So I finally got around to applying for my India multiple-entry visa last month. Honestly? The cost part was way more confusing than I thought. Everyone just throws out random numbers online. Here’s how it actually went down for me.
Starting with the Official Site (Big Mistake)
First thing I did, obviously, was hit the official Indian government visa site. Felt confident, right? Found the visa cost page. Boom! Saw the base fee listed. Cool. But then… my brain kinda glitched. Because right next to that base fee? A bunch of asterisks and tiny notes mentioning “processing fees” and “bank charges”. How much were those? Not clearly spelled out. Frustrating start. Felt like they were hiding the real cost.
The Real Sticker Shock
Time to actually apply. You fill out this massive online form – takes forever, seriously. Then you get to the payment gateway. Finally, the true total cost slapped me in the face. The official base fee for my 1-year multiple entry was one number. But the total they wanted to charge my card right then was much, MUCH higher! Like, 30-40% higher! Where did that come from? That was the “Visa Application Center Service Fee” and “Bank Transaction Charge” piled on top. No way around it. Had to pay or quit. I paid, feeling kinda ripped off.
Agent Hassle? Forget It.
After that sticker shock, I checked some travel agents just out of morbid curiosity. Big mistake number two! Some agents quoted fees DOUBLE what I just paid the official site! Seriously? They basically take the official total and tack on their own “convenience” fee. Yeah, convenient way to lose money. Unless you physically can’t click buttons on a website yourself, avoid these guys for the basic application. Not worth it.
What Nobody Tells You (The Real Fees)
Okay, based on my painful experience applying from the UK for a 1-year multiple entry Tourist eVisa, here’s the breakdown that finally clicked:
- The “Government eVisa Fee”: This is the one they sort of advertise. Think it was around $150 USD.
- The Hidden Killer (Processing Fee): The site forces you to use their Visa Application Center. Boom! There’s another $30-$35 USD.
- Bank Charge Curveball: The payment gateway adds its own cut. That was another $5-$10 USD. Feels like robbery for what it is.
So the REAL cost? Forgot the nice government fee. Add roughly $40-$50 USD on top of whatever that base fee says. That’s what hits your bank account.
Saving Some Cash (Hard-Earned Tips)
You can save a bit, but it takes effort:
- Double-Check Eligibility FIRST: Before you pay ANYTHING, triple-check you even qualify for multiple entry based on your passport. Rules change. Paying $200 only to find out you’re not eligible? Nightmare fuel.
- Apply Super Early: I panicked because my trip got close. Paid a stupid “expedited” fee ($25 extra!) at the application center. Apply WELL ahead to avoid this unnecessary tax.
- Print Your Own Stuff: The Visa Center offers printing… for a fee. Do it yourself beforehand.
Biggest tip? Ignore the big headline government fee. When you budget, automatically add $50 on top. You’ll thank me later. Most info online is outdated or just plain wrong about the total cost. Learned that the hard way!
