10 Year Visa for US Citizens?

cristos7

Namaste,

While I'm well traveled outside of Asia and Africa, this is my first trip to India and I'd like to apply for a 10 year Visa. However, the new (outsourced - touche!) Visa service website states that said visa is extended at the whim (er, discretion) of the Indian Embassy, and if a lesser visa is issued there are no refunds.

Anyone have experience recieving or being denied said ten (or 5) year visas? Are they commonly issued (or more commonly denied)?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience,

Happy Trails,

Chris

BirderMaria

I didn't have any problems getting a 10 year tourist visa. I applied this past August by filling out the form and sending it to the Houston consulate. Unfortunately, I believe this service has now been outsourced and it may involve an additional fee, but I don't believe you'll have a problem getting a 10 year tourist visa.

james st. aubin

Unfortunately, the fee is now up to $183 for a 5-10 year visa. I suspect the price increase is due to Travisa India Outsourcing. That seems a little expensive but when you factor in the cost of a 6 month visa, and if you might have reason to return like me, you might as well go for the long term visa.

Maybe it would be cheaper to obtain dual citizenship? Just kidding!

pontesnm

The cost for the OCI card (not quite dual citizenship but lifelong visa) is $275

cristos7

Just a follow up:

I (and my lady friend) both applied for and rcvd. the 10 year Visas (f/ $183 each inc. service and FedEx), within 10 days and with no problems.

And kudos to Travis Visa services in Chicago: while we had each been charged the $20 FEdEx mailing fee, they returned our two passports in a single envelope AND refunded one $20 fee without hesitation when I asked for it;-)

Thanks all! India bound in 10 days!:-))))

Shaktipalooza

I sent my mothers 10 year application a few weeks ago. came back within a couple of weeks, no problem.

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eph6_16

Hi,

does your ten year visa mean that you can stay only 180 days a year in India or is it possible for you to stay let's say for 170 days, then go back home for 6 weeks and then go to India again for the rest of the year?

Thanks
Hannah

dzibead

With this type of visa, a person isn't limited to 180 days in one year. The person just has to leave the country within 180 days of entry but can immediately turn around and come back for another 180 day period.