Visa Process Guide for Indians

How the visa process works, step by step

Whether your destination is visa free, visa on arrival, e-Visa or a sticker visa, here is exactly what to do and when.

Plan Check the visa type for your destination
Prepare Gather documents, photos and funds proof
Apply Online, at the embassy, or on arrival
Travel Carry your visa and clear immigration

The 4 Types of Visa You'll Come Across

Your destination decides the type. Each one has a different process, cost and timeline.

Visa Free

No application

Visa on Arrival

Airport counter

e-Visa

Apply online

Sticker Visa

Embassy / visa centre

Visa Free

  1. 1
    Before booking

    Check Your Passport

    Valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date, with blank pages.

  2. 2
    Anytime

    Book Flights & Stay

    Keep a return or onward ticket and your hotel booking handy.

  3. 3
    Day of travel

    Carry Supporting Documents

    Printed or digital itinerary, hotel booking and proof of funds.

  4. 4
    On arrival

    Clear Immigration

    Show your passport and documents. The officer stamps your entry.

Visa on Arrival

  1. 1
    Before booking

    Confirm Eligibility & Entry Point

    Visa on arrival is only issued at designated airports and borders.

  2. 2
    1 week before

    Prepare Documents & Fee

    Passport, photos, return ticket, hotel booking and the fee, ideally in cash.

  3. 3
    On landing

    Find the VOA Counter

    Follow "Visa on Arrival" signs after landing and fill the arrival form.

  4. 4
    15–60 min

    Pay & Get Stamped

    Pay the fee, submit documents, and get the visa stamped in your passport.

e-Visa

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Fill the Online Form

    Use the official portal and match every detail to your passport.

  2. 2
    Day 1

    Upload Documents & Photo

    Passport scan, photo and supporting documents in the required format and size.

  3. 3
    Day 1

    Pay the Fee Online

    Pay by card and save the payment receipt and application ID.

  4. 4
    2–7 working days

    Track Your Application

    Check status with your application ID. Respond quickly if asked for more.

  5. 5
    Before travel

    Receive & Print Your e-Visa

    The approved e-visa arrives by email. Carry a printout when you fly.

Sticker Visa

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Complete the Application Form

    Fill in the embassy form, matching your passport details exactly.

  2. 2
    Day 1–3

    Book Your Appointment

    Reserve a slot at the embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre.

  3. 3
    Appointment day

    Submit Documents & Biometrics

    Hand in your passport and paperwork. Fingerprints are taken if required.

  4. 4
    Appointment day

    Pay the Visa Fee

    Pay at the centre or online, and keep the receipt for tracking.

  5. 5
    7–30 working days

    Wait for Processing

    Your passport stays with the embassy. Timelines vary by country and season.

  6. 6
    After decision

    Collect Your Passport

    Pick it up or receive it by courier with the visa sticker inside.

Get the Document Checklist Check Your Destination
Visa Made Right

A visa application is not just a form.

It’s about getting every important detail right.

  • Right information
  • Right documentation
  • Right process

Get it right,

and complexity gives way to clarity.

Get it wrong,

and errors can lead to complications, rejection and a far more difficult journey ahead.

At GetMeVisa.in, we bring precision to every step making sure your application is right from the start.

Visa Made Right.

When Should You Apply?

Recommended lead time before your travel date, by visa type.

Visa Free
Book anytime
Visa on Arrival
1 week to prepare
e-Visa
2–4 weeks before
Sticker Visa
4–8 weeks before

Add extra time in peak seasons (summer and year-end holidays). Some countries also limit how early you can apply.

Common Mistakes That Delay Visas

Avoid these and most applications go through smoothly.

Passport expiring too soon

Most countries want 6 months of validity beyond your return date. Renew first.

Name or details don't match

Spellings, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across every document.

Weak or incomplete bank proof

Sudden large deposits or missing months raise questions. Show steady, recent statements.

Inconsistent travel plans

Your form, bookings and cover letter should describe the same dates and places.

Wrong photo specifications

Size, background and recency rules differ by country. A wrong photo can delay you.

Applying too late

Peak seasons slow embassies down. Leave buffer time, especially for sticker visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an e-Visa and a sticker visa?

An e-Visa is applied for and issued online, and you carry a printout. A sticker visa needs documents submitted at an embassy or visa centre, and the visa is placed inside your passport.

How early should I apply for a visa?

For e-Visas, 2–4 weeks before travel is usually enough. For sticker visas, apply 4–8 weeks ahead, and earlier during peak seasons. Many countries also limit how early you can apply.

Should I book flights before my visa is approved?

Most embassies accept a flight reservation or refundable booking. Avoid paying for non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.

Is the visa fee refunded if my visa is rejected?

Usually not. Visa and service fees are generally non-refundable, whatever the outcome.

Does a visa guarantee entry into the country?

No. A visa lets you travel to the border, but the immigration officer makes the final decision on entry.

Can I track my visa application?

Yes, for most e-Visas and visa-centre applications. Use the application or reference number from your receipt on the official tracking page.