FAQs

Last Updated on December 3, 2020

  1. Do I need a visa to go to India?

Yes, all foreigners need a visa to enter India.

  1. Can I get a visa on arrival to enter India? 

Ethiopian citizens need a visa before taking a flight to India.

  1. Do I apply for a visa to India?

Applications have to be made online at the link: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in

Thereafter, the duly filled application forms have to be printed out and submitted to Embassy at the following address. 224, Kebele 13/14, Woreda 07, Arada Sub-City, Near Bel Air Hotel, Aware

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  1. Can I send the visa application to the Embassy?

No, all applicants must submit their applications to the Embassy in person. However, those applying for Medical visa should ensure that the medical attendant is submitting the application on his/her behalf. Other visa applicants, if not physically present, should invariably send a letter of authorization with his/her representative submitting the application.

  1. What is the normal processing time?

If all the documents are in order, the normal processing time is 1-2 working days for Ethiopian Passport and additional 3 working days for foreigners who are not resident in Ethiopia

  1. I want to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend’s marriage/ to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?

You may apply for a tourist visa. Details can be viewed under Tourist Visa.

  1. Can I study in India?

Yes. India offers various educational opportunities. You are welcome to get in touch with our education section. You would need a valid student visa for a recognized university/educational institution. Details may be seen under Student Visa.

  1. Can I work in India?

Yes, with a valid employment visa.

  1. I travel to India frequently for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?

You may apply for a business visa valid for multiple entries along with the requisite documents as detailed under Business Visa. A Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.

  1. I will be changing flights/airports in India to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?

You need to apply for a transit visa if you are going to change from an international terminal to a domestic terminal of any Indian airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even for a few hours. You don’t need a transit visa if you stay in the waiting area reserved for international transit passengers in an Indian airport. Note that you can stay for a maximum period of 72 hours in India on a transit visa. You should have a confirmed air ticket for the onward journey.

  1. I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?

You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc. Clearance from the competent authority in India is required.

  1. I will be going to India for work/employment along with my family. Which visa should I apply for?

You must apply for an employment visa along with the requisite documents. Once your visa application is approved, your spouse and children may apply for dependent employment visas in case they are accompanying you on your stay in India.

  1. My application and passport have been submitted and it has been a while, how can I enquire about the status of my application?

Please email: cons.addisababa@mea.gov.in

  1. How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from the Indian Embassy?

Please email: cons.addisababa@mea.gov.in.

  1. Will the visa service fees be refunded?

No refunds. Fees once received would not be refunded, even if the application is withdrawn or service denied due to any particular reason.

  1. I have to travel to India on an emergency. Is there any extra charge for the same?

Emergency Visa is granted ONLY for genuine medical and humanitarian emergencies which are subject to verification and at the discretion of the Embassy

  1. I will travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?

No. Post-dated visas are not issued. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.

  1. Can I confirm all my travel bookings before getting the visa?

It is always better to confirm travel bookings only after obtaining visa.

  1. From when does the validity of a visa begin?

The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue. This cannot be postponed to a later date.

  1. Can I apply for a visa to India through the Embassy of India, if I am outside Ethiopia?

Yes. If you are outside Ethiopia you are advised to approach the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate in the country of your residence.

  1. If I fill out a visa application form for a minor who has to sign the application?

Either of the parents can sign visa application form for a minor if the minor cannot sign.

  1. Do I need to come in person to submit/collect the passport?

Yes, it is necessary to come in person. However one can send her/his representative with an authorization letter along with the receipt for collection of the passport.

  1. If I have to make a comment or a complaint regarding visa services, where can I send it?

You can send an e-mail to the following addresses:

cons.addisababa@mea.gov.in.

The complaint can also be copied to

amb.addisababa@mea.gov.in

  • Address : 224, Kebele 13/14, Woreda 07, Arada Sub-City, Near Bel Air Hotel, Aware, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Working : 09:00 am and 11:30 am on all working days, (Mondays to Fridays) except Holidays.
  • Telephone Numbers : 00-251-11-6362010
  • E-Mail :hoc[dot]addisababa[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

Visitors Count:

Last Updated on: October 8, 2024 @ 12:57 pm