It should come as little surprise that the Indian embassy as outsourced much of its visa processing. Luckily, Travisa makes the entire process pretty easy at their website.
Americans can get a visa to India in 6-month, 5-year or 10-year increments. The later two, of course, cost a bit more: $73 versus $163. A visa gives you permission to enter a country – so don’t get a six month visit more than six months before you intend to travel or you’re out of luck! Once you’re at the border, they’ll give you up to six months (180 days) to enjoy the country. If you leave and want to come back, you have to wait two months, unless you get a permit* or carry a careful itinerary**.
* Sounds like it’s asking for a bribe...
** Sounds like it invites trouble. I’ll relay information if I hear of anyone making a successful excursion, for example, to Katmandu during their visit to India.
In short, you complete an online application and mail four documents to Travisa, which relays the package to the Indian consulate in Chicago (assuming you live in Wisconsin): a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, two pictures, a photocopy of your birth certificate and a photocopy of a document that serves as proof of address. Two weeks or so later, you get your passport back with a nice shiny Indian visa in it.
You can also apply in person and get a visa later that day, if your trip to Hyderabad is THAT pressing...
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