# AI tells a tourist they can get a visa on arrival in India for most nationalities

- **ID:** `visa/e-visa-in-advance-no-voa`
- **Domain:** visa
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

India does NOT offer visa on arrival to most nationalities. The vast majority of tourists must obtain an e-Visa online in advance (apply at least 4 days before travel, up to 30 days ahead) via the official Indian Government e-Visa portal, or a regular visa from a mission. True visa on arrival is limited to a few nationalities (e.g., Japan, South Korea, UAE under specific conditions).

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Apply for the e-Visa on the official Indian Government portal at least 4 days before travel; carry the approved ETA/e-Visa printout and enter via a designated airport or seaport.** (90% success)
   ```
   Use only indianvisaonline.gov.in (avoid third-party agents). Choose the correct category (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical), upload a photo and passport bio page, pay the fee, and wait for the emailed ETA. e-Visa entry is allowed only at designated ports.
   ```
2. **If you are not eligible for the e-Visa or need a longer/multi-purpose stay, apply for a regular visa at an Indian mission or authorized centre in advance.** (80% success)
   ```
   Check eligibility on the official portal; for categories not covered by e-Visa, apply through the Indian embassy/consulate or its authorized visa centre weeks ahead.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Fly to India planning to get a visa stamped on arrival at the airport** — India has no general visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists. Most travelers must apply for an e-Visa online before departure; the e-Visa must be approved and printed/saved before boarding. Arriving without a valid visa or e-Visa leads to denied boarding or refused entry. (88% fail)
- **Apply for the e-Visa the day before flying** — The Indian e-Visa application must be submitted at least 4 days before arrival (and can be filed up to 30 days in advance). Same-day or next-day applications are rejected by the system, leaving travelers stranded. (70% fail)