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1. Service of e-Visa involves a completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary/agent etc. Applicants are also advised to be careful of fraudulent websites offering e-visa services for India and only use the Government of India portal which is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html .

It may be noted that Consulate does not process e-visas and any inquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.

In case if you stuck somewhere or face any problem please contact e visa help desk i.e.

+91 11 24300666

[email protected]

2. International travelers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and no other purpose/activity, can apply for e-Visa.

3. e-Visa has 7 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant visa and e-Conference Visa . A foreigner (other than those applying for e-Conference Visa) will be allowed to club activities permitted under these categories. Foreigners applying for e-Conference visa will be permitted to club the activities permitted under e-Tourist visa only (validity co-terminus with e-Conference Visa only i.e. 30 days). Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e- Medical Visa.

4. For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival.

5. For e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant and e-Conference visa, Applicants may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept to 2nd Jan.

6. Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc are to be uploaded mandatory by the applicant. Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.

7. The revised fee structure for e-Tourist visa is as under:-

8. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel otherwise application will not be processed.

9. e-Visa fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey.

10. Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India. e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. If you intend to visit Protected/Restricted/Cantonment areas, you would require prior permission from the Civil Authority.

11. The e-Visa fee payment status updation may take up to 2 hours due to technical reasons/network delays. Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for 2 hours for payment status updating, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. In cases, where e-Visa fee has been deducted but status is not updated, the applicants are advised to verify their payment status by clicking on 'Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee' tab or by clicking on the link Verify Payment.

12. Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CARD at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India.

13. You must travel on the Passport which you have applied for eVisa. Entry will be allowed into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport, however in such cases a traveler must carry the old passport on which ETA was issued.

14. The documents required for completing the eVisa application is indicated against each type of eVisa. Please keep all these documents ready at hand before beginning to fill your eVisa application. All documents including Business cards, Invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which the application would be liable for rejection. The entire process may take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application and make the payment. Applicants must be fill eVisa application himself/herself and give correct information in each column and take responsibility for the correctness of information provided.

1. E-Visa has been made available by the Government of India to citizens of certain countries, including the United States of America. Details of the scheme are available on the dedicated website created for this purpose: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

2. International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and no other purpose/activity, can apply for e-Visa.

3. e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years), e-Business Visa , e-Medical Visa , e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa . A foreigner (other than those applying for e-Conference Visa) will be allowed to club activities permitted under these categories. Foreigners applying for e-Conference visa will be permitted to club the activities permitted under e-Tourist visa only (validity co-terminus with e-Conference Visa only i.e. 30 days). Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e- Medical Visa.

6. Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.

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Address: Consulate General of India, 3 East 64th Street (Between 5th and Madison Avenues), New York, NY 10065

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Visitors Since (June, 2018): 9544216

Page last updated on: September 06, 2024

How To Apply & Get An Indian e-Visa Online

India has some amazing architecture and natural sights, with famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal in Agra, and snow capped mountains in the Himalayas.

Most nationalities (except for Bhutanese and Nepali citizens) will need a visa to visit India, which is given in the form of an electronic Indian visa (eVisa) since November 2014.

This guide explains everything about how to get an Indian tourist visa using the e-Visa India website! I wrote it in 2019 and last updated it in 2024.

I went through this process as a tourist, but the process on the e-Visa India website is very similar for the other visa categories as well.

What Is The India eVisa?

The Indian e-Visa is for visitors coming to India on a short term trip for sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, short term medical treatment or casual business related things.

The 5 eVisa types are as follows: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, or e-Conference.

The eVisa is valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years from the date of your arrival in India, and it’s a double entry visa (for e-Tourist or e-Business), single entry visa (e-Conference), or triple entry visa (e-Medical). It’s non-extendable and non-convertible.

You can apply and pay online anywhere from 4 to 120 days in advance of your date of arrival in India, but no later than 4 days prior to arrival, otherwise the application will not be processed.

The eVisa is valid for entry through 26 designated airports and 5 seaports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Goa. The full list of airports and seaports permitted for the India eVisa can be found here (click the Instructions For Applicant link on the left side).  

Who Is The eVisa Available To?

The eVisa is available to US citizens and those of 170+ other places , and the fee depends on your country/territory.

The current fee for American citizens and other countries can be found in their full list of fees by country on the website .

An additional bank transaction charge of 2.5% may be applicable on the eVisa India online website.

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if for some reason your application is rejected.  

How Can I Get The India eVisa?

The visa process may sound complicated, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple! Here it is broken down in 4 short steps:

• 1. Apply Online. You will need to submit an application with a personal photo and passport page.
• 2. Pay Visa Fee. Credit or debit cards (or Paypal) are accepted for online payment.
• 3. Receive e-Visa. The visa will be sent to you by email.
• 4. Visit India. You will need to print the India eVisa and carry it with you at the time of travel.

Before You Apply For The Indian e-Visa

It’s important to fill out your visa application completely and accurately, otherwise it may be rejected.

Before applying on the eVisa India website, make sure of the following:

• Passport Validity. Your passport should have >6 months validity
• Visa Pages. Your passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages for stamping
• Sufficient Funds. You should have enough money for your stay in India (this is rarely questioned), and also a return ticket or onward ticket.

You will also need to have the following items on your computer:

• Personal Photo. This should be a recent, clear photo of your face with a white background. JPEG format is required.
• Passport Photo. This should be your main passport page with your name, date of birth, nationality, etc. PDF format is required. If you need help changing your passport image to a PDF, you can use the following website: https://smallpdf.com .

Note: If you’re applying for an e-Business or e-Medical visa, in addition to the above you will also need a copy of the business card (for the e-Business visa) or a copy of the letter from the hospital concerned in India on its letterhead (for the e-Medical visa).  

How To Apply For The India eVisa (Indian Tourist Visa)

When you’re ready to proceed, you can begin your visa application at the Indian government’s official eVisa website:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

THIS IS IMPORTANT. There are other websites circulating on the internet that mimic this one or pretend to grant speedy visas, but those are often scams and they will take your money. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER WEBSITE.

I’ve provided some photos below as EXAMPLES to guide you through the application, but these are not from my actual eVisa submission. In other words, the addresses and other data I used in the images below are only examples. With that said, the pages you see in your visa application will resemble the ones shown in these images.

If anything has changed in the application process since this guide was written, please let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page and I will update the guide ASAP. I will do my best to keep this entire page up to date.

To begin your visa application, click the button circled in red that says Apply here for e-visa .

Visa Application Page 1

E-visa application.

Passport Type*:  Select Ordinary Passport Nationality*:  Select your country from the dropdown list Port Of Arrival*:  Select the airport you will be flying into Date Of Birth*: Email ID*: Re-enter Email ID*: Expected Date Of Arrival*: Visa Service*: Select from the list, and then choose an activity that best fits your trip to India Please Enter Above Text*: Enter the captcha code given

(Items above marked with  * are required.)

Page 1 of the Indian visa online application on the eVisa India website. Very straightforward.

After selecting continue, if you’re applying for the Indian tourist visa (e-Tourist), then a small message will appear: “The following documents are required to be submitted. 1) Photograph. 2) Passport.” Select OK.

(For some reason the photo dimensions here state 2″ x 2″ but when you come to the actual uploader, the correct minimum dimensions will be 350 x 350 pixels. You’ll use the latter. Side note: separate messages may appear for Business/Medical eVisa applications.)

You can ignore this message on the Indian visa application and click OK.

You have now arrived at the second page of the Indian visa online application form. It’s a good idea to write down the Temporary Application ID  because it will be required if you have issues or need to come back to your application later.  

Visa Application Page 2

Applicant details form.

Surname: Exactly as in your passport Given Name*: Exactly as in your passport Have You Ever Changed Your Name?* If yes, click the box and give details Gender*: Date Of Birth: Automatically filled in Town/City Of Birth*: Country Of Birth*: Citizenship/National ID No*:  If not applicable, type NA Religion*: Visible Identification Marks*:  List any tattoos if you have them, otherwise put NONE Education*: Nationality:  Automatically filled in Did You Acquire Nationality By Birth Or By Naturalization?* Select yours Have You Lived For At Least Two Years In The Country Where You Are Applying Visa?* Select yes or no  

Passport Details

Passport Number*: Place Of Issue*: Whatever nationality is on your passport Date Of Issue*: Date Of Expiry*: Any Other Valid Passport/Identity Certificate (IC) Held?* Yes or no. If yes, give details

Page 2 of the e-Visa India application form. Personal identification details.

Visa Application Page 3

Applicant’s address details.

House No./Street*: Village/Town/City*: Country*: State/Province/District*: Postal/ZIP Code*: Phone No.*: One phone number is required Mobile No.: Email Address: Automatically filled in Click Here For Same Address*: Click here if your permanent address is the same address as above, and then it will be applied.

Page 3 of the Indian visa online. Personal address details.

Visa Application Page 3 (continued)

Father’s details.

Name*: Nationality*: Previous Nationality:  Leave blank if it never changed. Place Of Birth*:  Use the state/province/district of birth if you don’t know the town/city Country Of Birth*:  

Mother’s Details

Name*: Nationality*: Previous Nationality: Leave blank if it never changed. Place Of Birth*:  Use the state/province/district of birth if you don’t know the town/city Country Of Birth*:

Applicant’s Marital Status:  Select whether you’re single or married. If married (or separated but not divorced), enter your spouse’s details. If divorced, just select single. Were Your Parents/Grandparents (Paternal/Maternal) Pakistan Nationals Or Belong To Pakistan Held Area?  Select yes or no  

Profession / Occupation Details Of Applicant

Present Occupation*:  Select your occupation from the dropdown list. If it’s something else, select ‘Others’ and then enter it. The image below gives an example. Employer Name/Business*: Designation: Address*:  Phone: Past Occupation, If Any: Are/Were You In A Military/Semi-Military/Police/Security Organization?* Select yes or no. If yes, a dropdown will appear asking for the following: Organisation, Designation, Rank and Place Of Posting.

Page 3 (continued). Family and occupation details for the Indian visa online.

Visa Application Page 4

Details of visa sought.

Type Of Visa:  Automatically filled in Visa Service:  Automatically filled in Places To Be Visited*: Enter any cities or areas (e.g. Delhi) you will be visiting in India Places To Be Visited Line 2:  Duration Of Visa:  Automatically filled in No. Of Entries:  Automatically filled in Port Of Arrival In India:  Automatically filled in Expected Port Of Exit From India*:  Select the correct airport from the dropdown  

Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details

Have You Ever Visited India Before?*  Select yes or no. If yes, enter the name and address of the place you stayed previously. Cities In India Visited*:  Enter details from previous visits Last Indian Visa No/Currently Valid Indian Visa*:  If your previous visit was with an eVisa, the number will be written on the stamp given in passport. If you don’t know the number, type unknown. Type Of Visa*:  Tourist Place Of Issue*:  United States (if it was a regular visa). Enter the airport name in India if it was an eVisa. Date Of Issue*:  The date it was issued. For an eVisa, you can use the date of entry from the stamp on your passport, or possibly in your email. Has Permission To Visit Or To Extend Stay In India Previously Been Refused?*  Select yes or no. Hopefully the answer is no  

Other Information

Countries Visited In Last 10 Years:  List any countries you’ve recently visited. I didn’t have room to list all of them, so I included a partial list. This field is not mandatory.  

SAARC Country Visit Details

Have You Visited SAARC Countries (Except Your Own Country) During Last 3 Years?*:  The list of SAARC countries can be found in the dropdown list.

Page 4 of the eVisa application. Your travel details.

Visa Application Page 4 (continued)

Reference Name In India*:  Your accommodation details will work Address*:  For a hotel this can usually be found on Google Maps or the listing at Booking.com or Agoda.com Phone*:  For a hotel this can usually be found on their website or on Google Maps Reference Name In Home Country*:  A relative or friend will work Address*:  Phone*: 

Page 4 (continued). Travel and reference details.

Visa Application Page 5

Additional question details.

• Have You Ever Been Arrested/Prosecuted/Convicted By Court Of Law Of Any Country?*  Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Refused Entry/Deported By Any Country Including India?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Engaged In Human Trafficking / Drug Trafficking / Child Abuse / Crime Against Women / Economic Offense / Financial Fraud?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Engaged In Cyber Crime / Terrorist Activities / Sabotage / Espionage / Genocide / Political Killing / Other Act Of Violence?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever By Any Means Or Medium, Expressed Views That Justify Or Glorify Terrorist Violence Or That May Encourage Others To Terrorist Acts Or Other Serious Criminal Acts?* Yes or no
• Have You Sought Asylum (Political Or Otherwise) In Any Country?* Yes or no

Page 5 of the Indian visa online application. Background questions.

Visa Application Page 6

Upload photograph.

At this point you will be asked to upload a personal photo.

If you need to come back and do this later, you can save and exit the application (but make sure to write down the Temporary Application ID  because it will be required if you want to reuse your application later).

The photo format will need to be JPEG, with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum size of 1 MB. Minimum dimensions are 350 pixels wide x 350 pixels high. The personal photo needs to be recent and front facing, with a white background.

The picture needs to be a clear photo of your face. You can get these done at places like Walgreens, for example. Unfortunately you cannot crop your passport photo to use for this, it needs to be a separate photo.

It’s important to follow all of these specifications and rules, otherwise your eVisa India application may be rejected. Click choose file and navigate to the photo you want to choose; then click upload photo .

After uploading the photo, you’re given an opportunity to crop the photo or upload it again if you’d like.

Page 6 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your personal photo.

Visa Application Page 7

Upload passport.

Next, you will be asked to upload a copy of your passport page.

This should be the photo page with personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiration date, etc. It should match the passport details entered in your eVisa application.

The file should be in PDF format with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum size of 300 KB. If you need help changing your passport file from an image to a PDF, you can use the following website: https://smallpdf.com .

Again, it’s important to follow all of the specifications and rules, otherwise your eVisa application may be rejected. Click choose file and navigate to the PDF file you want to choose; then click upload document .

Page 7 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your passport.

Verification & Payment

After submitting your passport upload, the next page will ask you to confirm ALL of the previous details from your Indian e-Visa application.

Look these over thoroughly to make sure you entered everything correctly, because this will be your last chance to edit anything. Once you verify and continue, you will be brought to the visa payment page.

At this point, you can pay for the visa now or later. Follow the instructions on the page for either option. You should also write down the visa Application ID so you can access the application again.

You can pay with international credit or debit cards, or you can make your visa payment with Paypal. I used Paypal and I would recommend this. It was easy to process.

If you don’t have a Paypal account, then the next best option is probably using your card via the Axis option.  

After submission and payment, you will get an email from the Indian government saying that your Indian visa online application was submitted successfully and will take 72 hours for processing.

Generally you will hear back in much quicker time; in my case the Indian visa application was processed and granted in under 24 hours.

You MUST print the email you receive containing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in India. I would recommend printing and bringing at least two copies.

The government of India emphasizes that you should also track your application and make sure that the status says  granted on the official eVisa India website ( same link as above ) before making your journey to India.  

What If My India Visa Is Rejected?

If your India visa is rejected, don’t worry. You can apply again, and there’s no minimum amount of time you have to wait before re-applying for a visa. If the online system allows you to re-apply, then you can go ahead and do it when you’re ready.

However, it’s important to find out why you were rejected so you can fix it in your next application. Unfortunately a reason is not always given, but generally the most common reasons for India visas being rejected are simple errors like typos, wrong dates, or wrong photo specifications.

When reapplying, you’ll be faced with this question: “Has permission to visit or to extend stay in India previously been refused?”

How you answer this question will depend on why you were rejected in your first application. If it was a simple clerical error like a wrong date or wrong photo specifications, then I would answer no, because you weren’t actually refused a visa for visiting India due to being ineligible for some reason, you only made a minor mistake in the submission process that can easily be corrected.

Good luck and happy travels!

Best India Tours

More travel guides.

Thanks for looking! I hope you were helped by this guide on how to fill out an Indian e-visa application.

While you’re waiting for your visa to be processed, don’t forget to check out the other travel guides on my blog!

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I’m very impressed by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here. I’m sure I will visit this place again soon.

I have an extra copy of my passport photo. Although it is the same picture as in my passport it is not just a cropped version of the photo in the passport. Is this acceptable?

Hi Jeanne, I haven’t tried that myself but it should be okay as long as it meets the other requirements for the personal photo. Regards

I used my extra copy of my passport photo this past week for my India E-visa, and it worked!

Thank you, David, for providing the details regarding the E-visa information. It was really helpful and guided me as I entered the required fields in the application.

Good to hear. Thanks Esther!

why is it that when i filled the places to be visited form, it says invalid characters

What are you trying to enter there?

Once we receive ETA the first name and last name are shuffled is it the same for everyone?

Yes, it was the same on my ETA. No problem.

Hi David, thank you SO MUCH for this helpful post. I’m flying to India in a month and my e-visa application was just rejected (I traveled to India in early 2020 and had no issues at all) so I’m now going through the process of carefully re-applying… one question I’m hoping you can help me with: I just got married 2 weeks ago, do you expect it to be an issue to check the “married” box despite the fact my (USA & Israeli) passports say nothing about being married (or single, for that matter?) also -I can’t seem to find anything online about a minimum amount of time to wait before re-applying… any idea? Trying to minimize all odds of being rejected again. Thanks so much again, really appreciate your guidance.

Hi Abigail! Glad the post was helpful for you. Yes, it should be okay to put married on the application. Like you say, the marital status isn’t shown on the passport anyway, and spouse names aren’t always changed right away after marriage either, or sometimes they never change. So that should be fine. As far as I know, there’s no minimum amount of time to wait before re-applying. If the online system allows you to re-apply, then I would go ahead and try again. Do you know why you were rejected the first time? I would figure that out before re-applying. Good luck!

Hi David! Another important question – for the “Has permission to visit or to extend stay in India previously been refused?” question on page 4 – would my previous e-visa rejection quality as a “yes”?

For this question, I think it would depend on the reason why you were rejected on the first application. Was it a simple error like a wrong date, wrong photo specifications, etc? If so, I would answer no, you weren’t refused a visa for visiting India, your application was only rejected because of a minor mistake. This is different from refusing you a visa because you aren’t eligible for some reason.

My e-visa application just got rejected without any specific reason provided. All they mention in the remark is “You may apply for Regular/Official Visa at nearest Indian Mission/Embassy abroad”. I compared my application to yours and the only difference I see is that for “city/town” of birth I put down city and state as opposed to state only. Would you happen to know if this could have caused the rejection?

Hi Jan! That shouldn’t cause a rejection. I’ve heard of people doing it either way (city and state, or city only). Both are correct answers. Do you think there might be another issue on your application? The most common things are simple errors like typos, wrong dates, or wrong photo specs.

Thanks so much. This is very helpful.

Question – on page 2 it asks if you ever changed your name. Am I correct in assuming that I put yes because I changed my name when I got married?

Hi Judy! If your passport still has your maiden name, I would use that name in the application and answer no to the question about name change. If your passport has your married name, I would use that name in the application and answer yes to the question about name change. However, I know of people who have applied successfully either way. It shouldn’t affect your application.

Thank you, this was very helpful. I have a question on section “Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details”. I have traveled to India multiple times, but as an Indian citizen and held an Indian passport. Now I am no longer Indian citizen and applying for India Tourist visa for first time. What do I click in this “Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details” section’s “Have you ever visited India before?”

Hi Sylvia, in that case you can answer “No” for the question “Have you ever visited India before?” because they’re asking if you’ve visited India on a visa before, and you haven’t. You were a citizen and resident, not a visitor. They should be able to understand this since you will list your country of birth as India on page 2 of the application, and also when they ask “Did You Acquire Nationality By Birth Or By Naturalization?” you can put Naturalization.

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e-Tourist Visa Scheme - Fly to India trouble-free

Tourism has grown leaps and bounds over the years in India, with each region contributing something to its splendor and exuberance. India's rich cultural diversity reflects through its people, languages, cuisine, traditions, customs, music, dance, religious practices and festivals, its holistic healing traditions, art and craft.

To make travel to India trouble-free and unforgettable for foreign tourists, the Government of India launched e-Tourist Visa scheme - External Website that opens in a new window on November 27, 2014 to 43 countries from nine designated Indian Airports. The Government extended this Scheme to the citizens of Guyana and Sri Lanka in January, 2015 and April, 2015, respectively. The e-Tourist Visa facility - External Website that opens in a new window was extended to the nationals of 31 countries in May, 2015. With more addition, the total number of countries under the scheme is 76. The scheme will be extended to more countries in a phased manner. The Government is aiming to extend this scheme to 150 countries to encourage and promote tourism in India.

e-Tourist Visa Facility - External Website that opens in a new window is currently available for holders of passport of following countries; Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Vietnam.

e-Tourist Visa Application

• Apply online
• Pay visa fee online
• Receive eTV Online
• Check visa status online
• Fly To India
• e-Tourist Visa Scheme

Apply online - External Website that opens in a new window

Upload Photo and Passport Page

Pay visa fee online - External Website that opens in a new window

Using Credit / Debit card

Receive eTV Online - External Website that opens in a new window

eTV Will be sent to your e-mail

Check visa status online - External Website that opens in a new window

Visa Status Enquiry can be used to know Visa Status, Payment Status and to Print e-Tourist Visa.

Fly To India - External Website that opens in a new window

Print eTV and carry at the time of travel

• International Travellers whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit.
• Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
• International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
• International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
• Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders.
• Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• Not available to International Travel Document holders.

The documents required for e-Tourist Visa (eTV)

• Format -PDF
• Size : Minimum 10 KB ,Maximum 300 KB

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

• Format - JPEG
• Size: a. Minimum 10 KB b. Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
• Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
• Background should be plain light colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders

• Applicants of the eligible countries may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 30 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept. then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept. to 4th Oct.
• Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc. to be uploaded by the applicant. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded document and photograph are not clear/as per specification.
• e-Tourist Visa (eTV) - External Website that opens in a new window fee is US$ 60/- per passenger excluding interchange charge for credit/debit cards. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel filled by you otherwise application will not be processed.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of VISA.
• Applicant should carry a copy of eTV - External Website that opens in a new window along with him/her at the time of travel.
• Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
• The validity of visa will be 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window is valid for entry through 9 designated Airports i.e. Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai & Trivandrum. However, the foreigner can take exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.
• This facility is in addition to the existing Visa services.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window is allowed for a maximum of two visits in a calendar year.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window once issued on arrival is Only single entry, non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.
• Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking visa status.
• Please be careful while making payment of the eTV - External Website that opens in a new window fee. If the number of unsuccessful attempts is more than three (03), then the application id would be blocked and the applicant would be required to apply afresh by filling the application form again and regenerating a new application id.
• Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for 4 hours for payment status updating, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. The payment status updating may take up to 4 hours.
• Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries must carry YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CARD at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India. Please visit the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's latest guidelines regarding yellow fever countries - External Website that opens in a new window .
• For any assistance call 24x7 Visa support center at +91-11-24300666 or send email to indiatvoa[at]gov[dot]in

Useful Related Links

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of External Affairs
• Ministry of Tourism
• Bureau of Immigration
• Incredible India
• FAQs-Payment Related - External Website that opens in a new window

How to Get Your India E Tourist Visa | Step-by-Step Guide

Find out how to get your India E Tourist visa in this step by step guide, which walks you through how, where and when to apply, evisa India FAQ’s, and everything about the India e visa service you need to know.

This post may contain compensated affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here for more info .

Applying for your E Visa for India

Planning a trip to India can be an exciting and overwhelming process – but thankfully getting your Indian visa is not nearly as stressful as it used to be.

There are two types of visa for India – the regular sticker/paper visa that needs to be obtained in person, or, the E-visa. In this guide I’ll cover the ins and outs of getting an Indian E visa for tourism to India. There is no visa on arrival in India for the vast majority of nationalities.

The easiest way to apply for your Indian tourist visa is online, and from repeated personal experience, I’ve found the process to be simple, quick and relatively pain-free. You can forget about any visions of long queues at embassies – if you go the electronic visa for India route at least!

However, there are some important things to know when it comes to getting your e tourist visa India application submitted and accepted on time. In my India travel planning Facebook group , I see frequent questions about how to fill into the fields on the form correctly and when the right time is to apply for your tourist visa to India – I’ll cover all of these below, as well as troubleshooting some of the common issues.

Disclaimer: Soul Travel India are not visa agents and do not offer visa advice. This guide is solely to provide practical help with the filling E-visa forms based on my own personal experiences. Information relating to visas can change quickly; please validate with official sources such as your country’s government travel advice for India.

India Tourist Visa Update (March 2022)

In March 2020, all visas for foreigners travelling to India were suspended and an international flight ban was imposed in response to the pandemic. As of March 2022 , all tourism visas are being issued again, and previously issued multi-year tourist visas have been reinstated .

Once again, nationals of 156 countries are eligible to apply for tourism e-visas to India of up to 5 years (or 10 years for USA & Japan nationals), although unfortunately passport holders of the UK & Canada are still not eligible for E-visas to India for other reasons.

Where to Apply for your Visa for Visiting India

Option 1: The official India E Visa website is here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

I suggest you use this service. Unfortunately there are many agencies who try to make their websites look like the official Indian E-visa website but are not, and will charge you fees for processing your application and/or turn out to be less than reputable. Double-check the website you are landing on and ensure it ends with .gov.in.

Option 2: While I have personally never had problems using the above official Indian website, unfortunately many readers have had issues with it not loading, crashing, or not functioning as expected. If you can’t get the website to work, or you don’t want the hassle, an alternative is to use IVISA who are a reputable visa agency and offer a great service with visas for India. They charge a small handling fee, which you can get a 5% discount on when using this link to place your order .

What Types of India E Tourist Visa are there?

Unfortunately, E-visas are still not being issued to UK & Canada passport holders. UK & Canadian nationals need to apply for a paper/sticker visa via your Indian consulate – allow PLENTY of time for this process.

To check which counties can avail from the India E-visa option, you can find the full list here .

• 30 day E-visa (note that it’s 30 days not a calendar month!). Allows one single entry to India.
• 1 Year E-visa (allows multiple entries to India)
• 5 Year E-visa (allows multiple entries to India)
• 10 Year E-visa (US & Japan nationals only, allows multiple entries to India)

If you choose one of the longer visas to India, you will still be restricted as to how long you can stay in India at one time. For most nationalities stays are restricted to 90 days, after which you’ll need to leave (you can come back later). For USA & Japan citizens, the maximum stay in India is 180 days at any one time.

Please note that some activities in India will require other types of visa than tourist. If you are volunteering, you will need a volunteer visa (which is not available as an E-visa). If you are travelling to India for business or are attending a conference, you should apply for an e-Business visa (available via the same portal). If you are attending an Ayurvedic retreat or coming to India for health treatments, you need to apply for a Medical visa instead (available as an E-visa via the same portal) and you will need to contact your retreat / doctor / hospital for a letter of invitation.

How Much is a Visa to India?

This depends on your country of nationality and the length and type of e tourist India visa you’re applying for.

You can find the table of prices for all tourist e-visas to India here . Prices are quoted in USD and there is a ~2.5% payment fee charged in addition to this fee.

At time of writing a 30 day India visa from USA cost $25 USD and a 5 year tourist Indian visa for USA citizens was $80 USD.

When Should I Apply for My India E Tourist Visa?

The best time to apply for your e-visa is usually 1-2 weeks ahead of your trip, so you’ll need to have booked your flights and most of your trip before you apply your visa. This can feel confusing (especially when instructions say not to book flights before hand), but unfortunately it’s the way things are currently set up. I don’t recommend waiting until your visa is issued to book flights, as these can get expensive at the last minute. You can read my general tips for planning your first trip to India here .

The only exception to this is if you have Pakistani parents or Grandparents (on either side) – this question is asked specifically in the Visa application form and can result in visa applications taking longer as additional background checks are performed. If you have Pakistani Parents or Grand Parents please factor additional time into your visa application.

Please note that – with the exception of the 30 day e-visa , which starts on your arrival in India, Indian e-visas start on the “grant” date, not the date of your landing in India. So, if you have a 1 year e-visa that’s granted on 1st July, your 1 year will start from 1st July, even if you enter India on 1st September.

Visa applications are processed within 72 hours of submission, my personal experience is that I’ve always had my visa returned the next day or day after.

Applying for a Visa to India – Step by Step

This guide assumes you are applying for a visa for India using the government website above. (If you are using IVISA, you can relax and they’ll let you know everything they need form you.)

You can find a sample visa application form here , and there’s also a list of general instructions here .

When logging on to indianvisaonline.gov.in, you’ll want to select the button for E-visas in the bottom centre of the screen:

On the next screen, you’ll want to select the button “apply here for e-visa” on the bottom left:

From here, your application form will open up and you will be directed to enter your nationality, select the type of visa you are applying for (e-tourist visa), your expected date of arrival in India.

• Type of passport – Select Ordinary unless you are travelling on a diplomatic or other special type of passport.

Once you press ‘continue’, you’ll be given a “temporary application number” which is shown at the top of the screen. Please note this down or take a screenshot , as you’ll need it if you want to save and come back to your application later at any point.

On the next page, proceed to fill in your details. This is all self explanatory.

• For Visible Identification Marks – you can put any birthmarks, easily visible tattoos or any other marks you have visibly should you wish, or else simply type NA

On the next page, continue to fill in the details requested, again this is mostly self-explanatory.

On the following page, you will be asked to enter your expected itinerary in India, as well as details of previous visits to India. There are a few things to note:

• Places to be visited – List the main places on your India itinerary (cities). It doesn’t have to mention every stop off. If you are backpacking and don’t have a fixed itinerary, enter some places you are likely to visit.
• Expected Port of Exit from India – This doesn’t commit you to leaving via a specific airport, however please note that immigration officials may ask you for proof of your onward travel out of the country (ie an onward flight confirmation).
• Previous visits to India – If you’ve visited India before, you’ll need to provide the address of (one of) your hotels, list some of the main cities you visited and provide your previous India visa number.

Continue down the page.

You’ll need to enter more information about your travel history and your ‘references’.

• Enter countries you have been to in the last 10 years . I generally start with the ones with stamps in my passport. If you’re a frequent traveller you may run out of space, the maximum number of countries is about 10.
• References – the first one is your hotel or accommodation which you must have booked prior to arrival in India . Put the hotel’s name, address and phone number, and carry a printed hotel confirmation with you when you travel in case immigration ask to see it. The second one is an emergency contact in your home country.

The following page has simple yes/no questions that ask you to confirm you have not been deported from India or any other country, have not been involved in terrorism, etc etc.

After that, you will reach the final section of the application, where you need to upload your photo you have taken (digital copy, no printed passport photo is needed) and a scan of the photo page of your passport. The specifications are as follows:

• Photo : Must be JPEG format, recommended size 350 x 350 pixels. Maximum size 1MB. If you have trouble making your photo small enough to meet the size requirements, on a Mac computer you can resize it in preview, or else use a free website such as Image resizer . When you upload your photo you’ll be directed to crop it to size – make sure all of your face remains visible.
• Passport Photo Page : Must be in PDF format (not JPEG) between 10KB – 300KB in size. This must be the passport you applied with and you must travel with this passport. If you have a JPEG (photo) file, convert it into a PDF using ‘save as PDF’ on rightclick, or else a free online converter such as this one .

You’re almost there!

The final steps of the India E tourist visa application process are to verify your application – you’ll see a summary screen, do a check to make sure all your details you’ve entered are correct.

On pressing submit, you will see a popup telling you your visa application ID – note this down – and it’ll also tell you what the visa fee to be paid is.

The final stage is to pay for your India evisa. The easiest way to pay via international card is via Paypal – select this option from the payment gateway. You’ll then be directed to an SBI payment gateway where you can select card or Paypal on the left hand side. Select ‘Paypal’ and proceed as with any Paypal payment.

I recommend taking a screenshot of your payment confirmation, and please note that it can take a few hours for the payment to go through / get updated in the visa system.

You should receive an email confirmation of your visa application, payment and then, within 72 hours an email about the status of your evisa application.

When granted (approved) you will receive an ETA which authorizes you to travel to India. Print this off for your journey to India, and on arrival proceed to the ‘E-visa’ gates to receive your E-visa stamp in your passport.

Happy travels!

Electronic Visa Application for India Frequently Asked Questions

What is the india e tourist visa processing time.

Generally, it’s 72 hours. All my applications have been granted within around 24 hours but it just depends on how busy they are. You’ll want to allow more time than 72 hours when applying to be on the safe side.

Is India Issuing Tourist Visas Again?

Yes! As per the announcement in March 2022, India has fully resumed granting e-tourism visas.

What is the India E Tourist Visa Cost?

It depends on your nationality – a full table of prices for Indian visas can be found at the link above in this article. The first 500,000 tourist visas are being offered for free to foreign tourists.

How Long Can I Stay in India on an E-Tourist Visa?

This depends on your nationality and type of visa. For most nationalities, e-visas are being issued for up to 5 years, with a maximum stay in the country of 90 days during any one trip.

Soul Travel India

Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

Copyright Soul Travel India 2022, All rights reserved. This website uses compensated affiliate links. 

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

India e-Visa for tourists in 2023: Requirements, eligibility and more

Updated: September 8, 2023

This article is a complete guide to obtaining India e-Visa as a tourist. You can learn everything about India e-Visa types, requirements, eligibility, documents needed, fee and application procedure.

India e-Visa is quite easy to apply. All you need is a photo, a scan of your passport ID page and a credit/debit card. It takes about 15 minutes to fill out the application and the processing takes about 72 hours. 

India e-Visas are issued for tourism, business and medical purposes. The e-Visa for tourism is called e-Tourist Visa. In this article, we will focus on e-Tourist Visa and we will refer to it as simply India e-Visa. 

Currently, about 166 nationalities are eligible to apply for India e-Visa online. Indian e-Visa can be double-entry or multiple-entry and can be valid from 30 days to 5 years.

Indian e-Visa is also sometimes unofficially referred to as “India visa online” or “online visa India”.

Table of Contents

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INDIA E-VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISTS

Who is eligible to apply for India e-Visa?

The following 166 nationalities are eligible to apply for India e-Visa. 

• Afghanistan
• Anguilla (British Territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Cayman Island (British Territory)
• Cook Islands
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Montserrat (British Territory)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands (British Territory)
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

What is the validity of India e-Visa?

India e-Visas are valid for 30 days,1 year or 5 years. You can select the validity that works best for your purpose while filling out the e-Visa application.

To summarize, below are the various validity options available for Indian e-Visa. 

How many days can you stay in India on e-Visa?

On a 30-day e-Visa, you can stay up to 30 days. On a 1-year or 5-year e-Visa, you can stay up to 90 days from the day of arrival. 

Canada, Japan, UK and US nationals holding 1-year or 5-year e-Visas can stay up to 180 days on each visit.

Below is the summary of permitted stay for each of the available Indian e-Visas. 

IMPORTANT Irrespective of nationality, the total stay in India on an e-Visa cannot be more than 180 days in a calendar year.

How many times can you enter India on e-Visa?

30-day e-Visas are double-entry visas. That means you can enter India on a 30-day e-Visa twice. 

1-year and 5-year e-Visas are multiple entries, meaning you can enter India as many times as you want.

Keep in mind that your total stay in India cannot exceed 180 days in a given calendar year. 

Below is the summary of various e-Visas and their permitted entries. 

When can you enter India on e-Visa?

You can enter India anytime during the validity of your e-Visa. Depending on your nationality and e-Visa type, you will be given 30-day or 90-day entry (or 180-day entry if you are a Canada, Japan, UK or US national).

Even if you enter India on the last day of your visa validity, you will still be given 30 or 90 days of entry depending on the e-Visa type you hold.

When should you apply for India e-Visa?

For 1-year and 5-year e-Visas, you can apply up to 120 days in advance. For 30-day e-Visas, you can apply up to 30 days in advance. 

The latest you can apply is 4 days. So if you have less than 4 days, your application will not be accepted.

Below is the summary of various e-Visas and the earliest or latest you can apply for those visas. 

Which airports or land borders you can enter India from using e-Visa?

You can enter India on an e-Visa at the following 29 airports and 5 seaports. Details are below.

Airports (29)

• Bhubaneshwar
• Tiruchirapalli
• Visakhapatnam

Seaports (5)

Land border (0).

Currently, e-Visa holders are NOT ALLOWED to enter India via land borders. 

NOTE You cannot enter India via the land border using an e-Visa. But you can exit or depart from India from any airport, seaport or land border. 

IMPORTANT It is NOT MANDATORY to enter India from the airport or seaport that you have mentioned in your e-Visa application. You CAN enter India from any of the above 29 airports or 5 seaports using your e-Visa.

What is the minimum passport validity required for India e-visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your anticipated date of arrival in India. Add 6 months to your expected date of arrival in India to calculate the passport validity required for your e-Visa application.

Here is an example.

• Say today is May 01, 2023
• Your anticipated date of arrival in India is June 01, 2023
• To apply for your e-Visa, your passport must be valid at least until December 01, 2023

What are the documents needed for India e-Visa?

The following documents are needed for India e-Visa.

• Original passport
• Photo must be in JPG/JPEG format only
• Photo must be 2inch x 2inch in dimensions
• Photo must be less than 1MB in size
• Head must be centered with light background and no glasses
• Scan must be in PDF format only
• Scan must be larger than 10KB and smaller than 300KB
• Your credit or debit card must support international transactions in non-home currency

What are the India e-Visa photo requirements?

You need one digital photo for your India e-Visa application. The digital photograph must meet the following specifications.

• The photograph must be in JPG/JPEG format only
• The photo must be less than 1MB in size

What is the current India e-Visa fee?

The visa fee for India e-Visa varies depending on the visa type and country. Below is the general fee structure for various tourist e-Visa types.

Irrespective of the tourist e-Visa type, there is no visa fee for 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. The visa fee for these countries is gratis.

What is the current India e-Visa processing time?

The India e-Visa processing time is 72 hours. In most cases, the applications are processed within 48 hours. 

INDIA E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

How to apply for India e-Visa?

You can start your application process by filling out the online application on the India e-Visa portal . Make sure to keep all the required documents ready before starting the application.

Filling out the entire online application may take about 15 minutes. You can also save the partially filled application and come back to it at a later point in time. 

If you haven’t, check out the step-by-step guide on applying for India e-Visa for details on how to complete the online application, track the status and receive your approved e-Visa.

RELATED: How to apply for India e-Visa in 2023: A step-by-step guide

Word of caution on India e-Visa fake websites

If you search on the internet, you will see that there are many Indian e-Visa websites posing as “official websites”. There is ONLY one Indian e-Visa OFFICIAL website. The rest are all fake. The OFFICIAL website is below.

India e-Visa OFFICIAL website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/  

How to track India e-Visa application?

You can track your application status on the India e-Visa portal using your Application ID and passport number. 

On the application status page, your application will have one of the below two statuses. 

• SUCCESSFULLY RECEIVED: Your application is still in the process
• GRANTED: Your India e-Visa is approved

How to receive the approved India e-Visa?

When your India e-Visa is approved, you will be notified via email that your e-Visa has been granted. 

You can download your approved e-Visa from the India e-Visa portal using your Application ID and passport number. 

On the application status page, click on the “Print Status” button to download your approved e-Visa. 

You must print and carry your approved Inda e-Visa PDF when you travel. You can also download it as a PDF on your phone and show it to the airline staff or India immigration officer on your arrival. 

Is there a priority service for India e-Visa?

Unfortunately, there is no priority visa processing. The e-Visa process takes up to 72 hours. If you haven’t received your visa result even after 72 hours, you must contact the India e-Visa department at their email or phone listed below. 

How to contact India e-Visa customer service?

In case of questions on your visa status, you can contact the e-Visa department at their email and phone numbers.

EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: +91 11 24300666

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an India Tourist Visa (for U.S. Citizens)

Traveling to India as a U.S. citizen has become more accessible post-pandemic, with streamlined visa processes. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to show you how to get your Indian visa if you’re a U.S. citizen. Understanding the visa application process is essential for a smooth journey and with that out of the way, you can focus on your India trip planning .

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Differences between a regular Indian visa and Indian e-visa?

Table of Contents: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an India Tourist Visa (for U.S. Citizens)

• 0.1 Differences between a regular Indian visa and Indian e-visa?
• 0.2 What is the official India Visa application website?
• 0.3 What documents do I need for an India tourist visa?
• 1.0.1 1. Getting a regular India Tourist Visa in the U.S. (paper or sticker)
• 1.0.2 Regular India Tourist Visa (Paper Application)
• 2.0.1 The Indian eVisa Application process is easy
• 2.1.1 What are the Photo Upload Requirements?
• 2.1.2 Which internet browser should I use for applying for my India tourist visa?
• 2.1.3 Listing References for your India Tourist Visa
• 2.1.4 What are the India Tourist Visa Photo Requirements
• 2.1.5 What profession should you list on your visa application?
• 2.1.6 Do I need an India visa for layovers in India?
• 2.2 Related Posts on India Trip Planning
• 3 Watch India Travel Guides for Solo Travelers!

There are two ways to apply for your Indian Tourist Visa: the regular paper India visa application and the Indian e-Visa. Both options offer the same visa types and durations.

But the differences end there. Determining which to get is based upon how you wish to use it in entry points and how much cost and processing time you can afford. From a tourist standpoint, the only caveat to getting a regular paper India visa is that you will have more flexibility with entry points as they are not only limited to airport access, but sea and land as well. When I was researching how to do an overland passage to India after my group adventure in Pakistan , crossing the Wagah-Attari border into Amritsar required the regular Indian tourist visa .

With the regular India tourist visa, the price is also more expensive with the VFS mail-in/courier process and processing time can be much longer, especially if there is an issue with your application or documents. The paper Indian tourist visa is a process you will need to start well over a month in advance of your travel dates .

Meanwhile, the Indian e-Visa can be done online and you’ll get it lickety-split and for tons cheaper. It’s almost as if the Indian government prefers for tourists to just get the Indian e-Visa. The drawback is that  you can only enter India via the airport. Land and sea is not allowed.

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What is the official india visa application website.

Both regular and eVisa can be accessed through the Indian Visa Online website at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

Although the India eVisa is a bit tricky and it is in a sub section of the website and they do not link to it (duh!). You won’t be able  access the Indian evisa easily unless you Google it or so I’ve listed it here. Note: There are other India visa sites that you’ll find on the internet, but this is the official one. I don’t believe the other sites are scams, but you may end up paying more to get it expedited through one of the other visa sites.

What documents do I need for an India tourist visa?

Gather these following documents for a successful application:

• A copy of your passport bio page with at least 6 months’ validity.
• How to remember dates and countries you’ve been? Check your passport for immigration stamp dates!
• Previous India visa details (if applicable). If  you traveled to India in the past, you will need to know your last visa number and the date it was authorized . Again, check in your passport or in your email if you still have the information. I found my passport had all the dates I needed.
• Current citizenship details
• Your visa application form
• Reference contact in India. This can also mean your tour operator/friend/family you’re staying with or hotel information. I list my hotel information at Booking.com

How to Apply for a regular Indian Visa for U.S. Citizens

In the past, getting an Indian tourist visa was complex. After the pandemic, requirements changed and they made it much easier to get a tourist visa, a long term visa (i.e. 5 year and 10 year) and multiple entry.  But there’s still aspects that can be confusing to U.S. travelers.

Read Essential trip planning tips for India

1. getting a regular india tourist visa in the u.s. (paper or sticker).

Applying for the regular India Tourist Visa (paper or sticker) in your home country is a time consuming route because it is a mail-in service and India uses a third party service to facilitate this process.

Regular India Tourist Visa (Paper Application)

• Application process: Requires mailing the application and using a third-party service.
• Processing time: Up to 15 days, potentially  30-60 days if scrutiny is needed.
• Visa validity: Starts on the issuance date. So you might not want to apply too far in advance if you want to use the most of your allowance stay.
• Application link: The Indian Online Visa website is where you apply. It is confusing because it says says “ online ” which can feel like the same thing as e-visa .  Rest assured, this is it. The window opens to the process and you’ll see the photo below.
• Fill out the form and remember to keep your ID number. You will be able to save your form and return back to it in the case you cannot complete it in one sitting. But you will need your ID number. I forgot to keep mine the first time. But I was filling out the regular India visa; not the evisa, which I ultimately decided upon.
• When you’re complete with your form, download it and print it out to mail in.
• Indian Tourist Visa Application (Mail in process): Here’s where it gets a little extra. The outsourced service that handles the regular Indian tourist visa application for U.S. citizens is  VFS global website (2023) . 
• You may walk your application into a VFS center nearest you; otherwise, mail your application and passport in. VFS locations in the U.S.: Washington DC ,  New York ,  Chicago ,  Houston ,  San Francisco  &  Atlanta  .
• VFS Global Indian Visa Application Centre, 128 East, 32nd Street, 2nd Floor, New York, 10016.
• Email only for questions [email protected] , Helpline: +1-800-320-9693
•  They are very specific about the type of visa photo, application and packaging when mailing it in.  
• There is a 3.5% fee for the online payment convenience and another $18 for return courier service.

Cost and Duration of regular India Tourist Visa for U.S. Citizens, Entry   &   Fee

10 Years –   Single Entry $178 5 Years   –   Multiple Entry $178 6 Months – Multiple Entry $178

How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa for U.S. Citizens (Online Application)

Getting an Indian Tourist eVisa online is probably the easiest and fastest and cheapest method if you were ever in a hurry and you’re afforded the same amount of stay. But you can only enter through airport entry points.

The Indian eVisa Application process is easy

Getting a tourist eVisa for India is an easy online application through the official Government of India Online Visa website. The processing time is quick and easy, and takes around 10-15 minutes.  You want to apply at least four days before departure, as validity starts from date of arrival. Once your visa is processed, you will get your visa sent via email and you should print it out as well as have a copy of your visa snapshot on your mobile phone. Your email notification of a granted visa processed an granted IS NOT THE INDIA E-VISA. You must still log into your account and download the actual printable visa. I made this mistake where I thought the email saying that my visa was GRANTED was enough and when I arrived at the check-in gate, I was declined. Luckily, I was able to use the airport WiFi to access the India visa website with my account, where I could download my actual eVisa.

 A one year Indian tourist e-visa $40, a five-year Indian tourist visa $80. Expect an 2.5% online fee.

• Official India eVisa Website Application (you can see the ports of entry on this page)
• Entry points : Limited to major international airports in India. Applicant can arrive at 30 e-Visa designated airports i.e. Ahmedabad , Amritsar , Bagdogra , Bengaluru , Bhubaneshwar , Calicut , Chandigarh , Chennai , Cochin , Coimbatore , Delhi , Gaya , Goa (Dabolim), Goa (Mopa), Guwahati , Hyderabad , Jaipur , Kannur , Kolkata , Lucknow , Madurai , Mangalore , Mumbai , Nagpur , Portblair , Pune , Tiruchirapalli , Trivandrum , Varanasi , Vishakhapatnam and 5 designated seaports (i.e. Chennai , Cochin , Goa , Mangalore , Mumbai ) . However, he/she can depart from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts in India.
• e-Visa is not allowed for employment, NGO activities and journalism purposes
• Avoid using any other websites that sell the Indian e-Visa. There are a lot of sites that masquerade as the Indian visa site, especially because the government website in the past did not look very official (the regular India visa website is still confusing to navigate; whereas the eVisa site is much easier)! While some of these other sites may legitimately get you an India visa, they are not the official website and the Indian consulate is very specific about that .
• This is a sample of the application
• Passport photos and passport bio page must be scanned for online upload.

Frequently Asked Questions about the India Tourist Visa Application Process

What are the photo upload requirements.

Ensure your visa photo meets these specifications and read carefully because the passport conditions are tricky if you’re submitting documents for an India eVisa.

• Visa Photo Format: JPEG, maximum 1 MB, 2 inches by 2 inches.
• Photo must show 80% of your face against a white background
• Scanned or photo of passport bio page in PDF format (for e-Visa applications). Size must be under 300kb!

To be honest, uploading your scanned bio page will take the most amount of time and is probably the trickiest aspect of the entire application process. I despise it.

First, you can scan or take a photo of your passport information page. Whatever you use, you want to make sure  the details are sharp, crisp and easy to make out.

Secondly, when you export your jpg or png photo to pdf, it will naturally uprez your photo. So your photo might be 300kb, but after exported into pdf, it can be 3 mb! This is the tricky part, because your image cannot be the regular size of your passport . It must be smaller to get through that upload gate keeper.

My settings were 72 dpi resolution but ultimately, I had to take the size below 500 dpi width. Yep, it’s small, when you view it on the application form but it is bigger when you open your pdf on your laptop. This is why you want to ensure your information is clear and easy to read.

Which internet browser should I use for applying for my India tourist visa?

The website is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer (Windows) version 9.0 and Android and iOS.

Listing References for your India Tourist Visa

Listing references for your stay in India is the part which trips up a lot of travelers applying for the Indian visa. This part forces you to lock itinerary details and long-term travelers, digital nomads and flexible travelers -like myself- like to keep part of their trip itinerary open-ended and loose. There are many travelers who visit India on an open backpacking trip and don’t have many solidified details such as hotels or departure dates, so you’re not alone.

If you’re not staying with an Indian friend or family, you can list your hotel or tour company as a reference. I like to use Booking.com. Check out my Ways to Show Proof of Onward Travel . I was inspired to write this article because of this India visa process!

What are the India Tourist Visa Photo Requirements

Read the website specifications for the passport photos you must send in. The trickiest part of this is not the visa photo but getting your passport bio data page down to under 500kb as a pdf (tip: it’s small)!

I always make extra copies of my passport photos, for future travel purposes and the fact, if you’re getting an Indian SIM card , you’ll need two photos for your application.

What profession should you list on your visa application?

Firstly, if you’re applying for a Tourist visa, then your sole reason for visiting should be Tourism .

If you’re a travel blogger on a press trip with the India tourism board, on a business trip to meet with clients, a travel writer, photographer, freelance/professional media, yoga student (going for yoga teacher certification ), etc… do not list these as your professions, unless you’re applying for a Journalist,  Business  or Student visa . These latter visas require more information and possibly professional credentials.

Acknowledging these professions or any other reason for being in India, outside of tourism, your visa will be under additional scrutiny and you may be declined or flagged.

I claim “Artist” or Salesperson or something standard to a tourist.  Even when I did my yoga teacher’s certification , I was told to not mention that unless I wanted the hassle of applying for a Student visa and being a yoga student in India is a casual and touristic thing. It is not the same as attending a Indian university.

Do I need an India visa for layovers in India?

If you have a layover in India, and do not plan to leave the airport terminal (and do not need to go past immigration), then you do not need an Indian visa or a transit visa.

However, if your baggage is not checked all the way through to your destination an you need to retrieve it and re-check it, you will need an Indian visa.

Hope this guide on how to apply for an India visa was helpful to you! Applying for an Indian visa can feel overwhelming but visiting India is so worthwhile. Hope you love India as much as I do.

Related Posts on India Trip Planning

Getting an Indian SIM card Guide to Indian Trains What’s in my backpack for my India trip Trip Planning India: Popular Routes & Costs Top 5 travel tips for India

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• Insurance: Trip Insurance Finder Tool for insurance within your budget. I just get World Nomads trip insurance (they cover travel theft & is accepted by yoga schools)
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• Book trains and buses : 12goAsia
• Tour Activities: Join or customize a GRRRLTRAVELER Adventure
• Yoga in India:   Experience an Indian Ashram,  a yoga retreat or training certification ( read my experience ) in India.
• How to Get your India Visa (U.S. Travelers)
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Your Essential Guide to Getting an E-Visa for India

Understanding India's New Electronic Visa Scheme (Updated)

All visitors to India require a visa , except for citizens of neighboring 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.

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 [email protected]

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 the government of India's official website, and they claim to provide online visa services to tourists. These websites include but are not limited to:

• e-visaindia.com
• e-touristvisaindia.com
• indianvisaonline.org.in

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.

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Dec 20, 2023 • 6 min read

From applying for an e-Visa to extending your stay, here's what you need to know about entry requirements for India © beavera / Getty Images

With its dense tapestry of cultures and landscapes, India feels like dozens of countries rolled into one, but a single visa will cover you for travel across more than 3 million sq km (more than a million sq miles) of territory, taking in everything from steamy jungles to the high passes of the Himalayas.

Every Indian state is as large and diverse as a nation, so take your time navigating this enormous and fascinating country. The good news is that visas are easy to obtain and allow plenty of time for exploring.

Here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements for India, from the application process for e-Visas to overland travel and extending your stay.

You'll probably need a visa to go to India

Almost everyone needs a visa to visit India , but for most nationalities, tourist visas are easy to obtain online or through your local Indian embassy or consulate. Citizens of 166 countries – including most nations in the EU and EEA, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand, and many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America – can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form .

Applying online is a fairly painless process, and it will save you hours compared to applying in person at an embassy or through a visa agency (in countries where Indian embassies no longer issue visas directly). Tourist e-Visas are available with a validity of 30 days, one year or five years, with the one- and five-year visas allowing for multiple entries for a maximum stay of 180 days on each visit.

For one- and five-year tourist visas, applications are accepted up to 120 days in advance of travel. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy if you’re planning a side trip to Nepal , and you can apply up to 30 days in advance of travel. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to apply in plenty of time (at least 4 days in advance is recommended).

Applying online is the most hassle-free way to obtain a visa

The Indian government’s online e-Visa portal can be used to apply for tourist visas, business visas, and visas for medical treatment and attending conferences. The cost and duration of the visa vary depending on your nationality, and you may need to show proof of return travel arrangements and sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip.

Rules for non-tourist visas can be complex. Business travelers usually need to provide letters of introduction from Indian companies and organizations that they plan to meet. Assuming you meet the requirements, business visas are usually valid for multiple entries over the space of one year.

Working for an Indian company is more complicated. You’ll need an employment visa and a work permit, and most people need a firm job offer and assistance from an Indian employer to complete the paperwork. As with all visa requirements, the situation is subject to change; contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Applying for a tourist e-Visa is fairly straightforward

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, visit the government’s official e-Visa portal . You’ll need to upload a digital passport-style photo and copies of your passport ID pages, and pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and you’ll need two spare pages for the visa, which will be physically stamped into your passport on arrival. Assuming your application is accepted – which is the case for most applicants – you’ll receive a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which you should print out and carry with you when you travel, so you can present it to the immigration authorities on arrival. 

Enter India via air or sea on your e-Visa

E-Visas allow entry to India through 25 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Hyderabad, Kochi (Cochin), Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Varanasi, Kozhikode (Calicut), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh and Visakhapatnam.

They’re also valid for entry via the designated seaports at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, New Mangalore and Mormugao (in Goa).

Apply for a visa before you travel to enter India overland

If you plan to enter India overland – for example, from Nepal or Pakistan – you’ll need a visa stamped into your passport before you leave home, which you’ll need to obtain from the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an approved visa application office.

If you plan to visit India and Nepal on the same trip, get a multiple-entry visa – it used to be possible to arrange a new Indian tourist visa through the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu , but the authorities may now insist on a two-month gap before issuing a new visa.

There’s no need to worry about applying for a visa for Nepal in advance – they’re available on arrival at border crossings (bring passport photos and US dollars to pay the fee).

If you can't apply for an e-Visa, get one in person in advance

Contact your local embassy or consulate to check the application process in your country; the Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains a list of diplomatic missions online. It’s best to apply for a visa in your home country – obtaining an Indian visa from an embassy in another country can be tortuously slow, assuming it’s possible at all. Fees and the permitted duration of stay will vary depending on your nationality.

As an alternative to applying through an Indian embassy or consulate, you may be able to apply for a visa through a visa agency – however, this tends to be more expensive than applying directly. In practice, many of these agencies just collect together applications and then send over a staff member to the embassy to apply in person.

Student visas are available to those on full-time courses in India

Student visas are reserved for people enrolled in approved full-time educational courses in India (which can include training courses in yoga, meditation, and traditional Indian art forms). Student visas are valid for up to five years, depending on the length of the course, but the rules are strict, and you’ll need documentation from the institution where you are studying to apply. The Ministry of Home Affairs provides some information online, but contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.

Extending your stay in India is for exceptional circumstances only

E-Visas cannot be extended, but other types of visas can, though only in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or theft of your passport. To apply, you’ll need to use the government’s special online portal , providing evidence of a valid reason for extending your stay in India (e.g., a letter from the hospital where you are being treated or a police report).

You may then be called in for an in-person interview at the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Delhi. If there is a fee, it will be made clear during the application process.

Some border areas in India require additional travel permits

Under a system carried over from British colonial rule, special permits (known as “protected area permits” or “restricted area permits”) are required to visit many areas close to India’s disputed external borders with China , Pakistan and other territories – a zone known as the “inner line.” Applying for these permits outside India is tricky, but you can apply locally in India without too much difficulty.

Permits are especially important for highly sensitive border areas (which tend to be off-limits to all travelers). Applications can be made through local government offices or local travel agencies; contact the state government offices for these regions to get the latest information. In some areas, you may need to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office on arrival, but this is an easy process.

This article was first published Mar 12, 2022 and updated Dec 20, 2023.

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Travel Advisory July 23, 2024

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect information on the northeastern states.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.  Some areas have increased risk. 

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .
• Portions of Central and East India due to terrorism.
• Manipur due to violence and crime .

Reconsider travel to:

• The northeastern states due to terrorism and violence .

Country Summary:  Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. U.S. government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.  The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan.  The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise , apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India

Portions of Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, U.S. government employees are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states.

U.S. government employees also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Manipur -  Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime.  Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis.  U.S. government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. 

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .  

Northeastern States – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura.

U.S. government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura. 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter with a visa in their passport. The visa is valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens. Or they can use an e-tourist visa, which varies in validity. Note that the Indian authorities issue visas with dates in the DD/MM/YY format.

Travelers arriving from an infected area must have a yellow fever vaccination. Others are suggested.

You must declare currency over USD $5,000 at entry. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency or gold into India.

Check local law for rules on reporting large amounts of foreign currency and Indian rupees when leaving.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi serves U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000   Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000   If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022.   Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786   [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335 [email protected]

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Assam. .

U.S. Consulate General Chennai 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services. (Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44)) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and the Lakshwadeep Islands. 

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Telephone:+(91) (40) 6932 8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 4033-8300 and ask for American Citizen Services. (If calling from within India, but outside Hyderabad, first dial 040. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (40))   Fax: 4033-8306  [email protected]

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on India for information on U.S.-India relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India for any purpose. India may deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa. Indian visa rules and instructions change often. They often do so with little warning. Travelers should check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for more information and to submit an application visit the Bureau of Immigration’s website.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services for individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link . Please exercise caution and check the correct website and as there are many fake webpages that will gather your personal information.

You can submit Diplomatic and Official visa applications directly to the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must get country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa, validity dates, and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps, with you at all times. Consider saving these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit permit from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required to exit the country, may take several business days.  

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying, in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. Similarly, if you are traveling to India to give birth, you must register your newborn’s birth within 14 days with the FRRO office. Failure to do so will result in fines, fees, and penalties. The FRRO has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa or break Indian visa rules, you may need clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave. In general, authorities will fine you and, in some cases, may even jail you for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing an exit permit can take up to 90 days in these cases. Decisions will be made case by case.  

Possession of a satellite phone is strictly prohibited in India and may lead to detention or arrest.

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India’s Consular wing  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in  Atlanta ,  Chicago ,  Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, you should inquire at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. This includes local customs and etiquette. Keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India intermittently experiences terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Some U.S.-designated terrorist groups are active in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.  

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places but could occur at any time. Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity. 

Demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. You are urged to obey any imposed curfews and travel restrictions and avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. 

There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in years past. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. You should monitor local television, print and social media, and Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook page

Swimming:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Several years ago, there were reports of fatal crocodile attacks in the Andaman Islands. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

Wildlife Safaris:  Many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is advisable to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks or safaris.

Trekking:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can exceed 25,000 feet (7,620 m); please ensure you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India is generally safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below) and may require a travel permit to enter this area.

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram Mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern States:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur sporadically in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to certain areas in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India, primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation. Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited, unless they are only visiting capital cities.

Restricted/Protected areas:  Certain states or portions of states require Restricted Area Permits. These include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

Restricted Area Permits are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, you should be aware that the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center in Kalpakkam is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  ,  Chennai ,  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata .

Crime:  Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very skilled and travelers have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. Scammers have used ATM card scams to clone credit card details and withdraw money.

Individuals have reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, against U.S. citizens traveling throughout India.

The U.S. government cautions citizens, especially women, not to travel alone in India. Please observe stringent security precautions. When traveling without known and trustworthy companions, use public transport specifically designated for “women-only” travelers, which is a free service offered by the Indian government in many metropolitan cities including Delhi and Hyderabad. Please restrict evening entertainment to well-known venues and avoid isolated areas when traveling alone at any time of the day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones). If you use app-based services like “Uber” or “Ola” share your ride information with a friend.

Travelers in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Indian women typically wear conservative everyday dress. This is the norm throughout the country, and even more so in rural areas. They wear clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in marketplaces, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping.

The Government of India has focused more on addressing gender-based violence. One outcome has been more reports of sexual assault nationwide. Indian authorities report rape is one of India's fastest growing crimes.

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can sometimes connect you with an Indian non-governmental organization that may be able to provide assistance.  

Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice page for violence against women.

Scams are common at major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites. Scam artists prey on visitors by creating distractions. Be careful of taxi drivers and others. This includes train porters. They solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers who accept such offers are often the victims of scams. These include offers to help with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, overpriced hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," long cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay. Tourists have reported being lured and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members. Be careful when hiring transportation and guides. Use only well-known travel agents to book trips.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, and gemstones. These items may be expensive and not of the promised quality. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints. Do not agree to transport any goods on behalf of strangers in exchange for money.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad. In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary. In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on   international financial scams . 

In another common scam, family members in the United States, especially older people, are asked for money. The scammers claim to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  emergency assistance to Americans abroad.

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot give legal advice. They also cannot help U.S. citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters. A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.  

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

You should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally can't act without a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, report the theft or loss right away. Report it to the police in the place where your passport was stolen. You need an FIR to get an exit visa to leave India. The Indian government requires it if the lost passport had your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

India has many resources for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad 1098.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. You may face arrest, imprisonment, and/or deportation if you violate local laws, even unknowingly.  

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

If police or prison officials arrest or detain you, immediately ask them to notify the U.S. Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has its own rules for buying and drinking alcohol. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only while others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Several U.S. citizens at Indian airports have been arrested for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India. Many claim that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics. Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide:  Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual Nationality:  India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment.

U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Faith-based travelers and those participating in religious activities should refer to the Department of State's Report on International Religious Freedom. Indian law mandates that individuals engaging in religious proselytizing obtain a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that engaging in certain activities, such as speaking at religious meetings open to the general public, could violate immigration law if the traveler does not possess a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religion to another. If you plan to engage in missionary activity, you may want to seek legal advice to find out if Indian law permits the activities you plan to pursue.

Tourists should also mind restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment. These include Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and other sacred places to the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs rules are strict. Before traveling to or from India, inspect all bags and clothes well. Make sure they do not contain banned items. Airport security officials have arrested or detained several U.S. citizens after discovering loose ammunition (including spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If authorities find loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, they will charge you with violating the Indian Arms Act, and may incarcerate or deport you from India.

Additionally, Indian authorities have arrested and prosecuted U.S. citizens for possessing satellite phones, which is strictly prohibited in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations. They cover temporary importation into or export from India of items like antiquities, electronics, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other banned materials. You need permission from the Government of India to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If Indian law enforcement charges you with any legal violations, make sure to have an attorney review any document before signing it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs.  

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the  U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or  email USCIB  for details. Please see our section on  Customs Information  for more information.

Natural Disaster Threats:  Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehradun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life. Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings. Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and unavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility:  Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in India very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2018. Since then, state and union governments have been directed to develop reforms that protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, including efforts to provide gender neutral bathrooms at schools and colleges and separate housing for gender-nonconforming and transgender persons in prison.

Although Indian law prohibits discrimination by state and nonstate actors based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, the government is inconsistent in implementing and enforcing these laws, and reports of widespread discrimination, harassment, threats, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas or by local police, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights  report for further details.

For emergency services in India, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire.

Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary, and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Zika, dengue, malaria, measles, and other diseases are present in India. See the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Make sure your health insurance covers care overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with limited controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. When buying medication, consult with a medical professional and purchase from reputable establishments. Please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website on counterfeit drugs for more information.

Water Quality: Water is a common vehicle for the transmission of disease. Impure drinking water can transmit serious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. You can make water safe for drinking by filtering/boiling, distilling, or using chemicals. Bottled water is generally safe for consumption. It is best to stick to the major brands. The water bottle seal or cap should be intact.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other areas with yellow-fever risk, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you lack such proof, authorities may immediately deport you or detain you in the yellow-fever quarantine center for six days. If you travel through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, health authorities advise you to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Health authorities recommend vaccination for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza transmission occurs from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India) and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. During the flu season, health authorities recommend that all travelers get the influenza vaccine.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.

Malaria risk depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the  CDC website for India for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. Health officials report the highest number of cases from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. The CDC recommends taking daytime insect precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. Please visit the CDC website or more information.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

Current air quality data can be found on the  Department of State’s air quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly. 

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia. 

Medical Tourism:  Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  

Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and  refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information. 

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices. 

Surrogacy:  Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information,  visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy .  

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in back seats of taxis and rideshare vehicles. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles. Travel at night is particularly hazardous. 

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States, including the use of driving lanes. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise. 

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock. 

Public Transportation:  Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, in some areas, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are common. 

Traffic Laws:  Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed. 

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver. Your U.S. driver’s license will not work. 

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station.      Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances. 

Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information. 

Emergency Numbers:  The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata: 

• National Emergency 112 
• Police 100 
• Fire Brigade 101 
• Ambulance 102 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s Safety Management page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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India Tourist eVisa: Apply online now

How to apply: tourist evisa.

Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal

No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time

Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to destination country

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What you need to know.

The India Tourist eVisa permits international travelers to enter India for tourism purposes

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you enter India and have at least two blank pages

This eVisa isn’t allowed at every port of entry in India, keep reading to learn which ports of entry allow this visa

Apply today for the India Tourist eVisa with us

Last updated: April 2024

Ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of India? The India Tourist eVisa is an essential requirement. With us, applying for this eVisa is as easy as pouring a cup of chai.

Apply online for the India Tourist Visa or use our handy app for an even smoother experience.

What is the India Tourist eVisa?

The India Tourist eVisa is an electronic authorization that allows travelers to enter and explore India for tourism purposes.

The online application process eliminates the need for physical paperwork and visits to embassies or consulates.

Officially known as the "e-Tourist Visa," it provides a convenient and quick way to secure travel permissions for those looking to experience India's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

What you can do with the India Tourist Visa:

Visit tourist sites across India.

Attend cultural and festival events.

Take short-term yoga or cooking classes.

Visit family or friends.

What you cannot do with the India Tourist Visa:

Work or volunteer.

Enroll in long-term educational courses.

Engage in journalistic activities.

Conduct business or start a business.

Enter protected or restricted areas without special permission.

Who requires the India Tourist eVisa?

The India Tourist eVisa is available to citizens of many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

To see if you are eligible, please check at the top of this page, where you can input your nationality to determine your visa requirements.

Requirements to apply for an India Tourist Visa:

Travel purpose: Your visit must be for tourism purposes such as sightseeing, meeting friends or family, or attending a short-term yoga program.

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into India.

Digital photo: You must provide a digital photograph that meets the eVisa requirements.

Email address: An email address is required to receive the eVisa electronically.

Payment method: A credit or debit card is needed to pay the eVisa processing fee online.

By providing these details and meeting the conditions, you can apply for the India Tourist eVisa comfortably and efficiently.

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for India Tourist eVisa?

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India. These travelers can enter, live, and work in India without a visa. For all other nationalities, a visa or eVisa is typically necessary to travel to India. For specific conditions and a full list of visa-exempt countries, please check the eligibility section at the top of this page.

Do children also require the India Tourist eVisa?

Yes, children require an India Tourist eVisa just like adults. The application process is the same for minors, and they must have a visa to enter India regardless of their age.

When applying for a visa for a minor, legal guardians need to provide additional documents:

A copy of the minor’s birth certificate.

Copies of the passports of the child's parents or legal guardians.

A consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians, which authorizes the child's travel to India.

These extra steps ensure the safety and proper documentation of minors traveling to India.

India Tourist eVisa validity: How long can I stay in India?

Here are the options for the India Tourist eVisa we offer, along with their validity and entry types:

30-day double-entry visa: This eVisa allows two entries into India and is valid for 30 days, so you must use it to enter India within that time. You also have 30 days max stay from the date of your first entry.

1-year multiple-entry visa: This visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance. You can enter India multiple times during the year, and it permits stays of up to 90 days per visit for most nationalities, except for the U.S., UK, and Canada, who can stay for up to 180 days per visit. The maximum stay for all nationalities is 180 days per year.

5-year multiple-entry visa: This eVisa offers the greatest flexibility. Valid for 5 years from the date of issue, it allows multiple entries, with each stay capped at 90 days. Except for those from the U.S., UK, and Canada, who can stay for up to 180 days. The maximum stay within a year for all nationalities is 180 days.

For comprehensive information on your India Tourist e-visa validity check out our blog .

For both the 1 and 5-year India visas, you need to ensure that your first entry into India is within 120 days from the date the visa is issued. Plan your trips according to these rules to make the most of your India Tourist Visa.

How to read your Tourist Visa validity

Validity period: How long can your visa be used for.

Max stay: The longest you can stay in India each time you visit.

Expiry date: This depends on which visa type you have.

For example:

If you've got a 30-day India Tourist eVisa, and the expiry date is March 14:

The latest date you can enter India is March 14, 2024.

This is the expiry date of your visa. From this date, you're allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

If you've got a 1-year or 5-year India Tourist eVisa, and the expiry date is March 14:

The latest date you can leave India is March 14, 2024.

The expiry date, in this case is the date by which you must depart India.

You can stay in India for as long as your maximum stay but not longer than the validity period.

Can I extend my India Tourist eVisa?

Generally, the India Tourist eVisa cannot be extended. Tourists are expected to adhere to the validity period specified on their eVisa—either 30 days, 90 days per visit on the 1-year visa, or 90 days per visit on the 5-year visa.

If you need to stay longer than the terms of your original visa due to exceptional circumstances, you must apply through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in India. For detailed procedures and exceptions, it’s advisable to consult the official Indian government immigration website .

India Tourist eVisa required documents

To apply for the India Tourist eVisa online, you generally need:

Passport : A scan of the information page of your valid passport, which must have at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages.

Photograph : A recent passport-style color photo, which can be uploaded during the application process.

Email address : To receive the visa confirmation.

Payment method : Credit or debit card for the visa fee payment.

Additional documents:

Depending on your circumstances and the purpose of travel, you may also need:

Travel itinerary : Details of your stay, including flight bookings and accommodation.

Financial proof : Statements or other documents showing you have enough funds for your stay.

Invitation letter : If visiting friends or family, an invitation letter may be required.

Note : This is a general list, and we will send a complete list of required documents via email upon application. This service ensures you are fully prepared for your application.

Once your visa is approved:

Confirmation delivery : You will receive an email containing your eVisa in PDF format.

Recommendation : We recommend printing out the eVisa and carrying it along with your passport when you travel to India, as immigration officers will want to see a copy upon your arrival.

We will be in touch by email if we need any more information from you during the application process.

India financial requirements

For the India Tourist eVisa, applicants should provide proof of financial stability to cover their stay in India. This can typically be shown with:

Bank statements : Recent statements indicating sufficient balance.

Sponsorship letter : If someone is sponsoring your trip, a letter from them stating their commitment to cover your expenses is accompanied by their financial documents.

These financial documents help demonstrate that you can support yourself during your visit to India. We will guide you on how to provide these proofs effectively as part of our visa application services.

India Tourist eVisa costs and processing times

The cost of processing your visa depends on the chosen validity and your nationality.

For those exempt from government visa fees, the only cost incurred will be our iVisa service fee. Countries exempt from the government fees include:

Argentina Cook Islands Fiji Micronesia Indonesia Jamaica Kiribati Marshall Islands Myanmar Mauritius Nauru Niue Papua New Guinea Palau Solomon Islands Seychelles Tonga Tuvalu Uruguay Vanuatu Samoa South Africa

You can check if you should expect to pay government fees at the top of this page. Note: all nationalities applying through us will still need to pay our processing fees. You will be shown a detailed breakdown of the costs during your application.

Typically, the processing time for an India Tourist eVisa ranges from 2 to 5 days. However, in certain cases, it might extend to a few weeks.

Opting for our services can streamline and expedite this process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for you.

Benefits of applying for India Tourist eVisa with us

When you apply for your India Tourist eVisa with us, you get more than just guidance. You get:

Do you have more questions about India Tourist eVisa?

If you want to learn more about India Tourist eVisa or have questions about the application process, we’re here to help.

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, or you can speak with them via WhatsApp .

Steve J, USA | July 2, 2024

I'm planning a three-month backpacking trip across India, and my tourist eVisa just got approved. But I noticed the visa isn't valid for the full duration of the trip I outlined in my application. What I want to know is, why doesn't the visa validity cover my entire trip? Does that mean I'll have to cut my trip short and leave India once it expires?

Martin, iVisa | July 3, 2024

The India Tourist eVisa's validity may not align perfectly with your travel plans due to the preset maximum durations and entry rules associated with different visa types.

For example, if you were issued a one-month visa, you can’t stay longer than 30 days in the country. Even if you have a 1-year or 5-year visa, each stay cannot exceed the stipulated maximum duration (usually 180 days per visit).

If your visa doesn't cover the entire duration of your planned stay, you'll need to either adjust your travel dates or explore options for extending your visa in India, though extensions might not always be possible for eVisas.​

Barbara F, USA | July 9, 2024

I’ve got a one-year multiple-entry tourist eVisa for India, which is awesome because there's so much I want to see and do! But, it turns out each visit can't be longer than 180 days. I was really hoping to stick around longer than that. Is there any way to extend my stay while I’m there? What do I need to do, and how much will it cost?

Martin, iVisa | July 9, 2024

Generally, the 1-year tourist eVisa doesn't allow stays longer than 180 days per entry. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to leave India and re-enter if your visa type allows multiple entries. Direct extensions of a tourist eVisa within India are not typically granted. You might need to check if a different type of visa is more suitable for longer stays or consider structuring your visits within the allowed limits.​

Katie L, UK | July 15, 2024

I’m going to India in a couple of weeks. Can I use my flight tickets as proof that I have enough money for the trip, or do I need to show something else for the visa application? Just want to make sure I get everything right!

Cami, iVisa | July 17, 2024

Flight tickets can serve as part of your proof of intent to leave India, which is helpful for your visa application. However, they can’t be used to prove your financial means. To do this, you’ll need to provide bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents to show that you can support yourself during your stay in India.​

Unforeseen events happen and can change your travel plans. This is why we understand you may want to request a cancellation of your visa application and a credit for the amount paid. However, these are the iVisa refund policy guidelines:

If your application has not been reviewed by our team , nor submitted to the government for approval, then you will receive a credit for the full amount of the iVisa processing fee and government fee .

If your application has been reviewed by our team but has not yet been submitted to the government for approval, you will receive a credit for the full amount of the government fee .

If your application has been submitted to the government for approval or a visa is already issued , unfortunately, no credit is available.

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Home » NRI » India Visa » Tourist Visa

India Tourist Visa

Eligibility A tourist visa is appropriate for those who would like to visit India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.

The following persons are not eligible to apply for a tourist visa and they must apply for the  Entry Visa :

• Persons of Indian Origin.
• Spouse and children of a person of Indian origin.

A Tourist Visa is granted for visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends and relatives, etc. No other activities are permissible on a Tourist Visa. In order to get a tourist visa, you must not have a residence or occupation in India.

If you would be volunteering, working with charities or working with non-profit organizations, you must apply for an  Employment Visa  instead.

If you are coming to India for medical treatment, you should apply for a  Medical Visa  instead, and NOT a Tourist Visa.

The family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas (such as older children or domestic partners) may have to come on an  Entry Visa , if eligible. If they come on Tourist Visa, all the requirements and restrictions of Tourist Visa apply, just like anyone else.

Validity Tourist visa is generally a multiple-entry visa.

You can apply for various validity periods such as a 6-month, 5-year, or 10-year tourist visa. However, persons of Indian origin with US passport can apply for 10-year duration visas only. However, a shorter duration visa can be granted to applicants of Indian origin that have already applied for OCI card and waiting, emergency visa, for minors (5 years only).

The visa validity duration begins on the first day of issuance. Therefore, a six-month visa issued on July 1 would be valid until December 31. Duration of StayRegardless of the duration of the valid visa, the maximum duration of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days) on each visit.

Extension of stay is not granted on tourist visas and it can not be converted into any other visa.

Traveling to Neighboring Countries

No Permit is needed if the visa holder is also travelling to neighboring countries of India for tourism purposes on the same itinerary as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly.

The visa holder must carry a copy of the itinerary to show the Immigration Officer

Restrictions If foreign national applies for a Tourist Visa frequently, i.e., within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Consulate/Embassy would scrutinize the application thoroughly and refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before granting a fresh Tourist Visa.

Permit to re-enter India within 2 months  for further restrictions.

Visitor Visa – Pakistani If the person is of Pakistani origin, they must apply for Visitor Visa, instead of a tourist visa.

If the person is of Pakistan origin who is current or former Pakistan citizen, they must provide proof of Renunciation of Pakistan Citizenship to apply for Visa on a US passport. If that is unavailable, the visa application must be made on a Pakistani passport.

Applicants of Pakistan origin who are born outside Pakistan (such as in the US) and have never held Pakistan nationality must provide a notarized affidavit that the applicant never held Pakistan nationality or POC (Pakistan Origin Card) or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani) and does not hold any other nationality except that of the US (Non-Pakistan).

Visitor visa is a single entry visa and is granted for three months, valid from the date of issuance and not from the date of entry into India.

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         VFS Global is the existing Outsourcing Service Provider for Visa, OCI, Renunciation, Passport, Global Entry Programme (GEP) and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) services for the Embassy of India, Washington DC.  Except eVisas, all Regular Paper Visas are processed through Embassy and its applications are submitted at VFS.

• Applicants residing within the  CONSULAR JURISDICTION of the Embassy of India, Washington DC may apply for Indian visas through the application link :  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa  and completed visa applications may be either sent by post or submitted in-person after taking appointment, as per details given below:

1025 Vermont Ave, N.W.  

Suite 302, 3rd Floor

Washington, DC 20005

Website:  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

Helpline: +1-800-320-9693

•   Details of visa fees are available at  Revised Visa fees for USA nationals . In addition, the applicant will be required to pay US$ 3.00 on account of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), apart from the VFS service charge and for any value-added services, like courier, etc.
•   Emergency Visa Service ::  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=79  
•   For US diplomatic and official passport holders, please see visa information and procedure at the following link:  https://indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=91 .
•   Applicants residing in the consular jurisdictions of Consulates General of India at Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York and San Francisco, may please visit the websites of the respective Consulate for information on these services.

Advisory :  The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal. Service of e-Visa involves a completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agent etc. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact [email protected] 

Nationals of USA and of other eligible countries can also apply for E-Visa under different categories (Tourist, Business, Medical, Medical Attendant and Conference) at Government of India website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

The following may also be noted in this regard:

• Visa applicants are cautioned against using any other website which may appear to represent the Government of India and only use the Government of India portal which is   https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• Passport used by the applicant should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer on arrival.
• The applicant must travel on the passport on which e-Visa has been applied. Entry into India will be allowed on a new passport even if the e-Visa has been granted on the old passport. However, in such cases, the traveler must also carry the old passport on which the e-Visa has been granted.
• E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.
• E-Visa is not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders.
• The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services being provided through Indian Embassy and Consulates.

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• Visa categories
• Tourist Visa

Apply for Indian Tourist Visa

Introduction.

One of the most popular choice for international travellers seeking to experience the diversified scenic landscapes, historical wonders and dynamic cultural heritage India has to offer. There are benefits, eligibility criteria, application process and other important aspects associated with the Indian E-Tourist Visa making it a tourism heaven option for globetrotters.

The Indian E-Visa process provides many significant advantages over traditional paper visas which are stamped on the passport. The benefits are mentioned below.

Multiple Entries

With the Indian Visa Centre facility, international travellers travelling on the 30 days e tourist visa india can enter twice into the Indian territory as they wish during its validity period of 30 days. With the 1 year and 5 years valid online Indian visa, the tourist can visit India for the purpose of tourism and sight seeing starting from the date of grant. This e-visa for India benefits the visitors when they to take multiple trips to India to explore different regions without spending any extra time and money on the Indian visa process.

Extended Validity

The 1-Year and 5-Year Indian tourist visa permits a visitor to stay up to 180 days at a stretch from the day they have landed on to the Indian soil. The tourist would need more than ample time to immerse themselves into the Indian rich heritage and cultural diversity and explore its picturesque landscapes. Those requiring a short visit should apply for the 30-days e tourist visa for travel to india .

Convenience and Flexibility

The Indian Consulate may not be available in all the cities in any given country. Applying through the Indian Consulates consumes substantial hours of your productive day. One has to invest his time, money and energy while applying through the Indian High Commission. This is where the e tourist visa india comes handy as it eliminates the requirement of a physical visa stamped on the passport which streamlines the application process for the tourists. Applicants can submit their individual and co-travellers applications online eliminating the need for a person to be present physically at the Indian Consulate.

Eligibility Criteria for the E-Tourist Visa

Following criteria must be met by all the applicants to be eligible to apply for the Indian Online visa facility.

Purpose Visit

The visa is specifically for individuals who are tourists, visiting their friends or relatives, or seeking short-term medical treatment. It is essential for travelers to have a valid reason for their visit to India, and engaging in activities such as employment or journalism is not allowed under this particular visa category.

Passport Validity

It is necessary for the applicants to possess a passport that remains valid for a minimum period of six months starting from their arrival date in order to meet the requirement of the Indian e-visa . It is also imperative that the passport contains a total of at least two blank pages designated specifically for the purpose of immigration stamps.

Return Ticket

Visitors must possess a return ticket or an an onward journey ticket to demonstrate intention of leaving India within allowed stay duration.

Indian Visa Application Process

The steps for obtaining an E-Tourist Visa in India are as follows:

Online Application

Aspiring adventurers must diligently fill out the online application form, ensuring they provide precise personal information, travel schedules, and passport particulars. It is of utmost importance to thoroughly review the provided details in order to evade any potential hindrances or perplexities.

Supporting Documents

For e-tourist visa applicants should upload clear copies of their passport's bio page with the personal information in PDF or JPEG format and a recent photograph as per the specified dimensions given to be uploaded. It is advisable to have these documents readily available before starting the online application.

Paying Fees

The processing fee for the E-Tourist Visa varies based on the nationality of the applicant and duration of the visa applied for. This must be paid online through the secure payment gateway provided on the application portal. Once the payment is successful, an email is sent to the applicant’s registered email address given in the application.

Email Confirmation and Visa Approval

Once the india visa for us citizens has been submitted, it will be processed, and the applicant shall receive an email confirming its submission. Once the e-visa is granted another email shall be sent with the E-Tourist Visa Grant letter. It is mandatory to print out this letter and keep it ready to show along with other travel documents wherever it is required to furnished during the trip to India

Benefits and Features

The Indian E-Tourist Visa provides a convenient and flexible choice for wanderers looking to gain long-term entry into India's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and famous landmarks. By doing away with the hassle of frequent visa applications and simplifying the procedure via online applications, the Indian government has made it simpler for tourists to fully embrace all that India has in store. With the provision of extended duration of stay and multiple entries, this e-visa category empowers travellers to truly immerse themselves in the colourful fabric of Indian culture and forge unforgettable journeys.

Visa Categories

• Transit Visa
• Tourist visa
• Medical Visa
• Business Visa
• Employment Visa
• Project Visa
• Intern Visa
• Student Visa

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Online Portal for Visa Application to India

Visa Processing Time

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.