The two countries have signed a visa agreement, but only in some cases. This article explores this complex relationship between Indian visa for Finland citizens and India as well as Iceland’s relationship with India.
What is Indian Visa?
An Indian visa is a travel document issued by the Indian embassy or consulate to an individual. Who is a citizen of India, for the purpose of traveling to India? A visa allows someone to enter and stay in a country for a specific period of time. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the trip.
Every foreign national who wants to visit India needs an Indian visa. However, there are several exceptions including nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal who are allow to visit India without a visa for tourism purposes only. The procedure for applying for an Indian visa varies depending on the nationality of the applicant. Finland and Iceland recognize Indian visas for citizens of those countries. For example, a Finnish national needs to apply for an Indian visa before traveling to India. Citizens of China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore need to apply for an Indian visa in advance.
To get an Indian visa for Finland citizens, you have to submit an application with the concerned embassy or consulate. The applicant also has to visit the Indian embassy in his country and submit his travel documents to clear immigration control. The application is processed by the regional office of immigration in India. Upon completion of immigration clearance, a temporary validity certificate will be issued which will be valid for 10 days from the arrival date on Indian soil. Foreign nationals must not exceed their permitted period of stay as specified by Indian immigration authorities. Foreigners who do not qualify for visas can still travel to India by applying online at www.indianvisaonlineapplication.gov .in. Such a traveler is require to make an online application for the e-Tourist visa which is valid for 3 months.
Entry and exit fees
There is no special entry or exit fee while entering India by air. This means that to enter the country, travelers will have to pay the prevailing airport tariffs of the time that they are processing. The same applies when traveling by land border with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan as well. There is also no entry fee charge on Indian soil during visa processing at all immigration control points. However, there are some categories of foreign nationals who are not allow in India without a valid one-year tourist visa except diplomatic passport holders. Those that come through a prescribed list of emigration routes, and those on government duty.
Indian immigration authorities have reduced the number of non-refundable stamps on resident visas issued in previous years. This move has been done officially as a measure against non-resident Indians traveling to India without legal permission from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
How to Apply for an Indian Visa?
If you are traveling to Finland or Iceland and want to stay for more than three months, you will need to apply for a visa. Both countries recognize Indian visas, but there are some differences between the two.
The process of applying for a Finnish visa is relatively straightforward. You will need to provide your passport details, travel dates, and the reason for your visit. Your application will process within a few weeks and you will receive a confirmed visa notification in the mail. If you are traveling to Finland with children under the age of 18. You will also need to provide proof of their identity and travel documents.
In contrast, the process of applying for an Indian visa for Iceland citizens can be more complicated. Firstly, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa which is required for all nationals from countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. Once you have obtained this visa, you can apply for an Icelandic visa on arrival at any port of entry in Iceland. However, note that the application process can take up to four weeks. There is a fee associate with obtaining an Icelandic visa.
Which Countries Do Finland And Iceland Recognize Indian Visas For?
Finland and Iceland have recently started recognizing Indian visas for tourists. This is a great move for both countries as it opens up more opportunities for tourism between the two countries.
Iceland also benefits from this because it has a large Indian population. Also, can now visit the country without having to obtain a visa. The Icelandic Immigration Service has stated that this change will make it easier for Icelandic businesses to do business with the Indian market.
Conclusion
Finland and Iceland have recently decided to recognize Indian visas. Making travel between the two countries much easier for Indian nationals. This change comes as a result of Finland’s increasing ties with India. Which includes investments in both infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Meanwhile, Iceland has also been looking to increase its trade with India as a way to diversify its economy away from the Eurozone crisis. Both nations hope that this new policy will encourage more Indians to visit their respective countries.
