India, a land of ancient spirituality, diverse cultures, and burgeoning economic opportunities, continues to attract visitors from across the globe.¹ For citizens of North Macedonia (formerly Macedonia) and Romania, the journey to India is significantly facilitated by a streamlined visa application process, primarily through the convenient e-Visa system.² This article will provide a comprehensive guide on obtaining an Indian Visa for Macedonian Citizens and an Indian Visa for Romanian Citizens, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel planning experience.

Indian Visa for Macedonian Citizens: Embracing the Digital Application

Citizens of North Macedonia are eligible for India's e-Visa facility, which significantly simplifies the visa application process.³ This online system allows applicants to secure their travel authorization without the need for a physical visit to an Indian diplomatic mission, offering considerable ease and flexibility.⁴

Types of Indian e-Visa for Macedonian Citizens:

North Macedonian passport holders can apply for various categories of Indian e-Visas, depending on their purpose of travel:⁵

• e-Tourist Visa (eTV): This is the most popular option for those visiting India for leisure, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends or relatives, or participating in short-term yoga programs. North Macedonian citizens can typically choose from:
  • 30-day e-Tourist Visa (double entry)
  • 1-year e-Tourist Visa (multiple entry, with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit)
  • 5-year e-Tourist Visa (multiple entry, also with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit)
• e-Business Visa (eBV): Designed for individuals traveling to India for business purposes, such as attending technical meetings, participating in trade fairs, or exploring investment opportunities.⁶
• e-Medical Visa (eMV): For those seeking medical treatment in India's globally recognized healthcare facilities.⁷ This visa typically allows for a stay of up to 60 days with triple entry.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa (eMAV): This visa is for family members or close relatives accompanying a patient traveling on an e-Medical Visa. A maximum of two e-Medical Attendant Visas can be issued against one e-Medical Visa.
• e-Conference Visa (eCV): For delegates attending conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by Indian government bodies, public sector undertakings, or non-governmental organizations.

Application Process for Macedonian Citizens (e-Visa):

The e-Visa application is entirely online and involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Access the Official Portal: Visit the official Indian government e-Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/).
2. Fill the Online Application Form: Accurately complete the online application form with all required personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.⁸ It is crucial that all information provided matches your passport exactly to avoid any discrepancies.
3. Upload Required Documents:
   • A scanned copy of your passport's bio-page (the page containing your photograph and personal details) in PDF format.⁹ Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India and should have at least two blank pages for¹⁰ immigration stamps.¹¹
   • A recent, colored, passport-sized photograph (JPEG format, 2x2 inches or 51x51 mm, with a plain white background, full frontal view of the face, and no spectacles or shadows).¹²
   • Depending on the specific e-Visa type, additional supporting documents may be required (e.g., an invitation letter from an Indian company for business visas, a letter from an Indian hospital for medical visas, or conference details for conference visas).
4. Pay the Visa Fee: The applicable e-Visa fee, which varies based on the visa type and validity period, must be paid online using a credit or debit card.
5. Receive Your e-Visa: Upon successful submission and approval (which typically takes 3-5 business days, though urgent processing options may be available), the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent to your registered email address.¹³ It is essential to print a copy of this e-Visa and carry it with you along with your physical passport when traveling to India.

Important Considerations for Macedonian Citizens:

• Entry Ports: e-Visas are generally valid for entry through 28 designated international airports and 5 seaports in India.¹⁴
• No Visa on Arrival: North Macedonian citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in India; the e-Visa must be secured prior to travel.¹⁵
• Embassy Contact: For purposes not covered by the e-Visa or for longer stays, North Macedonian citizens would typically apply for a regular visa through the Embassy of India in Sofia, Bulgaria, which is concurrently accredited to North Macedonia.¹⁶

Indian Visa for Romanian Citizens: Seamless Travel to India

Citizens of Romania also enjoy the convenience of applying for an Indian visa through the e-Visa system, making it easier for them to visit India for tourism, business, medical treatment, and other approved purposes.¹⁷

e-Visa Categories for Romanian Citizens:

Romanian passport holders are eligible for the same comprehensive range of e-Visa categories as North Macedonian citizens:

• e-Tourist Visa: For leisure, sightseeing, and casual visits.¹⁸ Available in 30-day (double entry), 1-year (multiple entry, max 90 days continuous stay), and 5-year (multiple entry, max 90 days continuous stay) validities.
• e-Business Visa: For various business-related activities.¹⁹
• e-Medical Visa: For medical treatment in India.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: For those accompanying medical patients.
• e-Conference Visa: For attending conferences and similar events.²⁰

Application Process for Romanian Citizens (e-Visa):

The application procedure for Romanian citizens is identical to that for North Macedonian citizens:

1. Online Application Form: Complete the detailed application on the official Indian e-Visa website.
2. Document Upload: Upload a scanned copy of your passport's bio-page and a recent passport-sized photograph. Your Romanian passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date and have at least two blank pages.²¹
3. Online Payment: Pay the applicable visa fee using a credit or debit card.
4. Receive e-Visa: The approved e-Visa (ETA) will be sent to your email, which you must print and carry during your travel.

Important Considerations for Romanian Citizens:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your date of entry and at least two blank pages.²²
• Processing Time: While the standard processing time for an e-Visa is generally 3-5 business days, it is always recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date to account for any potential delays. Urgent processing is also available.
• Embassy/High Commission: For any visa types not covered by the e-Visa scheme, or for specific consular assistance, Romanian citizens would contact the Embassy of India in Bucharest, Romania.
• Proof of Funds: Applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in India.
• Non-Extendable/Non-Convertible: Most e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible in India, with exceptions for e-Medical visas under specific circumstances.²³

In conclusion, both Indian Visa for Macedonian Citizens and Indian Visa for Romanian Citizens are primarily facilitated by the efficient and user-friendly e-Visa system.²⁴ By diligently following the online application guidelines, ensuring all required documents are accurate and complete, travelers from both nations can look forward to a memorable and enriching experience in India, whether for tourism, business, or medical purposes.