Dreaming of the Taj Mahal, the beaches of Goa, or the Himalayas? For travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and over 160 other countries, getting a visa for India is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to the government’s streamlined e-Visa system.
Gone are the days of lengthy embassy visits. The entire process is online, allowing you to apply from home before you pack your bags. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the India e-Visa for a smooth and hassle-free application.
The India e-Visa is an official authorization document obtained electronically through an online application. It is linked to your passport and allows you to travel to India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. Upon arrival, an immigration officer stamps your passport with the e-Visa.
Crucial Point: You MUST apply for and receive your e-Visa before boarding your flight to India. It is not a Visa on Arrival that you can get upon landing.
The e-Visa scheme is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including:
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
European Union nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
Japan
South Korea
And many more.
There are four main types of e-Visas. Selecting the correct one is essential.
Visa Type | Purpose & Description | Validity & Entries |
---|---|---|
e-Tourist Visa | For recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to friends/relatives. | 1 Month: Double Entry. 1 Year & 5 Years: Multiple Entries. |
e-Business Visa | For business meetings, sales, establishing contacts. Not for employment. | 1 Year: Multiple Entries. |
e-Medical Visa | For medical treatment in recognized Indian hospitals. | 1 Year: Triple Entry. |
e-Medical Attendant Visa | For attendants (up to 2) of a patient on an e-Medical Visa. | 1 Year: Triple Entry. |
Applying for your India e-Visa is a simple, four-step process:
Apply Online: Go to the official Indian Government e-Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and passport details.
Upload Required Documents: You will need to upload digital copies of:
A Recent Passport-Size Photo: White background, front-facing.
Your Passport’s Bio Page: A clear scan of the page containing your photo and details.
Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the secure fee online using an international credit or debit card. The fee varies by nationality and visa type.
Receive Your e-Visa: After processing (typically 3-5 business days), you will receive your e-Visa via email. Print at least two copies to carry with you.
Carry Printouts: Carry at least two physical copies of your e-Visa approval.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in India and have at least two blank pages for the immigration stamp.
Ports of Entry: The e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated international airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad) and 5 designated seaports.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply at least one week before your travel date to account for any processing delays.
Double-Check Details: Ensure all information (passport number, name spelling, date of birth) exactly matches your passport. Any discrepancy can lead to rejection or denial of entry.
Use the Official Website: Only use the official government website linked above. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra service fees.
Check Your Email: Regularly check your email (including the spam folder) for updates or requests for additional information.
Q: How long can I stay in India on an e-Tourist Visa?
A: The 1-month e-Tourist visa allows a continuous stay of up to 30 days. The 1-year and 5-year visas allow multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Q: Can I extend my India e-Visa?
A: No. The India e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter on a new visa (subject to regulations).
Q: What if my application is rejected?
A: The visa fee is generally non-refundable. You can reapply by correcting the mistakes that led to the initial rejection.
Q: Is the e-Visa sufficient for visiting protected/restricted areas?
A: No. If you plan to visit protected or restricted areas (e.g., certain parts of Northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands), you will need to apply for a special permit in addition to your e-Visa.
The India e-Visa has revolutionized travel to this incredible country. By following this guide and applying correctly, you can focus on what truly matters: planning your unforgettable adventure in India.
👉 Ready to explore India? Start your e-Visa application today and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!