-Tourist, $80 for 5-year e-Tourist).
6. Receive ETA: Upon approval, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.¹⁴ Print it out and carry it with your passport.

Processing Time: The standard processing time is typically 3-5 working days.¹⁵ It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before your trip.

Important Note for Lithuanian Citizens: Lithuanian citizens are not eligible for Visa on Arrival in India.¹⁶ Therefore, applying for an e-Visa or a traditional visa through the Embassy of India in Vilnius (or a VFS Global center, if applicable) beforehand is mandatory. For purposes like employment, student, or specific research visas, a traditional application at the embassy will be required, involving personal interviews and biometric data collection.

General Considerations for Both Nationalities:

• Accuracy is Paramount: Any discrepancy between the information provided in your e-Visa application and your passport details can lead to delays or rejection.¹⁷ Double-check all entries.
• Entry Points: The Indian e-Visa is valid for entry only through designated international airports (e.g., Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and several others) and specific seaports.¹⁸ It is generally not valid for entry via land borders.
• E-Visa is not a guarantee of entry: The ETA received via email is an authorization to travel.¹⁹ Final entry into India is subject to the discretion of immigration authorities at the port of entry.
• Children: All children, regardless of age, require a separate e-Visa to enter India, even if traveling with parents. Each child must have their own e-Visa application.
• Proof of Funds: While not always a primary requirement for the e-Visa, you may be asked to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in India during the application or upon arrival.
• Consular Services: For any queries not covered by the e-Visa system, or for other visa types, contact the Embassy of India in Bishkek (for Kyrgyz citizens) or the Embassy of India in Vilnius (for Lithuanian citizens).

By utilizing the convenient e-Visa system and being mindful of these essential requirements, both KYRGYZ CITIZENS and LITHUANIAN CITIZENS can look forward to a straightforward process in obtaining their INDIAN VISA and embarking on an incredible journey to explore the captivating wonders of India.