India Visa for Madagascar Citizens

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on obtaining an Indian visa as a citizen of Madagascar. This article is crafted to simplify the visa application process by providing all the essential information you need, presented in easy-to-understand language and organised with headings, subheadings, lists, and tables to facilitate seamless navigation.

Do Madagascar Citizens Require a Visa for India?

Yes, Madagascar citizens must obtain a visa to travel to India unless they are Indian nationals. Various e-visas are available for different purposes, such as tourism, business, conferences, and medical visits. Madagascar citizens can conveniently apply for short-term visit visas online through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system.

Types of Indian e-Visas for Madagascar Citizens

India offers a range of e-visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Below is a table outlining the main visa types, their purposes, validity, and benefits for Madagascar citizens.

Document Requirements for Madagascar Applicants

Madagascar applicants need to provide the following:

• Valid Madagascar Passport: Ensure it is valid for your intended stay.
• Digital Copy of Passport Biographical Page: Upload a scan of the passport page containing your details.
• Recent Passport-Style Photo: A recent photograph that meets passport specifications.
• Email Address: This is to receive communications about your e-Visa application.
• Credit or Debit Card Details: These cover the e-visa processing fee.

Depending on the e-Visa category, additional documents may be required, such as business cards and letters of invitation for business visas or medical letters for medical visas.

Additional Requirements for Madagascar Business e-Visa Applicants

Madagascar citizens applying for a Business e-visa to India must provide the following additional documents:

• Business Card: Include details of the host company in India.
• Letter of Invitation: A formal letter from an Indian-registered company detailing the purpose of your visit, planned activities, and the contact information for the individuals you will meet.
• Proof of Funds: Present bank statements or other financial records to prove you have enough money to cover your stay in India.

For detailed and specific requirements, please visit the Indian e-Visa website and review the guidelines for Madagascar citizens.

Photo Requirements for Indian Visa Application

For Madagascar applicants, adhering to the specific photo requirements is crucial:

• Format: JPEG
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, maximum 1 MB
• Dimensions: Minimum 350 x 350 pixels
• Photo Appearance: Recent, front-facing photograph with a white or light-coloured background. Full face visible, front view, eyes open, no spectacles, and the head centred from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.

Additional Guidelines:

• Do not use a cropped passport image as the photo.
• Ensure photos are clear and meet the specified requirements to avoid application rejection.

Requirements for Madagascar Patients Applying for an Indian Medical e-Visa

In addition to standard application procedures, Madagascar patients and their companions travelling to India for medical treatment must provide the following document:

• Letter from the Medical Facility or Hospital: Obtain a letter from the Indian hospital or clinic where you are scheduled to receive care. This letter should confirm your appointment and provide details of the planned treatment.

Please refer to the Indian e-Visa website for specific guidelines applicable to Madagascar citizens.

Eligibility Requirements for e-Visa Services for Madagascar Citizens

To be eligible for e-Visa services to India, applicants from Madagascar must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens from countries that are eligible as listed on the e-Visa website.
  Purpose of Visit: Visas are issued specifically for the purposes previously mentioned.
• Passport Validity: Passports must have at least two blank pages and be valid for no less than 6 months from the date of application.
• Travel Documents: It is mandatory for candidates to possess a ticket for their return or subsequent travel along with sufficient funds to support their stay in India.
• Restrictions:
  • This service is not available to Pakistani nationals or those of Pakistani descent, including individuals whose parents or grandparents were born in or were permanent residents of Pakistan.
  • The e-Visa is not available to holders of diplomatic, official, or laissez-passer passports, nor to holders of any other type of international travel document.
  • Individuals cannot be included on a parent’s or spouse’s passport; each traveller must possess their own passport.

These criteria are designed to ensure that the e-Visa application process is only accessible to travellers who meet specific eligibility conditions, facilitating a legal and orderly entry into India for designated purposes.

Ports of Arrival and Departure in India

You can arrive in India through 31 designated airports, including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa (Dabolim), Goa (Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam. 

Additionally, there are 5 designated seaports for arrival: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. Departures can be made from any Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).

Application Process for Madagascar Citizens

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, follow these streamlined steps:

1. Complete the Online Form: Access the Indian e-Visa website, complete the Indian visa application form accurately, and ensure all required fields are completed to prevent delays.
2. Submit Necessary Documents: Compile and submit all required documents, including the passport page with personal details.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: Process the payment online according to the instructions provided on the portal and retain a copy of the receipt.
4. Track Your Application: You will be provided with a reference number upon submission, which you may use to track the progress of your application online.
5. Receive Your Visa: Upon approval, your visa will be emailed directly to you.

Cost and Processing Time of Indian e-Visas for Madagascar Citizens

• Visa Costs: The fee for an Indian e-visa for Madagascar citizens varies based on the visa type, the number of entries, and the chosen processing speed. Visit the India visa feepage for a detailed fee table and calculator tailored to your needs.
• Processing Times: Typically, it takes 3-5 working days to process a standard Indian visa application. For urgent processing needs, expedited service is available and generally completed within 1-3 working days at an additional cost.
• Note: If an applicant possesses several valid passports, passports that are damaged or expired, maintains current visas, or has submitted numerous visa applications, it may take the government as long as four days to reach a decision.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

• Document Compliance: Ensure all documents are in English, in PDF format, and do not exceed 300 KB.
• Passport Photo Page: Upload the passport page with personal information such as name, nationality, birth date, and expiration date. Ensure it matches the details in the Passport Details section.
• Document Clarity: Submit only clear documents that meet all specifications.
• Review Before Submission: Double-check all entries and documents before submitting.
• Apply Early: Apply as early as possible to allow ample time for processing.
• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all information is complete and truthful to avoid rejection of the application.

By adhering to these recommendations and being well prepared, you may guarantee a smooth process in obtaining your Indian visa and enjoy a successful trip to India.

Must-Visit Places in India for Madagascar Citizens

India offers a vast array of breathtaking destinations that are a must-visit for travellers from Madagascar. Here are some of the top places to explore:

1. Taj Mahal, Agra - No visit to India is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal. This well-known love sign is among the world's seven wonders and is renowned for its stunning white marble architecture.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan—Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its rich royal history, magnificent forts, and magnificent palaces, such as Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. It offers a glimpse into the grandeur of India's royal past.
3. Kerala Backwaters - For a relaxing experience, the backwaters of Kerala offer serene boat rides on traditional houseboats, a unique way to explore the lush landscapes and rural villages of this tranquil region.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - One of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, Varanasi is a spiritual centre on the banks of the Ganges River. Visitors can witness religious rituals, take a boat ride at dawn, and experience the vibrancy of Hindu culture.
5. Goa - Famous for its beautiful beaches, Portuguese heritage, and vibrant nightlife, Goa is a perfect destination for those looking to relax by the sea or indulge in water sports.
6. Mumbai, Maharashtra - India's financial and entertainment capital, Mumbai is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse cuisine, shopping experiences, and landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.
7. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand- Named the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, offers yoga classes, spiritual retreats, and thrilling adventures like Ganges white-water rafting.
8. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan—A must-visit, Jaisalmer is Known for its golden fortress, traditional Havelis, and camel safaris that provide an insight into the way of life in the desert.
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal - Famous for its lush tea gardens, Darjeeling is nestled in the Himalayan foothills and offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, along with a ride on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
10. The Sundarbans, West Bengal - This site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the world's most expansive mangrove forest and serves as a sanctuary for the critically endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. It provides exceptional wildlife watching experiences amidst a mystical setting.

Each destination offers a unique slice of Indian culture, history, and natural beauty, making them essential stops for any traveller from Madagascar.

FAQS

• What is the validity of an e-visa?
  • E-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): Valid for 365 days / 5 years from the issuance date, allowing multiple entries with no single stay exceeding 180 days within a calendar year.
  • 30-day E-Tourist Visa: This type of visa allows for two entries into India and is valid for 30 days after the first.
  • If staying beyond 180 days, registration is required with FRRO/FRO within two weeks after 180 days.
  • E-Conference Visa: Single entry, valid 30 days after the date of arrival in India.
  • E-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days from the first arrival date in India, allowing triple entries.
• Can I convert my e-visa to another type of visa?

  No, e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.

• What should I do if I am still waiting to receive a notification after 72 hours of submitting my e-visa application?

  E-visa processing may take up to 72 hours. If you do not receive the email, you can contact us via email, WhatsApp, or phone. Furthermore, a live chat feature is accessible around the clock to help you.

• Do I need to apply for a separate e-visa for my minor child?

  Yes, make sure the passport of your minor child is valid for at least half a year after they arrive in India. Every traveller needs to have a unique e-visa.

• Is there any other website besides this one where I can apply for the e-visa application?

  No, there is no other website. This is the only reliable website for submitting the Indian e-Visa application. It offers a user-friendly method allowing you to apply for any visa from the comfort of your home.