e tourist visa india 30 days

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• Home › Consular Services › Visa Services › E - Visa

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.

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 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.

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.

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• Home > Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Embassy of India

Washington DC

The Government of India has decided, with immediate effect, to restore valid long duration (10 years) regular (paper) tourist visas for the nationals of USA. Fresh issue of regular (paper) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas has also been restored for nationals of USA.

E-Tourist visas under the three options (one month, one year and five year) which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored for nationals of 156 countries. Applications for fresh e-tourist visas for eligible nationalities can also be made at the Indian E-Visa Portal [ https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html ]

• The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (single entry of 30 days duration) on gratis basis will be discontinued w.e.f. 1 st April 2022.  

Application for fresh tourist visa can be made as per following procedure:

E visa: Eligible foreign nationals can apply for e-tourist visa at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . [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].

Regular (Paper) Tourist visa: Application for regular (paper) tourist visa from Embassy / Consulate in USA can be submitted by following the link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

Foreign nationals on tourist/e-tourist visas would be permitted to enter India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or ‘air bubble’ scheme or by any flights as allowed by Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. In no case, the foreign nationals will be allowed to enter through land border or riverine routes on Tourist visa/E-Tourist visa.

Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at:  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf .

28 March 2022

The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (one month stay only) on gratis basis will also continue.

15 March, 2022

            The Government of India has decided to issue fresh tourist visas with effect from 15 October, 2021 for group tourism and from 15 November, 2021 for individual travel.  In this context, the following may be noted:

• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism will be allowed to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism only) with effect from 15 October, 2021.
• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for individual tourism purposes will be permitted to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa with effect from 15 November, 2021. Such travel will be allowed through Vande Bharat Mission, Air Bubble Scheme or by any scheduled/non-scheduled commercial flight allowed by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.
• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant. However, VFS service charge and payments on account of value-added services like courier, etc. will need to be made.
• It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa issued before 6 October, 2021 will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted.
• The process of obtaining e-Tourist Visa/Regular Tourist Visa may be accessed at the following links:
• e-Tourist Visa -  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . 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.
• Regular Tourist Visa through VFS Global with effect from 13 December, 2021 (12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time) - https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsdated30thNovember2021.pdf

Advisory on Tourist Visas

• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant.
• e-Tourist Visa - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . 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.
• Regular Tourist Visa through the Embassy of India – https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=88
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf .

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Applying for an E-Visa

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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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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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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Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Established 1994

E Tourist Visa

The Indian e-Tourist Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows visitors to enter India for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or attending short-term yoga programs. It’s a convenient option for travelers from eligible countries. 

Our service offers a more accurate and streamlined application process and if you need help with your application, you can  apply online  with us.

Indian e-tourist visa eligibility:

• Passport holder from an eligible country
• Passport with a minimum 2 blank pages and validity of at least six months from the date of arrival in India

 e-Tourist Visa options

The e-tourist visa is valid for either 30 days, 1 year or 5 years depending on the option you choose:

1. 30 day Indian e-tourist Visa

• Visa is valid for 30 days. • Can apply for the visa up to 30 days, but no later than 4 days of your intended arrival date. • 30 days visa period starts from date of arrival. • Visa is valid for 30 days with double entry.

2. 1-year Indian e-tourist Visa

• Visa is valid for 365 days. • Can apply up to 120 days but no later than 4 days of your intended arrival date. • 365-day visa length starts from date visa is granted. • Visa is valid for 365 days with multiple entry.

3. 5 Year Indian e-tourist Visa

• Visa is valid for 5 years. • Can apply up to 120 days but no later than 4 days of your intended arrival in India. • 5-year visa length from date visa is granted. • Visa is valid for 5 years with multiple entry.

    Our Step-by-Step Application Process

Apply on our website: Register on our platform by selecting either the online application (English only) or the handwritten application (All Languages)  then navigate to the e-Tourist Visa application.

Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form (try to be as accurate as possible to avoid delays), if you prefer the handwritten form , try to make sure the writing is readable and in block letters.

Upload Required Documents: Submit clear copies of your passport and a recent photograph. (photo can be taken by phone), and your handwritten application (if you chose this option)

Make Payment: Pay the visa processing fee securely through our website. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs, which includes government charges and our expert assistance. (Please be aware that payment for handwritten application will be taken after you register)

Receive Visa Confirmation: Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your e-Tourist Visa via email.

Why Choose Indiavisa?

Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in processing e-Visa applications, ensuring a high success rate.

Efficiency: We understand the value of your time. Our streamlined process is designed to deliver your visa promptly.

Support: Our dedicated customer support team is available to assist you with any queries or concerns throughout the application process.

Satisfaction: Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Indian Tourist Visa prices (English Language)

Indian tourist visa prices (non-english languages), indian tourist e-visa faqs, can i extend my e-tourist visa once in india.

A: No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. Ensure your travel plans align with the visa’s validity and stay duration.

Q: Can I enter India through any port of entry with an e-Tourist Visa? 

A: The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through designated airports and seaports. Please check the latest information on authorized ports of entry before your travel.

Q: What should I do if my e-Tourist Visa application is rejected?

A: Our service aims to limit visa rejections, but in the rare event of a rejection, our team will analyze the reasons and guide you on the appropriate steps to reapply or explore alternative options.

Q: How far in advance should I apply for an e-Tourist Visa?

A: It is recommended to apply for an e-Tourist Visa at least 4 days and no more than 120 days before your intended date of travel.

 Need assistance?

We can deal with your visa application no matter which country you live or what language you speak!

We offer a translatory service if needed making our visa application process simple and available to everyone everwhere!

We’re Here to Help Got questions?  Our team is also a  WhatsApp  message or phone call away. Reach out to us anytime.

Our aim is not only to make the process hassle free, but to give you the much-needed peace of mind, allowing you focus on other aspects of your trip.

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India e-Visa: A step-by-step guide to apply for your Indian tourist visa.  

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On February 1, 2024

If you are planning to visit India you need to get a visa to enter the country. Here is our step-by-step guide to help you apply for your India e-Visa. 

What is a visa? 

A visa for travel is an official document that allows the visitor to legally enter a foreign country. 

The visa is usually stamped or glued into the holder’s passport.  

There are different types of visas that each allow the holder different rights in the host country including tourist, work, business, or transit visas. 

You will probably need a visa for India. 

Almost everyone needs a visa to visit and travel in India.  But for most nationalities a tourist visa is easy to get. 

Citizens of 164 countries – including New Zealand, Australia, UK, US, most nations in the EU and many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East – can apply for an e-Visa for India before traveling. 

What is an e-Visa and how does that work for India? 

An e-Visa for India is an electronic visa application.  Back in the day the only way to apply for a visa for travel meant visiting an embassy or consulate to receive a hard-copy visa directly in your passport. 

Now it is possible to apply for an Indian e-Visa which, if successful, grants you authorization to enter India by applying online. 

Assuming the application is accepted you will receive a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email which you need to print out and carry with you when you travel to India.  

Types of India e-Visa

There are currently 6 types of Indian e-Visas available:

• e-Tourist Visa
• e-Business Visa
• e-Conference Visa
• e-Medical Visa
• e-Medical Attendant Visa
• e-Emergency X-Misc Visa

This blog post will focus on the application process for the most common visa for travellers to India; the  e-Tourist Visa .

So, what do you need before you apply for your Indian e-Visa? 

You need some patience.  And about an hour…

And you do need to prepare a few specific documents and information.

• Passport photo:  A recent passport photo of yourself that is at least 10KB and a maximum 1MB. The photo must show the full face with a white or light-coloured background. The photo must be in JPEG format.
• Scanned Passport ID Page : Scanned ID page of your passport in PDF format. Size must be between 10KB and 300KB.

INFORMATION:

• Contact in India:  In the application you will be asked to provide information about a reference name in India. If you don’t have a personal contact in India you can use the name and address of your first accommodation in India. 
• Your e-Visa fee payment: You can make an online payment for your India e-Visa using a VISA or MasterCard or via PayPal. 

Note also that your passport needs to be  valid for six months  beyond the date of entry and you need  two spare pages  for the visa, which will be physically stamped into your passport on your arrival in India. 

How long is the visa valid for? How long can you stay in India? 

Tourist e-Visas for India are available for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years, with the 1- and 5-year visas allowing for multiple entry. (Note that for the 1- and 5-year visas there are restrictions on continuous stays during that time of 90 or 180 days depending on your nationality).

This blog post will focus on the application process for the  eTourist Visa (for 30 Days) . 

How to apply for an India e-visa

There is only one official website to get an Indian e-Visa provided by the Government of India:  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Follow the link and let’s get started. 

On the website homepage click on the ‘Apply here for e-visa’ tab on the bottom left of the screen.

Page 1 – e-Visa Application 

Fill out the first page with generic information about yourself as well as your email address (this is where you will receive the e-Visa). 

Under “Visa Service” you can choose the type of Visa you want to apply for: 

• eTourist Visa  (for 30 Days)
• eTourist Visa  (for 1 Year)
• eTourist Visa  (for 5 Years)
• TIP:  The 30 days, 1 year and 5 year e-Tourist Visa validity period begins from the date of first arrival in India.  (It is not related to when you submit the e-Visa application).  If applying for a 30-Day India Visa your successful application will be granted with 30 days until the Date of Expiry of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Make sure this covers beyond your expected Date of Arrival.

Page 2 – Applicant Details

The second page of the application asks you to fill in more information about yourself.  The forms ask you about religion, education and more.  (You may type “None” next to ‘Visible identification marks’ if you do not have any to note). 

• TIP: Take note of the Temporary Application ID number that pops up at this stage (just in case you hit save and exit the application by mistake). You will need this to log back in if you exit the page.

The last question under ‘Applicant Details’ asks, “Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa?” This refers to the  country you currently live in  and not your birth country (and not India), in case they are different. 

Add your passport details and – optionally – you can add a second passport.  If you select “No” the form fields will disappear. 

Page 3 – Applicant Details 

On the third page you need to fill in all the current information about your present and permanent address.  You need to provide your family information (Mother and Father’s details) as well as your profession, occupation and marital status. 

You are also asked on this page if your parents of Grandparents (paternal or maternal) are of Pakistani heritage. 

Page 4 – India Travel Plans

This page requires information about your travel plans in India including your expected Port of Arrival, planned Port of Exit and places you have previously visited in India. 

Under ‘Other Information’ you are also required to list the countries you have visited in the last 10 years(!). 

And the next step asks if you have visited  SAARC  countries during the last  three years.   SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and has eight member countries ( Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka ).  You will need to list any of these if you have visited recently. 

You also need to name a  reference in name in India  and a  reference name in your home country . 

• TIP:  If you do not know anyone in India you can fill in these fields with the information provided by one of the accommodations you are staying at. 

Page 5 – Declarations

This page asks about any criminal records.  Note that all the answers are on “Yes” by default.  Make sure to read the page carefully and click the box for “No” to each of them.  Tick the bold declaration at the end of the page and press ‘Continue’. 

Page 6 – Upload Documents

After the above step you will be asked to upload your photos.  First upload the passport image (photo) and press “Continue”.  On a different page, you will be asked to next upload a photo of your passport ID page. 

After the uploads are complete, the next step is the payment of the e-Visa fee. 

Page 7 – Online VISA Fee Payment

Check and read the information before selecting “Yes” and “Pay Now”.  

• TIP: Be sure to record or screenshot the Application ID as you will need this number to check the payment status (and for trying again if the first payment doesn’t go through!).

You will be redirected to the payment page and can now made your e-Visa payment by debit or credit card or PayPal.  

Note that the payment must be made at least 4 days before your expected date of travel, or your Indian e-Visa application will not be processed. 

There is a 2.5% bank charge for payments made on the website, in addition to the e-Visa fee.  (Your own bank may also charge you for a foreign currency transaction fee or conversion).

The payment for the Indian e-Visa is non-refundable, whether or not your application is successful.

Page 8 – Application complete

Congrats! You have just completed the process of applying for your Indian e-Visa!  Now all you need to do is wait (processing time up to 72 hours) until you receive confirmation (and hopefully your Indian e-Visa) to the email address you supplied on Page 1.  

• TIP: When you receive your Indian e-Visa it is titled as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Make sure you double check all details are correct and that the Date of Expiry of ETA is beyond your expected date of arrival in India .

More – IMPORTANT – info about the India e-Visa

For all further information (and to clarify anything official) refer to the e-Visa support center  website . 

How long does it take to receive the visa after applying?  

It states on the official website that it takes up to 72 hours to process, so be sure to apply in plenty of time (at least more than 4 days in advance).  *In actual fact it took less than 48 hours for our Indian e-Visa to be granted. Your Visa will be granted with 30 days until the Date of Expiry of the ETA from the date you submit your application.

When can you apply for an India e-Visa? 

• For e-Tourist Visas (30 days)  the application can be made  up to 30 days  in advance and a  minimum of 4 days  before the date of travel. As above, it can take up to 72 hours to process (though our processing time was less than 48 hours).
• For e-Tourist Visas (1 year / 5 years)  visitors can apply  up to 120 days prior to the date of their trip and  no less than 4 days  before the departure date.

Do I need to print my India e-Visa? 

Yes.   You do need to print your India e-Visa.  You are required to bring a printed copy of your e-Visa when you enter India. 

Before you arrive in India

Once you’ve submitted your e-Visa application and payment you should receive and email confirming the application has been successfully received. 

The processing time is then up to 72 hours and if your application is successful, you will be notified by a further email that will hopefully include, “ Application Status: Granted ”.  (Note that your India e-Visa is also referred to as Electronic Travel Authorization ETA). 

• TIP:  Make sure to review your personal details on the ETA and the Date of Expiry of ETA in the email and make sure everything is correct and accurate.

As above, you need to   print a copy of your e-Visa  and download the email or screenshot the e-Visa to your phone. 

• TIP:  It is likely you will be asked to show  proof of your Indian tourist visa  at the check-in desk when departing your home country or flight to India.  

When you arrive at immigration in India you should see a specific line for people with e-Visas.  Here you simply need to present you printed-out e-Visa along with your passport.  Your photo and fingerprints will be taken (this is standard practice).  The immigration officer will ask you a few questions about your planned trip in India and stamp your passport.

WELCOME TO INDIA.

More about travel planning for India and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Hostelworld   – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide   – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about India

• Managing your money in India: ATMs, withdrawing and exchanging rupees.
• Our complete packing list for India: Everything you need.
• Train travel in India: A complete guide.
• Five days in Kerala: The best introduction to India.
• The Sacred River Ganges: Two days in Varanasi with kids.
• A desert camel safari in Jaisalmer: Not once (but twice).
• A bread bucket-list: 12 Indian breads you need to try.

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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5 thoughts on “India e-Visa: A step-by-step guide to apply for your Indian tourist visa.  ”

Thanks this was very helpful, BUT, if you are using a Mac DO NOT USE SAFARI. Yes, you will be able to waste 30 minutes filling in the form, get to the payment page and be locked out!

The application form is written for PC users, so use MICROSOFT EDGE and it works perfectly! This will save so much time & arguments!

Oh truly! We have just done all our four applications again on a Mac and had success. But that is good to know for future applications.

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Here's how to get a visa to visit India

Dec 20, 2023 • 7 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 March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Get your e Visa for India

From $91.00  (usd) includes indian government & tds processing fee, no hidden fees • secure payment • fast processing.

U.S. Citizens plus 160 other nationalities are eligible to apply for an Indian eTV. An Indian e-Tourist visa can be obtained by Travel Document Systems on your behalf.

**************************PLEASE READ BELOW****************************

Tourist Indian e Visas are valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years.   Business Indian e Visas are good for 1 year from the date of issue, are valid for stays of up to 180  days , and provide multiple entries into India. 2 Business day and 6 Business day ( Monday - Friday ) visa processing times are available.

The Indian e Visa is issued for the following travel purposes only

Not sure if your trip applies? Check our FAQ to find out

Can I apply for an e visa to India?

Choose your nationality from your passport to find out if you can apply for an Indian e-Tourist visa.

CHOOSE YOUR NATIONALITY (on your passport)

Yes you can apply for the indian e visa.

Getting your India eTV is as easy as...

Scan all of the documents you need for your application

Complete the online application and submit payment

Receive your e-Visa approval and related documentation via e-mail

Tourist Business Medical Conference

How It Works

The Indian Government issues two types of visas: An e-Visa (electronic visa) and a traditional visa stamped into your passport.

The Indian e Tourist or e Business visa will be processed and issued electronically and sent to you by email. When the traveler arrives in India, they will need to have biometric information taken at the airport and their passport will be stamped with the actual traditional visa.

TravelDocs recommends applying for an India e Visa if you only require a short validity visa of no more than one year. If a multiple entry visa with longer validity terms is required, please apply for the traditionally stamped visa .

Tourist Indian e Visa: Has three different validities and number of possible entries into India to choose from allowing for greater flexibility for tourists. 1. A single/double entry visa valid for 30 days from the date of issue for a stay of up to 30 days. 2. A multiple entry visa valid for 1 year from the date of issue for stays up to 180 days per entry for nationals of United States and Japan, most other nationalities are for stays up to 90 days. 3. A multiple entry visa valid for 5 years from the date of issue for stays up to 180 days per entry for nationals of United States and Japan, most other nationalities are for stays up to 90 days. Indian tourist e Visas are very easy to apply for and do not require sending your physical passport to TravelDocs only a copy as part of this online order form. Business Indian e Visa: is valid for multiple entries, good for 1 year from the date of issue for stays up to 180 days per entry. It is very easy to apply for and do not require sending your physical passport to TravelDocs only a copy as part of this online order form.

Please Note: If you are traveling to India for business an Invitation Letter is now required, Invitation Letter must be on the inviting companies letterhead.

The Medical Indian e Visa: has a validity of 60 days from the date of issue and good for Triple entry.

The Conference Indian e Visa: has a validity of 30 days from the date of issue and good for a single entry only. An e Conference Visa can only be applied for if you are attending a Government Sponsored Conference, privately sponsored or hosted conferences do not qualify for an e-Conference Visa you must apply for a traditional stamped visa. The Indian e Visa can be issued in as little as 2-6 Business Days (Monday - Friday) and is a cost-effective option.

The India online visa application must be submitted no later than 4 days prior to departure for India, and no earlier than 120 days before the date of arrival in India. It is possible to apply for a traditional Indian visa up to several months in advance of your travel date.

The India e Visa, once issued on arrival, is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment areas.

A Traditional Stamped Visa is valid for multiple entries into India, good for up to 10 years from the date of issue for a stay up to 180 days, This option requires your physical passport and supporting documents to be sent to TravelDocs for submission to the Indian Embassy for processing. Although more complicated to apply for this option is best if you require more than one entry into India as part of your itinerary and/or you may return to India in the future.

The Indian E-Visa is only valid for Travelers arriving at 28 international airports: and 5 Seaports, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Madurai, Nagpur, Pune, Portblair, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Vishakhapatnam and Varanasi. The Seaports are Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, and Mumbai. If arriving from any other port of entry, you must apply for a traditional stamped Indian visa .

Indian Entry Requirements What you should have when you arrive in India

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 Months after your arrival date.
• Your passport must at least two blank pages for stamping by the immigration officer.
• You must carry the e-TV Visa printout form, which will be emailed to you as a PDF by TravelDocs.
• You must have a return ticket or onward journey ticket, and sufficient money to spend during your stay in India.
• Foreign nationals arriving from Yellow Fever affected countries must carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, otherwise, you may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India. Check with the Indian Government's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website for the latest list of Yellow Fever countries .

You need a recent passport-style photograph to accompany your India e Visa application

With no hassle, TravelDocs can process your photo so that it meets the digital photo requirements for your e visa application.

Find out more about our Visa Photo Service

India e Visa Photo Order Form

Photos take 1 business day to process. Please do not submit this form more than once.

Frequently Asked Questions about e Visas for India

Will i definitely get a visa if i apply online if i get a visa, am i guaranteed entry into india.

The decision to grant entry visas for India is entirely at the discretion of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) – Traveldocs cannot guarantee that your visa application will be approved. The granting of a visa does not guarantee entry into India; the final decision is made by immigration officers at the point of entry.

My passport is expiring soon – can I still get a visa?

All travelers need to have a valid passport for at least six (6) months from the date of arrival in India and have at least two (2) blank visa pages for stamping by the immigration officer upon arrival in India. If your passport validity is less than six months and or does not have two blank visa pages, you will have to renew your passport before you can apply for an e Visa.

Do children or infants need a visa?

Yes, all applicants no matter the age will require a visa to enter into India.

What travel purposes does India issue e visas for?

The e-Tourist Visa is for international travelers who's purpose of visiting India is for Tourist, Recreation, Visiting Friends or Relatives, Sight-Seeing and Short Term Yoga program.

The e-Business Visa is for international travelers who's purpose of visiting India is for Business Meetings, Set up Business Venture, Sale, Purchase, Trade, To Recruit Manpower, Attended Exhibitions and Trade Fairs and to deliver Lectures Under the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN).

The e-Medical Visa is for international travelers who's purpose of visiting India is to seek short-term medical treatment.

The e-Conference Visa The e-Conference Visa can only be applied for if you are attending a Government Sponsored Conference, privately sponsored or hosted conferences do not qualify for an e-Conference Visa, you must apply for a traditional stamped visa.

Is an Indian e visa valid for Employment, NGO / Volunteer activities, Journalism or Conference purposes?

No. The Indian Business e Visa is NOT VALID for Employment, NGO/Volunteer activities, Journalism and Conference purposes in India.

I am of Pakistani origin or have held a Pakistani passport can I apply for an e visa to India?

No, you must apply for a traditional stamped India visa you would not be eligible for a e visa.

I have already have a valid e visa for India, can I apply for a second one?

No. you can only have one Indian visa at a time.

Can I extend my stay while I’m in India?

No. An 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.

What is the Validity of the Indian Tourist e Visa?

The Indian e-Tourist has three validity options available to eligible tourist travelers. A double entry visa valid for 30 days from the date of issue for stays of up to 30 days. A multiple entry visa valid for 1 year from the date of issue for stays up to 180 days per entry. A multiple entry visa valid for 5 years from the date of issue for stays up to 180 days per entry.

Can I visit India's Protected, Restricted, Cantonment areas using an e visa.?

No. An e Visa is 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.

Indian e Conference Visa Eligibility

An e Conference visa can only be applied for if the conference you are attending is hosted or sponsored by the Indian Government. If you are attending a Conference hosted or sponsored by a private entity you must apply for a stamped conference visa.

What is the Validity of the Indian Business e Visa

The Indian Business e Visa is valid for multiple entries into India for up to 1 year for stays of up to 180 days.

What is the validity of the Indian Conference e Visa

The e-Conference visa is valid for a single entry for up to 30 days. A maximum of three Indian conference e Visas can be issued for the same traveler within one calendar year (Jan - Dec).

What is the validity of the Indian Medical e visa.

The Medical e Visa is valid for a single entry for up to 30 days. A maximum of three Indian medical e Visas can be issued for the same traveler within one calendar year (Jan - Dec).

Indian Government Disclaimer Information

• A visa is required prior to entry into India by all nationalities.
• The visa processing fee is nonrefundable.
• The possession of an e-Visa is not the final authority to enter India.
• The e-Tourist, are valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. 
• e-Business e Visas are valid for 1 year, multiple entries stay up to 180 days.
• The Medical e Visa is valid for 60 days, 3 entries.
• The Conference e Visa is valid for 30 days, 1 entry.
• The e Visa printout must be presented at the port of entry and exit in India.
• It should take at least 2-6 working days to get your e Visa.

How to Apply Indian eVisa (2024 Complete Guide)

Are you planning your trip to India and need to apply for an Indian Visa?

The process is pretty simple with the introduction of an eVisa .

For this guide, I have documented the exact process of how I got my eVisa to India from the UK (twice!) .

I used these exact steps when I got my eVisa to India under 24 hours (21 hours and 21 minutes to be precise).

And, I used my own guide to apply for the e-visa the second time. 😛

Applying Indian eVisa is a completely online application with no facilitation required by any agencies or agents.

Sending money to India?

If you need to convert your local currency to INR for your trip to India, don’t just use your bank. Follow my guide for the best ways to send money to India to get the best exchange rates. I’ve also covered a few tips towards the end of this post.

If you need to send money the other way around (outward remittance from India), head over to my other article where I have covered the best ways to transfer money from India to the UK .

The eVisa application process is the same wherever you apply from – the main difference is in the fees (more info on that in a sec).

The usual way of submitting your file at your nearest VFS centre is still an option – you can apply regular Visa to India where you need to attend an appointment to drop your documents in person.

Like me, if you are short of time and cannot bother visiting the VFS centre to submit your application, go for an eVisa .

I found the eVisa process better and saved me a 20 mile round trip to the VFS in Hounslow.

If you hold an eligible passport for a country on the eligibility list, you can apply from the comfort of your home and skip the in-person appointment altogether to get the visa online.

Disclaimer : This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice – this is documentation of my experience with getting a successful eVisa to India – twice!

After I got my British Citizenship, I surrendered my Indian passport in the UK but didn’t get a chance to apply for OCI right away (I tend to sometimes procrastinate on such things). I was required to visit India and eVisa came to be the saviour.

I was looking for my options to apply for a visa to India from the UK .

That’s when I came to know that you can apply for an eVisa which is completely an online application.

What does this mean?

You don’t need to fill out any forms by hand, no documents to be prepared to be submitted.

That’s when I thought of documenting the process so the knowledge is not restricted only to me.

Sharing is caring, right?

Before I jump in to guide you on how to quickly obtain an eVisa for India, here are a few things you need to know before applying online.

Who needs to apply for Indian Visa?

Countries that don’t need a visa: nepal, bhutan and maldives.

Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal don’t need a visa to visit India, they can freely enter India without any time limit.

Citizens of Maldives also don’t require a visa to travel to India but they are restricted to a continued stay of 90 days.

Countries that NEED a visa – Rest of the World

All the other countries apart from Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives need to apply for an Indian Visa. Below are the options:

Visa on Arrival: What it says on the tin, India provides an option to get a visa on arrival in India, meaning you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance from your country. You can show your passport at immigration and you can obtain a visa on arrival by filling in a form and paying the visa fee. Visa on arrival is currently available to only residents of Japan and South Korea .

e-Visa, also called electronic visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Nationals of almost all of the remaining countries (170 in total) can apply for an eVisa to visit India online, using the official eVisa website (step by step details in this guide).

I also talk about the eVisa eligible countries on the eligibility section below – keep reading.

Regular or paper visa: Citizens of the remaining countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan – are required to apply for the Indian visa using the traditional process. The regular/paper visa process involves visiting the Indian mission or visa application centre in person for biometrics and submitting additional documents.

This guide is focused on the countries that do need a visa and can apply purely electronically – introducing eVisa.

What is an eVisa to India?

eVisa allows you to apply for Indian visa online. Here are a few things you need to know before you go

• Completely Online:  The application for the eVisa is purely online.
• Duration: It took me less than 24 hours to get the eVisa. The official estimate is 72 hours.
• Documentation: You don’t need to submit any documents in person. All documents (including your picture) can be uploaded online.

e-Visa has 5 sub-categories:

• eTourist Visa
• eBusiness Visa
• eMedical Visa
• eMedical attendant Visa
• eConference Visa

eVisa vs Regular Paper Visa – what’s the difference?

Should you apply for an eVisa or Regular Visa to India? Let me provide you with some information to help you with this.

eVisa vs OCI (for Indian Expats)

OCI is a multiple entry multi-purpose life long visa to visit India for any length of stay. With an eVisa, you get limited validity and your single stay also comes with limits.

If you are an Indian ex-pat and visit India more than often (even once a year), OCI is what I would usually recommend due to the hassle of applying for a visa and related costs. If you plan to apply for OCI in the future, you can use eVisa in the interim as I did.

You can check out the OCI benefits here .

SIDENOTE I decided to get an eVisa as it is a quick service to get your visa sooner compared to a regular Visa at Indian High Commission in London (via VFS). As I needed to apply for OCI in the future, I opted to apply for eVisa in the interim due to the quick process. If you are a person of Indian origin but do not plan to apply for OCI in the future, applying for a regular paper Visa might suit you better. Do check your options; I have briefly covered the differences between a regular Visa and eVisa in this post.

Indian eVisa Eligibility

If you hold a foreign passport and your purpose of visiting India is recreation, tourism, short term courses, medical treatment, casual visit to friends/family or business visit, you can apply online for Indian eVisa .

You can see the full list of countries that are eligible to avail eVisa (along with other eligibility criteria) here .

You cannot apply for an eVisa if you hold a Pakistani passport or Diplomatic/Official passport or international travel document. In each of these cases, you will need to apply for a regular paper Visa via VFS.

How far in advance can you apply the eVisa?

How soon can you apply for eVisa depends on the category that you apply under.

• For eTourist visa (30 days) , you can apply from 30 days to a minimum of 4 days before your planned arrival in India.
• For eTourist visa (1 year or 5 years), eBusiness visa, eMedical visa, eMedical attendant visa and eConference visa , you can apply from 120 days to 4 days in advance of your arrival in India.

Indian eVisa processing time

The e-Visa application may take up to 72 hours for processing as per the official guidelines.

From my experience of getting the eVisa granted twice, it took under one day (a little over 21 hours) for the eVisa to arrive via email the first time. On my second attempt, it took a little over 2 days.

That should give you an idea of how long the eVisa process should take for you – it was well under the official guidelines of 72 hours from my two applications.

The quicker turn-around the first time could be based on my timing of the two applications. Below are the details for the exact times.

How long is Indian eVisa valid for?

The period of validity on the eVisa depends on the type of eVisa you’re applying.

You need to make sure you get the right visa for your travel to India and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay.

Here’s a quick summary on eVisa validity for the different categories of eVisas.

For an eTourist visa (1 or 5 years), the continuous stay allowed is up to 180 days for the nationals of the USA, UK, Canada and Japan. For other nationalities, it is 90 days.

For eBusiness Visa, the continuous duration is 180 days without any registration required with the authorities. If your stay is over 180+ days, you are required to register with FRRO/FRO within two weeks of 180 days spent in India.

For eTourist (30 days), eConference visa, eMedical visa and eMedical attendant visa, the continuous period is valid for the duration of your e-visa.

Indian eVisa Fees

The cost for eVisa ranges from $0 to $100 and how much you need to pay depends on a few factors – the type of eVisa, the duration of trip and nationality (the country you are applying it from).

eVisa Application Process – how does it work?

Here’s what the overall process looks like in summary. I will go through each step in detail below.

• Step #1 . Apply online uploading a photo and passport page copy.
• Step #2 . Pay eVisa fees online using your preferred method.
• Step #3 . Once your application is processed, the e-Visa Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent to your registered email with visa status “Granted or Rejected”.
• Step #4 . As a final step, all you need to do is print the Granted eVisa (ETA) received on email and carry it with you when travelling to India.

eVisa Documents Required to Upload

Below are the documents required for an online eTourist visa application .

• Passport photo page (personal particulars) with at least 6 months validity from the date of travel
• Return ticket or onward journey ticket

If you’re applying for the e-business or e-medical visa, you’d need the below additional documents.

For eBusiness visa, you need to upload the Business Card for the company you work for or, an invitation letter from the company in India including the company’s information, address and phone number in India.

For eMedical visa, a letter from the hospital in India including the tentative date of admission/treatment in the hospital mentioning the name, nationality and Passport number of the patient/e-Medical Visa applicant.

How to Get Indian e-Visa Online?

Now, let me walk you through the step-by-step process to apply for Indian eVisa from the UK .

Pre-requisites

Here’s what you need when you sit down to apply for eVisa to India online.

• A recent coloured photograph (dimensions 2in X 2in) size less than 1MB – on the upload page the requirement shows for the picture to be 350×350 pixels.
• Copy of Passport page containing personal particulars.

Beware of Fake eVisa websites

There are quite a few websites online that promise to get you the visa for India quickly using their express/premium service but are known to be fake or illegitimate as warned on the official government website as well.

The only official eVisa website is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html (this guide is based on the official process of obtaining eVisa).

Indian eVisa Online form

I recommend you open a new tab from this step onward so I can guide you through each step.

Go to this link  (opens in a new tab) and click on e-Visa Application tab and you will be taken to the eVisa application registration page.

Step #1. Select nationality and type of Visa

Start the by filling in the information about your nationality and the visa type you want to apply for.

• Fill in the form with your Passport Type, Nationality, Port of Arrival, Date o Birth, Email address to receive the eVisa, and expected date of arrival in India
• Select the Visa category as applicable. Your options are eTourist Visa, eBusiness Visa, eConference Visa, eMedical Visa, eMedical attendant visa – you can select more than one.
• Agree to the TnCs and click “Continue” to proceed to the next step: the Applicant Details Form.

Step #2. Enter Applicant Details

This is the step when you get a Temporary Application ID.

Note it down as you would need it in case you want to access your partially filled form.

It’s important:

If you don’t have the temp application ID, there is no way to access the details you already filled and will have to start the process again.

Fill in the applicant personal details as below and proceed to the next step.

Enter passport details:

Step #3. Enter Applicant Address and family details

In the next step, enter your present address and permanent address details.

If your permanent address is the same as your present address, you can select the option to select the same address for both sections.

Now enter the details of your family.

If you are married, you need to select the Applicant’s married status as “Married” and provide your spouse’s details.

Step #4. Details of Visa Sought

This is where you need to provide the details/purpose of your visit to India.

You also need to provide details of your previous visit to India.

It is mandatory to provide your previous visa details in the application form.

Note : If you’ve always visited India before as an Indian citizen using your Indian passport, you’ve never had an Indian visa.

Since you were an Indian citizen, you’ve technically never  visited  India before, you’ve only been a resident there.

In that case, or if you don’t remember your previous Indian visa details, you can write NA or Not Available or Not Applicable in the application.

References in India and the UK

In this section, you need to provide the name, address and contact details of references in India and in your country of residence (in my case UK).

If you will be staying in a hotel on your visit to India, the details of your accommodation will suffice.

The UK reference can be a friend, colleague, partner or family member with their address and contact number (including country code).

For references, I provided my parents’ details in India and my spouse details in the UK.

Step #5. Additional questions about your past

In the next step, answer all the questions and click “Save and Continue” – the answers to all of these usually will be a No.

• Have you ever been arrested/ prosecuted/ convicted by the Court of Law in any country?
• Have you ever been refused entry / deported by any country including India?
• Have you ever been engaged in Human trafficking/ Drug trafficking/ Child abuse/ Crime against women/ Economic offence / Financial fraud?
• Have you ever been engaged in Cyber crime/ Terrorist activities/ Sabotage/ Espionage/ Genocide/ Political killing/ other act of violence?
• Have you ever by any means or medium, expressed views that justify or glorify terrorist violence or that may encourage others to do terrorist acts or other serious criminal acts?
• Have you sought asylum (political or otherwise) in any country?

Step #6. Upload a digital photo

In the next step, you need to upload a recent photograph for your eVisa.

Photo specifications:

• Clear front facing photograph with white or light-coloured background
• Size – maximum 1 MB in JPEG format
• Dimensions – 350px (height) x 350px (width)

If you are not ready to upload the picture right away, you can log back in to the form using the temporary application ID.

Step #7. Upload documents

We’re almost done.

Here, you need to upload the documents to support your online e-visa application. In my case, I applied for an eTourist + eBusiness visa hence I was asked to upload a copy of my business card as well.

If you’re applying for eTourist alone, you’d see only the request for the “Copy of Passport page containing personal particulars.”

Document specifications:

• Documents must be in the English language
• File size should be between 10KB to 300KB in PDF format

Step #8. Review and Confirm Details

Verify all the information that you’ve provided on the eVisa application form is correct.

If you find any issues or mistakes on the form, now is the chance to modify/edit it.

If you review and confirm the information and click the “Verified and Continue” button and later realise for any information to be incorrect, you’ll need to fill out a new form as you won’t be allowed to modify it later.

Once you’re happy with all the information, click “Verified and Continue” to move to the payment step.

Step #9. Online eVisa Fee Payment

You’ve now reached the final step.

Note down the Application ID that is displayed on top of the page as you’d need this to track the status of your eVisa and print the ETA when your visa gets approved.

Select Yes to agree to the undertaking and click “Pay Now”

You’ll be redirected to the payment gateway where you can make the payment.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully applied for an eVisa for India online .

You should get the below email confirmation with the subject “Status regarding e-Visa application id: I004V5DXXXXX”

All you need to do now is to wait for the approved eVisa.

Travelling with eVisa to India

Once your eVisa is approved, you’ll get an email confirming the status of your application. The approved ETA (eVisa) will come attached to your email in PDF format – download the file and print it.

It is very important that you verify all the information on the granted Visa is correct and matches your passport. If you see any incorrect information, you must notify the e-Visa support centre at [email protected] .

You’ll need to carry a printout of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when you travel to India – that’s your eVisa.

When you enter India, the immigration officer will capture your biometric details (photograph and fingerprints). Watch out for the immigration counters that read “e-Visa”.

Visiting India – Bonus Tips

Get travel insurance.

It’s optional but quite essential to have enough travel/medical insurance cover in place when travelling to India. Insurance is one product that you buy with the intent of almost never having to use it.

But it’s always a relief to know that you are covered if things didn’t go as planned.

In many cases, your bank could provide this as a packaged benefit. If not, there are a lot of options to compare.

Buying Indian currency (Indian Rupees)

The Indian rupee is a closed currency which means that you cannot exchange your local currency for Indian Rupees in your country.

The best tip I can give is: avoid buying Indian rupees at the airport as the exchange rates you get at airports are the worst. Here are a few additional tips to avoid getting a bad deal on your currency exchange .

You’ll get a slightly better exchange rate at local exchange brokers when out in the city in India.

But, the overall best way is:

• to carry a debit or credit card that allows spending overseas economically at the best exchange rates at mid-market rate, if you don’t have a bank account in India. There are a lot of options that don’t charge any fees for overseas spending.
• to send it to your Indian bank account using money transfer services that provide the best exchange rates. Check out the list of best ways of sending to India that I had prepared a while ago.

Apply eVisa for India online – Summary

There you have it – the step-by-step process of applying online eVisa for India .

If you’re a resident of an eVisa eligible country, applying a visa for India is a completely hassle-free process with no physical appointment required.

If you’re a person of Indian origin and have just got foreign nationality with no time to apply for an OCI card , eVisa is a great option for you.

You can apply the e-visa from the comfort of your home using your computer with no physical application or in-person visit required.

How did you find this guide – please leave me your feedback in the comments section below.

If you get an eVisa granted successfully, do give us a shoutout on social media!

If you’ve got a couple of minutes, you can also leave us a review on Trustpilot – it would mean the world to me.

These guides take a lot of hours to put together so any effort you make in spreading word about Comparism goes a long way in keeping this project going on.

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends, colleagues and family members on Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook etc – your support means a lot in carrying on this work.

Please do subscribe to our free newsletter and I’ll make sure you get an update about future posts on Comparism.

Let’s catch up in the comments section below.

FAQs about Indian Online eVisa

Yes, you will get an email confirmation immediately after you submit your application upon making the payment. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email in your inbox in a few minutes.

No, you don’t need to. Services of eVisa are completely online and free – you are only required to pay the official eVisa fee directly on the Indian government website and no one else. Follow our hassle-free DIY guide to get the eVisa on your own using the official eVisa website. Don’t fall for any trap or speedy/express process promised on the internet.

No, the only cost you need to pay is the eVisa processing fee that varies depending on what type of eVisa you’re applying, where in the world you are applying from, and the duration of your stay (for eTourist Visa).

How far in advance can you apply e-visa depends on the category that you apply under.

For eTourist visa (1 year or 5 years), eBusiness visa, eMedical visa, eMedical attendant visa and eConference visa, you can apply from a maximum of 120 days to minimum of 4 days in advance of your arrival in India. For eTourist visa (30 days), you can apply between 30 days before and 4 days before your planned arrival in India.

Aman is the founder of Comparism. He loves to write how-to guides and via Comparism, envisions bringing to you the top money-saving tips and best ways of moving money internationally without paying hefty fees in hidden charges and poor conversion rates to banks.

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11 Comments

Hello. Evisas are now available to uk citizens, we travel 28th Jan 23 and have booked appointments for paper visa on 27th December 22 but problem is cannot apply for evisa until 28th Dec, is it advisable to cancel appointments or might we be jeopardising chances of getting evisa by doing so ?

Thanks for the update. Firstly, I can already see the United Kingdom back as an option in the application form drop-down for Nationality. So, you can apply for it right away? I didn’t understand the wait until 28 Dec.

Regarding your query, the eVisa is delivered usually within 24-48 hours so you’ll have ample time to cancel your appt and apply for eVisa if you indeed need to wait till 28 Dec as you mentioned.

Thanks for your reply, Dec 28th is the first we can apply for a 30 day evisa as you can only apply 30 days before travel, but we have sussed that if we apply for a year evisa we can apply 120 days before travel, i was just worried we might be declined an evisa if we already have an appointment for paper visa, all very confusing ?????

Okay, got you. That shouldn’t have any impact, I believe. I would decide between getting a paper visa vs an eVisa depending on the number of trips expected and not on the cancellation bit. Here’s what I would do in your situation: if I am planning to make multiple trips and ineligible to apply OCI, I would go for a paper visa. If you are going to India one-off, I’d go with eVisa and cancel my paper visa appointment.

Hope this helps.

Hi Aman, Thanks for your valuable post.Would you be able to confirm if indian passport surrendering is mandatory before i can apply for a tourist visa on my new British passport? Surrendering passport would require 7 to 10 days time , besides getting a separate appointment, so thought of doing it later, need to travel urgently.

Hi Ranjan, Yes, unfortunately, you do need to surrender your Indian passport before being able to apply for a visa or an OCI card.

However, I found the below on the VFS site which to me reads you should be fine to travel now and surrender the Indian PP once you’re back (just make sure you don’t use your Indian passport instead your British PP with an Indian visa). Hope this helps.

– Penalty for retention of Indian passport for more than 3 years after acquiring foreign citizenship is not imposed on applicants who could furnish proof of having obtained visa to visit India on their first foreign passport immediately after acquiring foreign nationality or if they have already obtained OCI / PIO Cards or Visa. However, if there is a gap of more than three years between acquisition of foreign nationality and obtaining OCI / PIO Cards or Visa, then applicable penalty, if any, would have to be paid. – PIOs who had earlier obtained OCI / PIO Cards or Visa without surrendering their Indian passports are required to surrender their last held Indian passport and obtain surrender certificates at the time of renewing their OCI / PIO Cards or for obtaining fresh visa.

Hello Aman and other users,

I started eVisa application process but am stuck on the very first page as there is no UK in the dropdown of ‘Nationality’. It’s crazy and ridiculous. I have tried different words like England, Great Britain etc but to no avail.

Please advise.

Hey Haneef,

Since the Covid restrictions, countries like the UK and Canada were removed from the eVisa eligibility list and haven’t been added back since then. I will add this info to the post. Thanks for updating here.

Thanks for the information. The requirement to upload flight tickets is a bit strange. Shouldn’t the tickets be booked after the e-visa is granted. Planning to go in Dec this year. The e-visas are still on hold at the moment. What if the e-visa gets rejected or the e-visas go back on-hold if at all they resumed in next coupe of months?

Thanks in Advance Regards

Hi Aman, thanks for the detailed guide. Do you know if E visas are currently suspended? The website says not available currently for the region(UK)

regards Nithin

Yes, due to Covid, as I updated on the post also, the new applications are paused at the moment. Cheers!

• A Complete Guide to India eVisa

Fly Anywhere. Get an eVisa

When someone hears India, apart from the incredible Taj Mahal , the first thing that comes to mind is the colourful life they show through their clothes. Their delicious food, rich and strong culture, incredible celebrations, religion and beliefs, and beautiful places.

A country well known for its incredible and joyful Bollywood movies, the latest Miss Universe is Indian and shows the beauty of its people. It looks like a magical place with so many tourist and historical places anyone would like to visit.

Their cuisine is well known around the world for having strong and unique flavours which could make anyone fall in love with it. Is no surprise that India is one of the top destinations in the world and many people have it on their bucket list. You can visit India during one of its many festivities and have an amazing time there. Are you wishing you could travel to India soon? Read this complete guide, become an expert in India eVisa and start planning your trip to this amazing country!

Types of Indian visa online

There are different types of eVisas for India depending on your travelling purpose, and there are also different validity times for the tourist one depending on how long you want it valid for.

• There are three types in total for the e-Tourist Visa, the 1 year and 5 years ones are multiple entries which validity starts the date of grant of the eVisa, they allow the visitor to stay in India for a maximum of 90 days per visit. Unfortunately, the e-Tourist Visa for 30 days is valid for 30 days since your first arrival into the country. A double-entry may be granted within the e-Visa validity period.
• The e-Business Visa has a validity of 365 days from the date of grant of the eVisa and has multiple entries, each visit shall not be over 180 days.
• The e-Medical Visa has a validity of 60 days from the date of first arrival in the country. A triple entry can be allowed within the validity period of the eVisa.
• The e-Conference Visa has a validity of 30 days from the date of arrival in India and it’s a single entry one.

Which is the best Indian visa online?

Well, this will depend solely on your purpose of travel and when the different validities of tourist ones were available it would depend on how many times you are planning to visit India.

If you had a India visa online issued before October 6th, 2021, you need to apply for a new one since all visas issued before that date are considered invalid by the Indian Government.

How long is the India tourist visa valid for?

As with most of every visa, it will depend on the type of visa you have applied for.

For the currently available one, the e-Tourist Visa India for 30 days has a validity period of 30 days counting from the day you first arrive in India. A double-entry could be granted as long as your visa is still valid, your next arrival must be between the date of issuance and the expiration of your eVisa.

The e-Tourist Visa for 1 year and 5 years are currently unavailable. They used to have a validity of 365 days for the 1 year eVisa and 5 years for the 5 years eVisa, counting from the date the eVisa was granted. Each visit can’t exceed 90 continuous days.

How much does an India eVisa cost?

India evisa cost will absolutely depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your citizenship. Each visa has a different cost, and it also varies by the country of the applicant.

How much does a 5 year Indian visa cost?

It’s currently unavailable but it used to cost an average of 132 USD.

How much does a tourist India eVisa cost?

Currently, the only one available is the e-Tourist Visa for 30 days, and for most citizenships is free of the government fee charge, for the citizenships it has a cost it will vary depending on your country. Before the pandemic, it used to have a government fee that varied by country of the applicant.

How do I apply for an Indian visa online?

All of the eVisas for India can be processed online by their website. It has different requirements of documents depending on your type of visa, some applications take a while because of all the needed information to fill the form and the required documents.

What are the requirements for Indian visa online?

For all the types of visas, you will need your personal information, date of first entry into the country, a photo of the applicant, and a passport biodata page scan.

There are some special requirements each type of visa will need. For e-Business Visa, you will need to upload your business card and the complete details of the Indian Company with which you are planning to associate for the business activities.

For e-Medical Visa, you will need a copy of the letter from the hospital in India. It includes the tentative date of admission or treatment that will be done in the hospital. The letter must be handwritten by the hospital.

The e-Conference Visa, you will need an invitation letter from the organizer, a political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs by the Indian government, and an optional event clearance from the Ministry of Home affairs by the Indian government.

How long does it take to get an India eVisa online?

As with most visas, the Indian visa processing time will vary and depend on the visa you are applying for.

The e-Tourist Visa for 30 days is the one that takes the least time, it can take up to 4 days to have the eVisa acceptance letter. The eligible applicants apply online minimum 4 days before their trip’s date of arrival and can even make their application 30 days in advance from the expected date of entry.

For the other types of visas, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, and e-Conference Visa, it takes approximately 4 days to issue the granted visa. Eligible applicants can apply a minimum of 4 days before they arrive in India and up to 120 days in advance from the proposed date of arrival.

How long can foreigners stay in India?

The maximum allowed time of stay in India will depend on the type of visa you have applied for, but it can go from 30 days up to a maximum stay of 180 depending also on your country of citizenship.

The e-Tourist Visa and the e-Conference visa allow the traveler a maximum stay of 30 days in the country. The e-Business Visa allows that each stay cannot exceed 180 days each in the one year of validity. And, the e-Medical Visa allows a total of 60 days of stay in India within a triple entry on that period.

Can I go to India from the USA?

Yes, currently there is no applicable government fee for the e-Tourist Visa 30 days and it allows a maximum total stay of 30 days counting from the date of arrival in India, with the option to have a double entry if the maximum length of stay isn’t over.

Can I stay in India after my visa expires?

No there are no extensions issued to any type of visa. You will need to exit the country and apply for a new eVisa to enter again.

Now that you know everything regarding all the eVisa options to India, wait no more and apply for your eVisa today! Some things to keep in mind are regarding the COVID-19 situation, proof of vaccination or vaccination certificates are not necessary to apply or to enter India. You will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before your flight. At-risk countries will require to do a COVID-19 test on arrival and random travellers. The other countries will be chosen to do a COVID-19 test as well. The countries catalogized as “at-risk” are Countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.

Remember all restrictions change rapidly, that is why we encourage you to check back the official sites before traveling.

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India e-Visa Validity: How Long is it Valid For?

Incredible India welcomes tourists from across the globe year-round. The introduction of the Indian e-tourist Visa has streamlined the process of obtaining a visa for travel to this enchanting country.

An Indian tourist visa, or e-visa, is an electronic authorization that allows entry into India, simplifying travel for tourists. It's an essential requirement for most travelers wishing to enter India, and knowing the ins and outs of your Indian e-visa validity is crucial for a hassle-free trip.

You can apply online with us for your India Tourist Visa or use our handy app for an even smoother experience! Join us as we explore the India tourist visa validity in-depth, leaving no room for errors.

Types of Indian e-Visas available

Tourist e-Visa: Available in 3 options; 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. For those visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, or meeting friends and relatives.

Business e-Visa: Ideal for those intending to engage in business activities in India.

Medical e-Visa: Issued to those seeking medical treatment in India.

In this article, we'll focus on the tourist visa validity.

The validity period for each Indian tourist visa

Each Tourist e-Visa type has a specific validity period calculated from the date of issuance. The validity varies for each of the 3 Tourist e-Visas available:

• 30-day Tourist Visa - This is a double entry visa, so it allows a maximum of 2 visits, and you have 30 days to use it, starting from the date of issue.

E.g. If I get a visa issued on January 15, 2024 I can use it up until February 15, 2024.

1-year Tourist Visa - A multiple entry visa, valid from the date of issue for a 1-year period. You can’t stay in the country with an expired visa, which means you must leave the country before the validity period ends (1 year).

5-year Tourist Visa - This is also a multiple entry visa, and the same rules as the 1-year visa apply. Valid from the date of issue for 5 years. You must leave the country before the 5-year validity period expires. Check the exact date of issue and calculate that your visa will expire exactly 5 years ahead on the same day.

Make sure to pay very close attention to the date of issue on your specific Indian 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.

Duration of stay for the India Tourist visa

The duration of stay and number of entries vary for each of the 3 e-tourist Visas:

• 30-day Tourist Visa - With this type of Indian visa, you can stay for 30 days maximum in the country, and the 30-day stay begins from the day you enter the country.

E.g. If I enter India on February 10, I can stay up until March 10. Within this time, I can enter and exit the country twice maximum, as it's a double-entry visa.

• 1-year Tourist Visa - For this visa, the maximum stay per entry is 90 days for most nationalities, except for the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. These 3 nationalities can stay for up to 180 days per entry. The maximum stay is 180 days per year for all nationalities.

E.g. If you are from the U.K., you can use your stay limit of 180 days in 1 entry within the year, or several multiple entries. But if you use it in 1 entry, you cannot enter again within your 1 year visa validity. All other nationalities can enter India for up to 90 days maximum in 1 single entry, and 180 days in total over multiple visits.

• 5-year Tourist Visa - The same rules as the 1-year visa apply. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. can enter for up to 180 days per visit, per year. All other nationalities can enter for up to 90 days per visit and a total of 180 days per year over a 5-year period.

Both the 1-year and the 5-year visas allow you to enter and exit India as many times as you need as long as you stay within the strict duration period for each visit.

e-visa extensions and renewals

You won’t be able to extend your Indian Tourist eVisas or renew it. You can only stay in the country for the indicated duration. The Government stipulates that there should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to India on a Tourist Visa.

In exceptional cases, extensions may be granted, subject to the Government of India's discretion. In this case, you can leave India and apply for another Tourist Visa with us or contact your local Indian embassy or the [Government of India website].

Overstaying e-visa India consequences

Visitors must comply with the conditions of their visa and may be subject to fines, penalties, legal action, or even deportation if found to be in violation of visa regulations.

Understanding the repercussions of overstaying your visa is crucial. Taking the necessary steps to adhere to Indian immigration regulations is essential for a compliant stay.

Here are some potential repercussions of overstaying your Tourist Visa:

Fines: Overstaying can lead to fines ranging from INR 500 to INR 10,000 per day, depending on the overstay duration and visa type. These fines can accumulate rapidly, imposing a significant financial burden.

Detention and deportation: Overstaying may result in detention by immigration authorities and subsequent deportation. Detainees might be held until their deportation is arranged, which can be an unsettling experience. Deportation often includes a ban from re-entering India for a specified period.

Legal action: Overstaying for more than 2 years can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment. Shorter overstays might still attract legal action and fines, affecting the visitor’s future travel and immigration status.

Impact on future travel: An overstay record can jeopardize future travel plans. It might lead to entry denials in other countries as it signals non-compliance with immigration laws. This can complicate visa applications elsewhere, incurring extra costs and delays.

Stay informed - Contact us

The Indian e-Visa system is a convenient way for international travelers to explore India. Each visa type comes with specific rules regarding validity, duration, and entries. To avoid complications, always stay informed about the current regulations and ensure compliance during your stay. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult official sources or contact us via chat.

Remember to check your specific India e-Visa validity dates and requirements before planning your trip!

Related Articles

Indian Passport Renewal: Everything You Must Know

India Tourist Visa for South Korean citizens: Apply for the India Visa now

India Tourist eVisa: Common issues and solutions

• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://boi.gov.in/boi/

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30 replies to this topic

"On the evisa website it says your application will be rejected if you apply while the current ETA is still valid, however you must apply for one at least 4 days prior to travel." SaraV where does it say this?

You could try and apply for an other 30 days but I would be inclined to apply for a 12 month e-Visa. Others have done this. The problem with applying right on the 30 days prior to arrival is there is no leeway in case of delays cancellations.

Thanks, so can you apply for the 1 year evisa while the 30 day evisa is still valid or do you still need to wait until the expiry date for that too?

You also wouldn't happen to know the difference in cost for the 1 year evisa? I can't find it on the evisa website.

Thanks very kindly for your help and time

>> Thanks, so can you apply for the 1 year evisa while the 30 day evisa is still valid or do you still need to wait until the expiry date for that too? <<

Yes, you can apply for the 12 months e- visa; now if you want.

>> You also wouldn't happen to know the difference in cost for the 1 year evisa? I can't find it on the evisa website. <<

The official website is here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Fees are listed here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf

Thankyou kindly.. To be on the safe side, I double checked with the evisa help email re applying for a 1 year visa while the 30 day one is still valid, but they just reply, 'You may apply for a new visa once your current visa gets expired.' So I'm not keen to apply for any other visa until the current expires, unless I can get a clearer response. saying it's ok to do so.

Also the visa expiry date is 20/1, would anyone know if this means I can reapply that day or would it need to be 21/1? thanks

Sara V - I am surprised you were told that about the 12 month visa when others in the same situation have applied and been granted one. Your current ETA will expire at 11.59 pm on the 20/1.

How much do the tourist e visa’s ( 30 day ) cost.

Really struggling to find the official price, don’t want to pay a third party site.

Is it 70 euros even when applying in the uk.

Thanks in advance.

>> Really struggling to find the official price, don’t want to pay a third party site. <<

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

Fees: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf

Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cYa3zqEjsWHzL-MRPnDRPZPZiaHusG6Sk7eUrQScccc/edit

>> To be on the safe side, I double checked with the evisa help email re applying for a 1 year visa while the 30 day <<

They would say that. I refer you to this thread:

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g293860-i511-k14194577-What_if_flight_is_delayed_and_I_arrive_after_visa_ETA_expiry-India.html#115814611

Apply for the 12 months e-Visa.

Thanks, I've read that thread too, but I think I'll resubmit as soon as the current visa has expired to be safe. We'll still have just over the min 4 days required and last time our visas took less than 24 hrs.

Also I've emailed the evisa email again with the following questions, but considering their responses are often vague, would anyone else have any insight re the following:

'if I cannot submit our new visa applications until the current visas have expired, can I still start the applications on the website beforehand (while the visas are still current) as long as I don't submit them till the date after they expire? The website allows you to start applications up to 7 days ahead of submitting.

Thanks kindly

>> As I will not be using our current visas, <<

>> instead use the visa number from when I actually did last enter India?'<<

Use the visa number of your previous visa.

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India E-Visa Fees and Costs in 2024

What is the indian e-visa system .

The Indian e-Visa system is an online travel authorization that permits travel to India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. This system is designed to streamline the visa process, eliminating the need for embassy visits or physical application submissions.

In 2024, the India e-Visa is available to citizens of over 165 countries, making it widely accessible to travelers worldwide.

There are three types of e-Visas:

• e-Tourist Visa
• e-Business Visa
• e-Medical Visa

Each has its specific costs associated with it, which we will elaborate on below.

Breakdown of Indian E-Visa Fees in 2024

The cost of an Indian e-Visa varies depending on several factors, including the type of e-Visa, the duration of the e-Visa, and the nationality of the applicant.

E-Tourist Visa Costs

E-business visa costs, how much are service charges and processing fees .

In addition to the visa fees, there are also service charges and processing fees to consider. A bank transaction fee of 2.5% is added to the visa fee.

This fee covers the processing of the payment and is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.

India E-Visa Additional Fees in 2024

While the visa fee is the primary cost, there may be other additional expenses to consider:

• Travel Health Insurance : It’s advisable to secure comprehensive travel health insurance that will cover any potential medical expenses during your stay in India. The cost of insurance varies greatly based on coverage level and duration, but generally, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 for one-month coverage.
• Transportation Costs : Depending on your proximity to the airport and your planned travel within India, transportation costs can add up. Rough estimates can range from $50 to $200.
• Accommodation and Daily Expenses : India offers a broad range of accommodation options for every budget. A budget traveler might spend as little as $20 per day, while luxury travelers might spend $150 per day or more.
• Passport Photos: Passport photos may be required during the application process. The price for these typically ranges from $10 to $15 for a set of two photos if taken professionally. Many people now use online services or smartphone apps to take and print passport photos, which can reduce the cost considerably.

India E-Visa Visa Extension and Overstay Charges

In exceptional circumstances, tourist visas can be extended. The extension fee for an Indian e-Tourist visa usually matches the original visa fee.

As of 2024, for most countries, this means an extension fee of $100 for an e-Tourist visa.

Overstaying your e-Visa can lead to fines of $30 per day of overstaying.

India E-Visa Emergency / Urgent Processing Fees

While the standard processing time for the Indian e-Visa is typically 3-5 business days, there may be situations where you require an expedited visa. In these cases, an additional fee for urgent processing is applied on top of the standard visa fee.

The exact cost for emergency processing can fluctuate depending on the urgency, but generally, the additional fee is $79 and will be processed in 1-3 business days. Always plan ahead to avoid needing this service, as it significantly increases the total cost of your visa.

What Is The India E-Visa Refund and Cancellation Policy ?

It’s essential to note that the Indian e-Visa fee is non-refundable.

This policy applies even if your visa application is unsuccessful, if you choose to withdraw your application, or if you’re granted a visa for a shorter period than you applied for.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted for the e-Visa Fee?

When applying for an India e-Visa in 2024, understanding the acceptable payment methods for the visa fee is important for a smooth application process. Here’s what applicants need to know:

• Online Payment Methods : The fee for an India e-Visa is typically paid online, as part of the application process. The most common forms of online payment accepted include credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes, payment wallets.
• Credit and Debit Cards : Major international credit and debit cards are usually accepted. This often includes Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, among others.
• Secure Payment Gateway : The payment is made through a secure payment gateway on the e-Visa application portal. Applicants should ensure they are using a secure and reliable internet connection for the transaction.
• Currency Conversion : The fee is usually listed in U.S. dollars, but the payment system will automatically convert it into your card’s currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
• Receipt and Confirmation : Upon successful payment, applicants receive a confirmation, often via email. It’s important to keep this confirmation as proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i pay the e-visa fee upon arrival in india.

No, the e-Visa fee must be paid at the time of application. Your application will not be processed until the fee is paid in full.

Are there any discounts or group rates for the e-Visa fee?

As of 2024, there are no discounts or group rates for the e-Visa fee. Each individual must submit a separate e-Visa application and pay the associated fee.

What happens if I make a mistake in my e-Visa application? Will I need to pay the fee again?

If you make a minor mistake, such as a spelling error, you may be able to rectify it by paying a modification fee, which can range from $25 to $100. However, major mistakes, like incorrect visa type or duration, may require a new application and another full visa fee.

Do I get a refund if my e-Visa application is rejected?

No, the e-Visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. This is why it’s essential to double-check all your application details and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

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From Japan’s e-visa to Dubai’s 5-year tourist visa, here are the latest visa updates for Indian travellers

Latest visa news for indians: check out the latest visa updates for indian travellers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience this summer vacations..

Latest Visa Updates for Indian Tourists:  As the summer holiday season is just around the corner, it’s crucial to start planning one’s travel itinerary to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 , India is ranked 80th. Indians get visa-free access to 62 countries.

From eVisas introduced by Japan to Dubai’s multiple entry five-year visa, in recent months, there have been new visa regulations in various countries across the globe for India, and being well-versed in the latest visa requirements will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience and making informed decisions.

Here is a complete list of the latest visa updates every Indian traveller should know.

1. japan’s e-visa:.

Japan has introduced an eVisa system for Indian travellers, making it easier and more convenient to visit the country. Starting in April, eligible Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an eVisa for short-term tourism purposes through the application process operated by VFS Global. Now, instead of physical stickers in passports, visas will be issued electronically and would offer a single-entry option, allowing stays up to 90 days.

2. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia’s Schengen visa:

Becoming the recent EU nations to join Europe’s Schengen travel area, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa  to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means that Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

3. Dubai’s five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa:

Dubai introduced a new visa program tailored to Indian travellers in February, which offers a five-year, multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to 90 days in the country, with the possibility of a single extension not exceeding 180 days annually, for both business and leisure trips, with unlimited entries and exits within five years.

4. Thailand’s visa-free entry:

The Thai Government has introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders, enabling them to enter Thailand without a tourist visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with an exemption granting a 30-day stay for tourism purposes.

5. Kenya to eliminate visa requirements:

Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Indian citizens and all international tourists, to boost its tourism industry. This decision aims to provide easier access to Kenya’s rich wildlife and beautiful beaches, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s unique attractions.

• e-Tourist Visa
• Indian passports
• tourist visa

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Japan introduces e-Visa for Indian tourists: From eligibility criteria to application process, here's a complete guide

Japan has streamlined its visa process for indian travellers with the introduction of evisas. here's your quick guide to the hassle-free application process..

Indian passport holders no longer need to carry a physical visa sticker to travel to Japan. From April 1, Japan began issuing eVisas to Indian travellers. The much-awaited Japan e-Visa programme allows anyone to apply for a visa electronically through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. This programme allows visitors to enter Japan for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

Under the revised system, applicants must still submit their applications to the Visa Application Centres overseen by VFS Global, which is the same process as before. However, one notable change is in the way visas are issued. Instead of receiving traditional visa stickers affixed to their passports, successful applicants will now receive electronic visas. (Also read: Travelling to the USA for baseball game? Check these 5 best hotels near major league stadiums that can save your money )

The e-Visa process requires travellers to present a 'visa issuance notice' on their mobile device upon arrival at the airport. It's important to note that internet access is required for this process. Any format other than a digital visa issuance notice, including PDFs, photos, screenshots or printed copies, will not be considered valid.

What are the eligibility criteria

Citizens and residents of the following countries and regions are eligible: Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, USA. Additionally, Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India are also included in the eligibility criteria. Residents of these countries or regions, with exceptions for those exempt from short-term visas, can apply for an eVisa through the Japan e-Visa website.

How to apply

Here's a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: To initiate the application process, individuals should access the official website of the Japan Visa Application Centre, managed by VFS Global, by visiting https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/.

Step 2: Choose the "Temporary Visitor Visa" option and review all visa requirements carefully. Download the application form, fill it out accurately, and print it. Ensure all fields are completed. Additionally, prepare photocopies of the required documents for the single-entry short-term tourism visa.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment to submit your application at the Visa Application Centre. Once booked, you'll receive a confirmation email for your appointment, which will include the letter of appointment.

Step 4: Submit your completed visa application form at the center during your appointment. Then, wait for an email notification informing you when your decision is ready for collection. You can track the progress of your visa application online using the reference number provided on your invoice or receipt. Approved applicants for the eVisa will receive an electronic visa instead of a physical visa sticker. However, travelers are required to show a "visa issuance notice" on their mobile devices upon arrival at the airport.

Step 5: At the airport check-in, display the "visa issuance notice" on your device. The travel agency will furnish a "Visa Issuance Notice" inclusive of a two-dimensional barcode. Scan the barcode using your device and input the required details to access the notice. Tap "Display" to view the electronic "visa issuance notice."

During the application process, individuals may be required to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence for an interview.

• Tourist Visa

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5 visa updates for 2024 that Indian travellers will benefit from

Panchali Dey , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD Updated : Apr 6, 2024, 12:53 IST

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start mapping out your travel plans. And as you do, it's also essential to stay updated on the latest visa regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Also, staying updated will help you choose your options more wisely, and make the most out of it. In short, knowing the visa requirements and updates can make all the difference.

Here are some noteworthy visa updates for 2024 that every Indian traveller should be aware of.

Japan's introduction of eVisas for Indian travellers

Japan has launched eVisa applications for Indian travellers. Administered by Japan Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global, this streamlined process retains the familiar steps of submitting documents and applications to VFS. Designed for short-term tourism, the eVisa will be offering a single-entry option allowing stays of up to 90 days. Both Indian nationals and foreigners residing in India are eligible to submit their applications.

Notably, visas will now be issued electronically rather than as physical stickers in passports. Upon approval, travellers must present a visa issuance notice on their mobile device at the airport, necessitating internet access. Do note that alternative formats such as PDFs or printed copies of the eVisa will not be accepted.

Dubai's introduces five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa

Dubai has recently introduced a new visa program tailored for Indian tourists in response to a significant increase in the number of Indian visitors. This visa program offers a five-year, multiple-entry permit, enabling travelers to spend up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend once, and a yearly cap of 180 days.

This visa will cater to both business and leisure trips, and will allow unlimited entries and exits within the five-year period. Requirements will include a passport photo, six months' worth of bank statements showing a balance of at least $4,000 (INR 3,33,447), a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, health insurance, and round-trip flight tickets. The application process will typically take 2-5 days, with submissions accepted through the GDRFA website or app, or the official ICP website.

Thailand's visa-free option for Indian travellers

The Thai Government recently announced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. During this period, Indian travellers can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without requiring a tourist visa, enjoying a 30-day stay.

Kenya's eliminates visa requirements

Effective January 1, Kenya eliminated visa requirements for not only Indian citizens, but also for all global visitors, in a move aimed at bolstering the nation's vital tourism sector. This visa-free initiative will facilitate seamless travel experiences for visitors keen on wildlife safaris and beach vacations.

Romania and Bulgaria's access to Schengen Visas

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, permitting stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, do note that visas issued before April 1 by these two countries won't grant access to the entire Schengen area. Travellers from non-Schengen countries may still undergo passport checks when travelling between different Schengen destinations. Visa issuance for Bulgaria and Romania can be processed on their respective official websites.

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With the summer holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start mapping out your travel plans. And as you do, it's also essential to stay updated on the latest visa regulations to ensure a smooth ...

Japan introduces e-visa for Indian tourists; here's how to apply and more

N ew Delhi: Japan has officially rolled out its e-Visa program through Japan Visa Application centers managed by VFS Global for several countries, including India. This single-entry visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in Japan, tailored for air travelers with ordinary passports starting April 1.

Eligible countries

Eligible countries and regions for the eVisa include Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the USA. Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India are also eligible.

All the people residing in these countries/regions, except those who are exempted from short-term visa, can apply.

Procedure to apply

• Verification of required visa and documents
• Enter the necessary information for the online visa application
• Receive the visa application results via email
• Pay the visa fees (from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025)

Transit visa: Rs 50

• VFS Service fee will be also charged.
• Receive the e-Visa after payment.

Display 'visa issuance notice'

• The new eVisa system requires travelers to show a digital "Visa issuance notice" on their mobile phones upon arrival at the airport, with internet access being essential for this step.
• Travel agency will provide a "Visa Issuance Notice" (printed or pdf data) with a two dimensional barcode.
• Scan the two dimensional barcode with your device and enter the required information to display the notice.
• By tapping “Display“, the electronic "visa issuance notice" appears and the countdown timer shown at the top right starts immediately. This countdown proves that the notice is valid.
• All other formats, such as PDFs, photos, screenshots, or printed copies, will not be accepted.

Important notes

• Japan eVisa is available only to those who travel to Japan by plane.
• During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview.
• Only ordinary passport holder is eligible to apply through Japan eVisa website.

For more news like this visit TOI . Get all the Latest News , City News , India News , Business News , and Sports News . For Entertainment News , TV News , and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

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Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.