Indian Tourist eVisa and parallel application for OCI

[rachsach]

Hi Guys,

Need a bit of advice really.

I have acquired British citizenship last week and today I have received my British passport. I understand that I have to surrender my Indian passport as I have taken British citizenship.

I have pre-booked holiday in India from 22nd December for a period of 4 weeks.
I am planning to surrender my Indian passport next week. As soon as I receive the surrender certificate I am thinking applying for OCI but it takes 6-8 weeks. I don’t think I would be able to get OCI before the travel date.

My question is can I start OCI process after surrendering my Indian passport and while OCI is in process I apply for tourist 30 day eVisa?

Please could you advise from personal experiences if I can apply for eVisa while OCI application is under consideration?

Thanks
Romi

[rmukherjee]

Please could you advise from personal experiences if I can apply for eVisa while OCI application is under consideration?

Not from personal experience but there is no rule I'm aware of against asking for a eVisa while the OCI is under consideration. If no one else on this forum replies you could check with the High Commission - the numbers are on their Contact Us page. VFS won't be able to help about eVisas.

[tjoseph]

There should be no such restriction applicable on eVisa.
You can take a chance at applying for OCI from within India, you might get it within 30 days.

[pentaya]

Hi Guys,

Need a bit of advice really.

I have acquired British citizenship last week and today I have received my British passport. I understand that I have to surrender my Indian passport as I have taken British citizenship.

I have pre-booked holiday in India from 22nd December for a period of 4 weeks.
I am planning to surrender my Indian passport next week. As soon as I receive the surrender certificate I am thinking applying for OCI but it takes 6-8 weeks. I don’t think I would be able to get OCI before the travel date.

My question is can I start OCI process after surrendering my Indian passport and while OCI is in process I apply for tourist 30 day eVisa?

Please could you advise from personal experiences if I can apply for eVisa while OCI application is under consideration?

Thanks
Romi

Yes you can apply for E-Visa which gives you 30 days to stay and possible extension afterwards. Please surrender your certificate and apply for OCI before you travel. I assume by the time you return, OCI will be processed, Good Luck.