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.

📋 Complete Visa Categories for India

India offers a variety of visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available, including requirements, validity, and approximate fees. Always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority before applying, as rules and fees can change.

Note: Fees and requirements may vary by nationality and are subject to change. Some visa categories may have additional sub-types or specific conditions not listed above. Check the official India immigration portal or your nearest embassy for the most current information.

⏰ Processing Times & Fees for India Visas

Processing times for India visa applications vary by visa type, applicant nationality, and time of year. Standard processing is the default timeline, while expedited (express or priority) processing is available for certain visa types at an additional cost. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer than usual. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

All fees are approximate and may be adjusted. Some embassies and consulates charge additional service fees through visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global, TLS Contact). Payment methods vary by location. Keep your payment receipt as proof of fee payment.

🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for India

India requires specific health precautions depending on areas visited. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for most areas outside major cities and high altitudes. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (for rural areas), rabies, and cholera. No routine medical examination is required for eVisa applicants. Employment and student visa holders staying more than 1 year must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days and may need health screening. Health insurance is strongly recommended as India has excellent private hospitals but costs can be significant. The e-Medical Visa facilitates medical tourism. Police clearance certificates from the applicant's home country are required for employment and student visas. India collects biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at all international airports for foreign nationals. Dengue and chikungunya precautions are important throughout India.

🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in India

e-Tourist Visas (30-day) cannot be extended. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow multiple entries within their validity period but individual stays are limited to 90 days (60 for some nationalities). Employment visa holders can extend through the FRRO/e-FRRO online system. Student visa extensions require continued enrollment and FRRO approval. Overstay penalties include fines of USD 300 for each year of overstay (or part thereof), possible detention, deportation, and entry bans. India's Bureau of Immigration maintains comprehensive records. FRRO registration is mandatory for stays exceeding 180 days on applicable visa types. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties. India occasionally offers amnesty for long-term overstayers. The e-FRRO online system (indianfrro.gov.in) has streamlined many extension and registration processes.

❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for India

Indian visa and eVisa refusals may result from: nationality restrictions (Pakistan, Pakistani-origin), incomplete application, inconsistent information, criminal record, previous Indian immigration violations, or security concerns. eVisa refusals are communicated online with limited explanation. Consular visa refusals are communicated in writing. There is no formal appeals process for eVisa refusals — applicants can reapply immediately. Consular visa refusals can be reconsidered by submitting additional documentation. Some nationalities face additional scrutiny or are ineligible for eVisas. Journalists, researchers, and missionaries may face additional clearance requirements. Engaging a visa agency experienced with Indian visas is advisable for complex cases. The Indian eVisa system processes millions of applications annually with high approval rates for straightforward tourist applications.