Indian Visa for Omani Citizens

India Visa for Omani Citizens – Omani citizens planning to visit India for tourism, business (e.g., sourcing goods from Jaipur’s markets), or other purposes can apply for an Indian visa through the e-Visa system or a regular visa via the Indian Embassy in Muscat or its outsourced agency. Below is a concise, step-by-step guide outlining the general process for both options, tailored to Omanis. The information is accurate as of April 2025, based on India’s visa policies.

Overview of Visa Options

e-Visa: Preferred for short-term visits (tourism, business, medical, conferences).

• Types: e-Tourist (30 days, 1 year, 5 years), e-Business (1 year), e-Medical (60 days), e-Conference (30 days).
• Fully online, no embassy visit required.

Regular Visa: For long-term stays or purposes like study, employment, or extended business.

• Types: Tourist, Business, Student, Employment, Medical, etc.

Applied through the Indian Embassy in Muscat or BLS International.

General Steps for e-Visa Application

The e-Visa is the simplest option for Omani citizens, ideal for activities like exploring Jaipur’s markets or attending trade fairs.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure you hold a standard passport (not diplomatic/official).
• Verify you have no Pakistani origin, as this disqualifies you from e-Visas (requires regular visa).
• Confirm the purpose matches e-Visa categories (e.g., sourcing textiles from Bapu Bazaar for e-Business Visa).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Passport:

• Valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
• At least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.

Digital Documents:

• Recent passport-style photo (color, white background, full face, JPEG, 10KB-1MB).
• Scanned passport bio page (PDF, 10KB-300KB).
• Additional Documents (depending on visa type):

e-Business Visa:

• Invitation letter from an Indian company (e.g., a Jaipur vendor with GSTIN/PAN).
• Business card or employer letter (optional, stating purpose and role).

e-Tourist Visa:

• Optional itinerary or hotel bookings (e.g., near Johari Bazaar).

e-Medical Visa:

• Letter from an Indian hospital confirming treatment.

e-Conference Visa:

• Event invitation and clearances from Indian ministries.

Payment Method:

• Credit/debit card, PayPal, or other online options for the fee (~$80-$100).

Email Address:

• To receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Yellow Fever Certificate:

• Not required for Omanis unless arriving within 6 days of visiting a yellow fever country (e.g., parts of Africa).

Step 3: Access the e-Visa Portal

Visit the official Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Click “e-Visa Application” on the homepage.

Select the visa type (e.g., e-Business Visa for market sourcing).

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

1. Enter details:
2. Personal: Full name, date of birth, nationality (Oman).
3. Passport: Number, issue/expiry dates, place of issue.
4. Travel: Arrival date, port of entry (e.g., Jaipur or Delhi airport), purpose.
5. Contact: Omani address, email, phone.
6. Additional: Business details for e-Business Visa (e.g., Indian company name).
7. Ensure details match your passport exactly to avoid rejections.
8. Save the application ID for tracking.

Step 5: Upload Documents

• Upload the photo, passport scan, and required extras (e.g., invitation letter).
• Verify files meet format/size requirements (JPEG for photo, PDF for passport).
• Re-upload if notified of issues (e.g., blurry images).

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

• Fee: Approximately $80-$100 (varies by visa type; check indianvisaonline.gov.in for exact amount).
• Pay online via secure methods; the fee is non-refundable, even if denied.
• Receive a payment confirmation email.

Step 7: Submit and Track Application

• Submit the application after reviewing all entries.
• Track status on indianvisaonline.gov.in using the reference number.
• Processing takes 3-4 business days (rush option: 1-2 days for extra cost).

Step 8: Receive and Prepare ETA

• The approved ETA is emailed as a PDF.
• Print the ETA or save it digitally on your phone.
• Carry the ETA, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., invitation letter) for immigration.
• Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are taken on arrival at the port of entry (e.g., Jaipur International Airport).

General Steps for Regular Visa Application

For long-term purposes (e.g., establishing a business exporting Jaipur’s handicrafts), Omani citizens apply through the Indian Embassy in Muscat or BLS International.

Step 1: Determine Visa Type

Select based on purpose:

• Business Visa: For long-term trade (e.g., sourcing from Chandpole Bazaar).
• Tourist Visa: For extended cultural visits.
• Student, Employment, Medical, etc.: For specific needs.

Confirm eligibility (open to all Omani citizens with valid passports).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Passport:

• Valid for 6 months beyond intended stay.
• At least 3 blank pages (embassy requirement).

Application Form:

• Complete online at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
• Print and sign.

Photographs:

• Two recent photos (35mm x 45mm, white background, one pasted, one stapled).
• Supporting Documents (varies by visa type):

Business Visa:

• Invitation letter from an Indian company (e.g., Jaipur exporter with GSTIN/PAN).
• Employer letter from Omani company (role, purpose, financial support).
• Indian company registration proof (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation).
• Financial proof (bank statements, last 3 months).

Tourist Visa:

• Itinerary (e.g., Jaipur market visits), flight bookings, hotel reservations.
• Financial proof (~$1,000-$2,000 equivalent).

Other Visas:

• Admission letter (Student), hospital letter (Medical), etc.

Residence Proof:

• Copy of Omani ID or residence permit (if non-Omani resident in Oman).

Travel History:

• Copies of previous Indian visas, if any.

Cover Letter:

• State purpose (e.g., “sourcing gems from Johari Bazaar”) and travel dates.

Yellow Fever Certificate:

• Only if arriving from a yellow fever country within 6 days.

Step 3: Access the Application Portal

• Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in or blsindia-oman.com (BLS International).
• Fill out the regular visa application form online.
• Alternatively, collect a physical form from BLS International in Muscat.

Step 4: Book an Appointment

• Schedule a submission slot via BLS International:
• Website: blsindia-oman.com.
• Locations: Muscat (Al Khuwair, Ruwi), Salalah, or other centers.
• Contact: +968-2469-7740 or info.muscat@blsindia-oman.com.
• Walk-in submissions may be allowed (check BLS schedule).
• Indian Embassy in Muscat handles queries but directs visa services to BLS:
• Address: Jami’at Al-Dowal Al-Arabia Street, Diplomatic Area, Muscat.
• Contact: +968-2468-4500, cons.muscat@mea.gov.in.

Step 5: Submit Documents and Biometrics

• Visit the BLS center with:
• Original passport and copy.
• Signed application form with photos.
• Supporting documents (invitation letter, financials, etc.).
• Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo) if required (common for regular visas).
• Hand over documents in person; mail-in options are limited (confirm with BLS).

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

• Cost: $100-$400, depending on visa type, duration, and entries.
• Example: Business Visa (~$100 for 6 months, up to $400 for multi-year).
• BLS service fee: ~$10-$20 additional.
• Pay via cash, card, or bank transfer (BLS specifies methods).
• Fees are non-refundable, even if denied.
• Keep the receipt for records.

Step 7: Track and Collect Visa

• Track status on blsindia-oman.com using the application ID.
• Processing takes 5-15 business days (longer for complex cases).
• Collect the passport with the visa sticker at BLS or opt for courier delivery.
• Verify visa details (name, validity, entries) before leaving.

Step 8: Prepare for Travel

Carry:

• Passport with visa sticker.
• Supporting documents (e.g., invitation letter for business).
• Proof of funds or bookings, if requested at immigration.

Key Tips for Omani Applicants

• Apply Early:
• At least 5 days for e-Visas, 2-4 weeks for regular visas to avoid delays.
• Document Accuracy:
• Ensure passport details match exactly; mismatches lead to rejections.
• Use clear scans (e-Visa) or photocopies (regular visa).
• Business Visa Specifics:
• Obtain an invitation letter from a registered Indian vendor (e.g., Jaipur exporter).
• Specify markets (e.g., “sourcing juttis from Nehru Bazaar”) in the purpose.
• Use BLS for Regular Visas:
• BLS International handles all regular visa applications in Oman, not the embassy.
• Visit early to avoid queues, especially during peak seasons.
• Avoid Fake Websites:
• Use only indianvisaonline.gov.in or blsindia-oman.com.
• Fake sites (e.g., evisaindia.com) charge inflated fees.

Conclusion

Omani citizens can apply for an Indian e-Visa online for quick access (3-4 days) to visit Jaipur’s markets or conduct business, needing only a passport, photo, and invitation letter (for e-Business Visa). For long-term needs, a regular visa through BLS International in Muscat takes 5-15 days, requiring additional documents like financial proof. 

Use official portals, apply early, and carry your visa documents to ensure a smooth trip. With these steps, Omanis can explore India’s vibrant culture and commerce effortlessly. For assistance, visit indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa), blsindia-oman.com (regular visa), or contact BLS Muscat (+968-2469-7740). Safe travels!