India visa for Malagasy citizens
Malagasy citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Malagasy passport holders are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. You apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in before you travel. The e-Visa allows entry for tourism, short business trips, or medical treatment. You must arrive at one of the designated airports or seaports. The visa is electronically linked to your passport.
What the e-Visa means
The e-Visa eliminates the need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate in person. You complete the entire application online. Once approved, the visa is sent to you as an electronic travel authorisation. Print a copy to carry with your passport.
The e-Visa covers specific purposes: tourism, business visits, and medical treatment. It is not valid for employment or long-term study. For those categories, you must apply for a regular visa through an Indian mission. Check the official site for the full list of eligible activities.
Before you travel and on arrival
Apply online at least a few days before your intended travel date. You need a scanned copy of your passport's biographical page and a recent photograph. The system accepts applications for travel up to a certain period in advance. Confirm the exact window on the official site.
When you arrive in India, proceed to the e-Visa counter at the airport. You will have your fingerprints and photograph taken. This is a quick biometric enrolment process. Keep your printed e-Visa authorisation and passport ready for inspection.
Arriving in Indian cities and travelling
You can enter India through 28 designated airports and 5 major seaports. Major airports include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Check the official site for the current list of entry points. You cannot enter by land border with an e-Visa.
Once inside India, you can travel freely between states and cities. There are no internal checkpoints for foreign visitors. You must carry your passport and a copy of your e-Visa at all times. Hotel staff may ask to see these documents when you check in.
Staying longer, working, or studying
If you wish to stay beyond the e-Visa's validity, you must apply for a regular visa from an Indian mission in Madagascar. The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type while you are in India. Overstaying can result in fines or legal action.
For employment or long-term study, you need a specific visa category such as an Employment Visa or Student Visa. These require a formal application through the Indian embassy in Antananarivo. The official site provides guidance on the required documents and process.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and start a new e-Visa application.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport's biographical page and a recent photograph.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the electronic travel authorisation to be sent to your email.
- Print the e-Visa authorisation and carry it with your passport when you travel.
- Arrive at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport in India.
- Complete biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photograph) at the arrival counter.
Documents to carry
- Valid passport (check the official site for validity rules).
- Printed copy of the e-Visa authorisation.
- Return or onward flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation for your stay.
- Sufficient funds for your visit.
Malagasy citizens: questions
Can a Malagasy citizen apply for an Indian e-Visa for tourism?
Yes, tourism is one of the primary purposes covered by the e-Visa. You select 'Tourist' as your visa type in the online application. The visa is valid for a specific period; check the official site for current validity.
What happens if a Malagasy traveller arrives at a non-designated airport?
You must enter India only through an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport. Arriving at a non-designated port will result in denied entry. The official site lists all authorised entry points.
Can a Malagasy student use the e-Visa for a university course in India?
No, the e-Visa does not cover long-term study. You need a Student Visa, which requires a formal application through the Indian embassy in Madagascar. Contact the embassy for the application process.
Is a Malagasy businessperson allowed to attend meetings on an e-Visa?
Yes, the e-Visa for business permits attending meetings, conferences, and trade fairs. You must not take up employment. Check the official site for the full list of permitted business activities.
What should a Malagasy citizen do if their e-Visa application is rejected?
You can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection, which is usually communicated by email. Alternatively, you may apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy in Antananarivo. There is no appeal process for e-Visa rejections.
Can a Malagasy family apply together for Indian e-Visas?
Each family member must submit a separate e-Visa application with their own passport and photograph. There is no family or group application option. All applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria.
Where will you stay in Pune?
Koregaon Park for a first visit, Viman Nagar for the airport, Hinjewadi or Kharadi for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.