All visitors to India require a visa, except for citizens ofneighboring Nepal and Bhutan. Visitors must either apply for a regular visa or an e-Visa (citizens of Japan and South Korea can also get a visa on arrival at six major airports in India). The e-Visa is hassle-free to obtain, and will be suitable for most tourists. Here's what you need to know about it.
Latest News as of September 2019
Three types of e-Tourist visas are now available with validity of one-month, one-year and five-years. The one-month e-Tourist Visa permits two entries. The one-year and five-year e-Tourist visas allow multiple entries but are subject to limitations on length of continuous stay. The fee for the one-year e-Tourist Visa has been reduced, while the fee for the new one-month e-Tourist Visa is discounted during the off-peak summer season from April to September.
Background
The Indian government introduced a tourist visa on arrival scheme on January 1, 2010. It was initially trialed for citizens of five countries. Subsequently, a year later, it was extended to include a total of 11 countries. And, from April 15, 2014 it was extended to include South Korea.
Effective November 27, 2014, this visa on arrival scheme was replaced by an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. It has been implemented in phases and progressively made available to more countries.
In April 2015, the scheme was renamed "e-Tourist Visa" by the Indian government, to remove confusion over the previous ability to get a visa on arrival without applying in advance.
In April 2017, the scheme was further extended to passport holders of 158 countries (up from 150 countries).
The Indian government has also widened the scope of the visa scheme to include short duration medical treatment and yoga courses, and casual business visits and conferences. Previously, these required separate medical/student/business visas.
The aim is to make getting an Indian visa easier, and to bring more business people and medical tourists into the country.
To facilitate this change, in April 2017, the "e-Tourist Visa" scheme became known as "e-Visa". Furthermore, it was divided into three categories:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
Two additional categories—e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa—have since been added. Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas will be granted against one e-Medical Visa.
The visa categories can be clubbed together. However, e-Conference visas are only permitted to be clubbed with e-Tourist visas.
Be sure to research the different types of Indian visas.
Who is Eligible for an E-Visa?
Passport holders of the following 165 countries: Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D'lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Island, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
However, do note that if your parents or grandparents were born in or lived in Pakistan, you will be ineligible to get an e-Visa even if you're a citizen of the above countries. You will have to apply for a normal visa.
What is the Procedure for Obtaining an E-Visa?
Applications must be made online at this website, no less than four days and no more than 30 days before the date of travel (for a 30-day tourist e-visa). A sample form with screen shots can be downloaded here.
As well as entering you travel details, you will need to upload a photograph of yourself with a white background that meets the specifications listed on the website, and the photo page of your passport that shows your personal details. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of e-Visa required.
Following this, pay the fee online with your debit or credit card. You will receive an Application ID and the ETA will be sent to you via email within three to five days (often earlier). The status of your application can be checked here. Make sure it shows "GRANTED" before you travel.
You will need to have a copy of the ETA with you when you arrive in India, and present it at the immigration counter at the airport. An immigration officer will stamp your passport with your e-Visa for entry into India. Your biometric data will also be captured at this time.
You should have a return ticket and enough money to spend during your stay in India.
What are the Fees?
The visa fees depend on the nature of the reciprocal relationship between India and each country. Citizens of some countries can get visas free of cost. There are also differing fees for e-Tourists visas and other types of e-Visas. The details can be found in this e-Tourist Visa Fee Chart and Fee Chart for Other E-Visa Types.
Citizens of the following countries are entitled to free visas:
- Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia,Myanmar, Nauru,Niue Island,Palau,Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga,Tuvalu, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
Citizens of all other countries, except Japan, now pay the same fees for e-Tourist visas. These are as follows:
- One-month e-Tourist Visa (April to June): $10.
- One-month e-Tourist Visa (remainder of the year): $25
- One-year e-Tourist Visa: $40.
- Five-year e-Tourist Visa: $80.
Japanese citizens only pay $25 for one-year and five-year e-Tourist visas.
The fees for other types of e-Visas are as follows:
- $100 Citizens of US, UK, Russia, Ukraine and Mozambique.
- $80: Citizens of the majority of countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- $25: Citizens of Japan,Singapore and Sri Lanka.
In addition to the visa fee, a bank charge of 2.5% of the fee must be paid.
How Long is the Visa Valid For?
The one-month e-Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, with two entries permitted. One-year and five-year e-Tourist visas are valid for 365 days from the date the ETA is granted, with multiple entries permitted.
E-Business visas are valid for one year from the date the ETA is granted, with multiple entries permitted.
E-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. E-Conference visas are only valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. Three entries are permitted on e-Medical visas and e-Medical Attendant visas. Only one entry is permitted on e-Conference visas. The visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
How Long Can You Stay in India?
It's important to note that although your e-Tourist Visa may be valid for one year or five years, this doesn't mean you can stay in India continuously for the whole time. The length of continuous stay must not be longer than 90 days—except for citizens of US, UK, Japan and Canada. Citizens of these countries can stay for up to 180 days at a time.
Citizens of all countries can stay in India for up to 180 days continuously on an e-Business visa.
Which Indian Entry Points Accept E-Visas?
You can now enter at the following 28 international airports in India: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kochi, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Vishakhapatnam.
You can also enter at the following five designated seaports: Kochi, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, Chennai.
In addition, separate immigration desks and help counters have been set up to assist medical tourists at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad airports.
Once you have the e-Visa, you can leave India (and return) through any immigration point.
How Often Can You Get an E-Visa?
You can apply as often as you want. The limit on the number of times in a calendar year has been removed.
Visiting Protected/Restricted Areas with Your E-Visa
The e-Visa is not valid for entry into areas such as Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, by itself. You'll need to obtain a separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Inner Line Permit (ILP), depending on the requirements of the particular area. This can be done in India after you arrive, using your e-Visa. You don't need to hold a regular tourist visa to be able to apply for a PAP. Your travel or tour agent can take care of the arrangements for you. If you're planning on visiting Northeast India, you can read more about permit requirements here.
Need Help with Your Application?
Call +91-11-24300666 or email indiatvoa@gov.in
Important: Scams to be Aware of
When applying for your e-Visa, do be aware that a number of commercial websites have been created to look similar to thegovernment of India's official website, and they claim to provide online visa services to tourists. These websites include but are not limited to:
The websites do not belong to the government of India and they will charge you hefty service fees.
Expediting Your E-Visa
If you do need to get your e-Visa in a hurry, iVisa.com offers 24-hour and 2-day processing times. However, this comes at a price— $100 for 24-hours, and $65 for 2-days. Their standard fee for a 4-day processing time is $35. These fees are all additional to the e-Visa fee. The company is legitimate and reliable though.
FAQs
Is it easy to get eVisa for India? ›
The electronic Indian visa process can be done 100% online from the comfort of your own home. It just takes a few minutes to fill out the form. Once approved, you'll receive the document in your e-mail inbox. You must print it to present it to the India immigration office on arrival.
What are the criteria to apply for eVisa? ›The only thing you have to have is a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of application. You can apply for an E-Visa by visiting the official embassy website of a particular country.
How long does it take for an Indian eVisa to be approved? ›Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.
Is Indian eVisa available now? ›E-Visas have been suspended until further notice.
Is Indian eVisa still suspended? ›Please do not book your flight tickets or holidays till you get your final visa status. Regular Visa now require 6 - 7 weeks for processing. E-Visas are suspended by Government of India till further Notice.
How much does a eVisa to India cost? ›| 30-day e-Tourist Visa (during July to March) | US$ 25.00 |
|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist Visa (April to June) | US$ 10.00 |
| One year e-Tourist Visa | US$ 40.00 |
| Five year e-Tourist Visa | US$ 80.00 |
- Step 1 – File a Petition with USCIS. ...
- Step 2 – Case Preparation by the National Visa Center. ...
- Step 3 – Visa Interview Scheduling by the National Visa Center (NVC) ...
- Step 4 – Medical Exam. ...
- Step 5 – The day of the interview. ...
- Step 6 – Visa Approval. ...
- Step 7 – After you receive your visa.
The process is usually simple, but is still dependent on the country. As with the paper application for a visa, you will complete the electronic application and supply all the required documents. This could mean just a passport, while other countries require more forms of ID.
Is it easy to get e-visa? ›An E-Visa is an official legal document issued by the Immigration Department that authorises you to enter (and travel) a foreign country. The whole process - from filing the forms to making payment - takes place online and thus, is uncomplicated. Once approved, you'll get your E-Visa delivered to your email.
Can Indian eVisa be rejected? ›Information Mismatch: In addition to not providing your name exactly as mentioned in your passport, if you make a mistake in 1 of the passport fields on the Indian e-Visa Application, then your application can be rejected.
What is the fastest way to get Indian visa? ›
- Apply online. Upload Photo and Passport Page.
- Pay eVisa fee online. Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet.
- Receive ETA Online. Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail.
- Fly To India. Print ETA and present at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on passport.
General Requirements:
Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages. Correct visa fee with two recent 50*50 size photographs. Please check the Photo Specifications. Duly Filled Online Application form (printed) with Signatures on both pages with signed declaration.
Tourist Visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, etc. Government of India has launched the Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) Scheme .
How often can you get Indian e visa? ›If you plan to visit india only 1 time, then you can apply for e tourist visa, which is a single entry visa but, if you plan to visit the country multiple times in a year, you should apply for a traditional visa. You can apply for a maximum of 2 e tourist visas in a year.
Is E visa to India only for 30 days? ›Persons holding e-Visa can depart from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts in India. e-visa will be granted for a period up to 60 days with double entry on e-Tourist Visa and e- Business Visa and triple entry on e-Medical Visa.
Is my 5 year eVisa for India still valid? ›If you are planning to get an Indian visa that is 5 years valid, India e-tourist Five years (multiple entries) is your sure plug. This visa type which was initiated in September 2019 is valid for 5 years from the date of the ETA issue. However, you will not be allowed to stay in India for the complete five (5) years.
Is my 10 year India visa still good? ›The 10-Year India Tourist Visa from the USA Visa is valid from the date of issuance, not from the date of your first entry.
Has Indian eVisa been restored? ›We have joyful news for worldwide Indian travel lovers. Indian government restores long-term 1-year and 5-year e-tourist visas with immediate effect.
How much is a Tourist Visa for India 2022? ›This type of Indian visa fee is $60 for each visitor and should be paid 4 days in advance of the date of travel.
How do I pay my eVisa in India? ›Payment Guidelines for Online India Visa Application
To avail online e-Visa services, you need fill online application form and after that next step is online payments. We accept Credit card / Debit Card / PayPal and Western Union methods for payments through our website.
Is eVisa for India free? ›
For the Indian e-Tourist Visa cost (30 days - double entry): $25. For the Indian e-Business Visa cost (365 days - multiple entries): $80. For the Indian e-Medical Visa cost (60 days - triple entry): $80. For the Indian e-Medical Attendant Visa cost (60 days - triple entry): $80.
What are 3 things you Cannot do with a visitor visa? ›- Study.
- Employment.
- Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience.
- Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft.
- Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
- Permanent residence in the United States.
- Apply Online. Fill and Submit Visa Application Form Securely.
- Submit Documents. Submit your application with required. documents at Indian Visa Application Center or at Indian Mission.
- Receive Passport, visa. Collect your passport/visa from. Indian Mission/Visa Application Center.
For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code § 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
What are the disadvantages of eVisa? ›Another disadvantage is that the E-2 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa type. This means that the E-2 visa does not create a pathway to permanent residency. In addition, making an investment in a small business venture is risky. Most small businesses fail.
Does eVisa require interview? ›If your petition is approved, you may be asked to appear for a one-on-one interview with a consular officer.
How long is Indian eVisa valid for? ›e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa.
How long does the eVisa process take? ›The Emergency Indian e-Visa can be issued within 1 to 3 days, after complete application, documents and full payment confirmation.
Which country Visa is most difficult to get for Indian? ›- China.
- Russia.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Bhutan.
- Pakistan.
- Nigeria.
- Turkmenistan.
- Iran.
The 30-day eVisa generally comes with a government fee of USD 27.5. However, there are certain nationalities that can obtain it for free, so at iVisa.com, we only charge our service processing fee. The 1 year visa comes with a government fee of USD $43.00, and the 5 year visa USD $84.05.
How can I avoid rejection of visa? ›
...
Below are some reasons why visas get rejected:
- Absence of sufficient funding and documentary proof of the same.
- False or improper documentation.
- Not confirming the intent of returning to the home country after finishing higher education.
- Misbehavior at the time of the interview.
Reasons for Visa Refusal
Your visa may be rejected, if you have provided wrong information in your visa application form. If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice.
Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Which visa is best for Indian? ›| S. No. | Type of Visa | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employment Visa | Highly skilled Individuals intending to take up employment |
| 2 | Business Visa | Visiting India for a business purpose |
| 3 | Project Visa | For executing projects in the Power and Steel sectors |
| 4 | “X”/ Entry visa | For accompanying families of foreign nationals |
| Angola | South Sudan |
|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | Kyrgyzstan |
| Russia | Lesotho |
| Bahrain | Ukraine |
| Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha | Malawi |
The applicant can get their Urgent Visa within 1 to 3 days. To avail the expedited service, you can apply now for Emergency / Urgent Indian Visa.
How much money is required for visa in India? ›| Visa Category | Number of applicants | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Applicant | 10+ Applicants | |
| Normal | $69 | $55 |
| Urgent | Additional $79 | |
| Super Urgent | Additional $99 | |
Once the form is filled and submitted, applicant must print the completed application form and sign and submit the physical copy along with the supporting documents and the Passport to the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly at the Indian Mission on the scheduled appointed date.
What do I need when traveling to India? ›All U.S. citizens need a valid passport and valid Indian visa to enter and exit India for any purpose (also see Special Circumstances section below). Please ensure you have the correct type of visa for your planned activity in India. If you have the incorrect visa you may be refused entry.
What is the difference between eVisa and regular visa for India? ›The Indian e-visa is for a shorter period of stay and it's also much easier to apply. The regular tourist visa for India requires more documents, time and is more expensive, but allows for a longer stay. Depending on your nationality, you can apply from a minimum of six months up to 10 years.
Is eVisa easier than visa? ›
Applying for an eVisa is quicker and easier than applying for a traditional visa. And in most cases, you don't ever need to print anything off, including the eVisa before you travel.
Is it easy to get eVisa? ›An E-Visa is an official legal document issued by the Immigration Department that authorises you to enter (and travel) a foreign country. The whole process - from filing the forms to making payment - takes place online and thus, is uncomplicated. Once approved, you'll get your E-Visa delivered to your email.
How long can you stay in India with eVisa? ›Duration: One year (365 days) from the date of grant of ETA. Stay: Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days.
What is the difference between Visa and eVisa? ›A visa is a legal document that allows you to enter a specific country for a specific duration of time. An E-Visa means that people are able to apply for a visa online. They can sign the application form and attach all the documents in virtual form and then submit the application.
Which country can go Indian without visa? ›| Country | Period of Stay |
|---|---|
| Barbados | up to 90 days. |
| British Virgin Islands | up to 30 days. |
| Cook Islands | up to 31 days. |
| Dominica | up to six months. |
- Afghanistan.
- Bangladesh.
- Bhutan.
- China.
- Nepal.
- Pakistan.
- Sri Lanka.