Which is better OCI or an Indian Visa? (2024)

iVisa | Updated on Jul 20, 2022

Disclaimer - iVisa does not currently offer the OCI card, please check below for any information you may need about your future application with us, or how to apply for an India Visa.

If you want to spend some time in India, you must check the travel documents you need for your visit. The India Tourist eVisa is available for foreign travelers who want to visit India for tourism. On the other hand, the OCI Card allows you to live and work in India. In both cases, you must check eligibility and whether you meet the requirements.

Which is better OCI or an Indian Visa? (1)

Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa? It will depend on the purpose of your visit. Also, you must meet some specific requirements, especially for the OCI Card. The good news is that iVisa.com can help you with both documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the COVID-19 protocols in India?

The COVID-19 vaccination certificate isn’t mandatory to enter India. Still, travelers with the vaccine can skip the testing requirements. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test within 72 hours before landing in India. There isn’t a quarantine requirement in India.

Go to our FAQ section for news about health protocols in India. We can discuss your question: Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

How can I apply for the India Tourist eVisa?

  • First: Answer the questions in the online form.
  • Second: Re-examine your application and verify your data is correct. Select a processing speed according to your needs.
  • Third: Pay for the digital service with a credit or debit card and send us your application.

Expect the India Tourist eVisa in your email inbox. Airport officers will request it at your arrival. The India Tourist eVisa is available for 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years.

Continue learning more about your question: Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

What are the processing times and prices?

The 1-year visa offers these processing speeds:

  • Standard Processing Time: 5 days - USD $104.99.
  • Rush Processing Time: 3 days - USD $156.99.
  • Super Rush Processing Time: 30 hours - USD $219.99.

Explore more about your question: Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

What are the requirements?

Collect the following:

  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have one blank page. The application will request a copy of the details page.
  • Applicant photo.
  • Email address: Expect your travel document electronically.
  • Payment method: Decide between a credit or debit card.

Our team can answer your question: Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

Can I trust iVisa.com?

Of course! We have been working with travel requirements for years. We have the answer to your question: Which is better OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

Head to our customer reviews page and see the testimonies from previous customers. We have had excellent results.

I have some doubts. Where can I check more information?

Contact our customer support team, available at any time. We can explain every detail of your question: Which is better, OCI Card or an Indian Visa?

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Which is better OCI or an Indian Visa? (2024)

FAQs

Which is better OCI or an Indian Visa? ›

The India Tourist eVisa is available for foreign travelers who want to visit India for tourism. On the other hand, the OCI Card allows you to live and work in India. In both cases, you must check eligibility and whether you meet the requirements.

Do I need Indian visa if I have OCI? ›

A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.

What are the disadvantages of OCI card in India? ›

One of the major drawbacks is that you must surrender your Indian passport as India doesn't accept dual citizenship. Still, this is a chance for Indians living and working abroad to return to their origin. They can enter India with the OCI card without any issues, and have all the rights any permanent resident has.

Can you apply for Indian visa while waiting for OCI? ›

If one has travel to India under emergency, he/she is advised to apply for appropriate visa which can be done even while his/her OCI application is under process.

Can I apply for eVisa if I have OCI? ›

No. As per the latest guidelines, all OCI card holders (with valid reason) holding US Passport are permitted to enter India. You may also refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=81 OCI Card holders do not require Emergency visa to enter India.

What is the difference between OCI and visa for India? ›

For starters, the OCI card is not a visa, even though it grants the holder access to India for an infinite period of time. This document may give you the right to live and work in India, like a visa, but it doesn't allow entry for non-citizens.

How long a US citizen can stay in India with OCI? ›

An OCI card holder does not need a visa to live or work in India. An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country.

Should I get OCI or visa? ›

If you want to spend some time in India, you must check the travel documents you need for your visit. The India Tourist eVisa is available for foreign travelers who want to visit India for tourism. On the other hand, the OCI Card allows you to live and work in India.

Can I buy property in India with OCI? ›

A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property.

Does OCI affect US citizenship? ›

It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs' web site. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.

How much is a visa for India for US citizens? ›

E - Visa
30-day e-Tourist Visa (during July to March)US$ 25.00
30-day e-Tourist Visa (April to June)US$ 10.00
One year e-Tourist VisaUS$ 40.00
Five year e-Tourist VisaUS$ 80.00

How long does OCI take? ›

Your OCI card processing time will be 5 to 6 weeks. Check more information about the OCI card processing time.

How long does it take to get a visa to India from USA? ›

It may be noted that it could take up to 5 business days (longer in certain cases) for processing of the visa on receipt of the application in the Consulate, subject to complete submission of documents.

How to apply OCI for US citizens? ›

Step by Step guide
  1. Step 1: Complete the Government online form:
  2. Step 2: Click here to know the supporting form and arrange documents as per the checklist.
  3. Step 3: Click here to book an appointment and pay fees.
  4. Step 4: Visit the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre as per your scheduled appointment date and time.

Do I need to submit my US passport for OCI? ›

OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of new passport.

How can I apply for Indian visa from USA? ›

Step by Step guide
  1. Step 1: Complete the Government online form:
  2. Step 2: Click here to know the supporting form and arrange documents as per the checklist.
  3. Step 3: Click here to book an appointment and pay fees.
  4. Step 4: Visit the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre as per your scheduled appointment date and time.

Are OCI holders allowed to enter India? ›

If the OCI card holder acquires nationality of a different country after obtaining OCI card, except that of Pakistan and Bangladesh, he/she is also allowed to enter into India provided he/she is carrying his/her old passport having lifelong India 'U' visa sticker pasted on it along with the new passport of the recently ...

Can people with OCI travel to India? ›

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) need a valid OCI card and current foreign passport to visit India. They do not need a visa. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders should convert their cards to OCI cards. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London and the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Do US citizens need visa for India? ›

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India.

Are you a citizen of India if you have an OCI? ›

This is an authorized paper that citizens of Indian origin and their spouses can obtain if they want to live and work in India. Despite its name, the OCI is not the same as an Indian ID and it doesn't offer you citizenship.

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