India eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

India is one of the world's most diverse and captivating destinations, offering ancient temples, the Taj Mahal, backwaters of Kerala, Himalayan treks, vibrant festivals, spice markets and world-class cuisine. India is a South Asian destination for culture, tourism, business and medical travel. Main international airports include Delhi Indira Gandhi (DEL), Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA) and Kolkata (CCU). India's Bureau of Immigration and e-FRRO system manage entry and residence matters.

India operates one of the world's largest eVisa systems, covering citizens of most countries. The e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is available online, eliminating the need for a consular appointment for short-stay tourists. Some nationalities still require a consular (sticker) visa.

Tourist eVisa (e-Tourist Visa)

The e-Tourist Visa is available for citizens of most countries (166+ nationalities as of 2025). Options:

• 30-day e-Tourist Visa: single or double entry; stay up to 30 days per entry; not extendable.
• 1-Year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entry; maximum 90 days per visit (60 days for some nationalities); valid 1 year from date of issue.
• 5-Year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entry; maximum 90 days per visit; valid 5 years from issue.

Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Upload a passport photo and scanned passport data page. Receive ETA by email within 72 hours. Present the ETA print-out at arrival.

Business eVisa (e-Business Visa)

The e-Business Visa allows attendance at business meetings, trade fairs, and company visits for up to 180 days with multiple entries (subject to 90-day per-visit limits for some). Paid employment in India requires a separate Employment Visa applied for at an Indian consulate.

Work & Long-Stay

• Employment Visa — for those with a job offer from an Indian company earning USD $25,000+/year. Applied for at an Indian consulate with company appointment letter and employment contract. Requires FRRO registration after arrival.
• Business Visa — for establishing a business in India, attending board meetings, or exploring business partnerships. Multiple entry, up to 1 year.
• Project Visa — for employees of foreign companies with contracts from Indian PSUs for setting up power and steel projects.
• OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India) — lifetime visa and near-citizen rights for persons of Indian origin or with Indian-ancestry spouses. Not a full citizenship but a very flexible travel document.

Student Visa

International students attending Indian educational institutions need a Student Visa, applied for at the Indian consulate (not eVisa). Required: acceptance letter from a recognized Indian institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. After arrival, complete FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival.

Transit

If remaining airside (international zone) on a single connecting ticket, no visa is typically required. If you need to clear immigration (e.g., different terminal, different airport), a Transit Visa may be required depending on nationality. Check boi.gov.in for current rules.

Required Documents (e-Tourist Visa)

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, last page must be blank for endorsement)
• Scanned color photo (white background, 2"×2")
• Scanned passport bio-data page (first page)
• Return or onward ticket details
• Credit/debit card for eVisa fee payment

eVisa Fees (approximate)

Fees vary by nationality. Citizens of some countries (e.g., UK nationals) may pay significantly more due to reciprocity.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility at indianvisaonline.gov.in
2. Fill out the online application form
3. Upload passport photo and passport data page scan
4. Pay the eVisa fee by credit/debit card
5. Receive ETA by email within 72 hours
6. Print the ETA and present it at the Indian port of entry
7. After arrival, register with e-FRRO if staying beyond 180 days or required to do so

Official Links

• India eVisa Application Portal
• Bureau of Immigration India
• e-FRRO — Foreigners Regional Registration Office

Who Can Apply for an Indian eVisa?

Citizens of 166+ nationalities are eligible for e-Tourist Visa — including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU states, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, and many others. Pakistani, Pakistani-origin, and some other nationalities must apply at an Indian mission. Full eligibility at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.