What is an Indian eVisa?

India's Electronic Visa (eVisa) system allows travellers from over 166 countries to apply for a visa online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.

Introduced in 2014 and continuously expanded, the Indian e-Visa has transformed travel to India, making it faster, simpler and more accessible than ever before. The entire process is done online — you apply, pay and receive your approved visa by email. All you need to do is print it out and present it at the airport on arrival.

There are several types of Indian e-Visa available depending on the purpose of your visit. Tourist e-Visa is by far the most common and allows multiple entries for up to 90 days (or 30 days for some nationalities) per visit.

Important: Apply at least 4 days before your travel date. Most applications are processed within 72 hours, but allow extra time during peak season.
India eVisa application – online passport and visa processing

Types of India Visa

Choose the right visa for your trip

Tourist eVisa

The most popular option for holiday travellers. Available in three options: as a one-month e-Visa, a one-year e-Visa, or a five-year e-Visa.

Business eVisa

For those attending business meetings, conferences or trade events. Valid for 1 year with multiple entries. Maximum stay: 180 days per visit.

Medical eVisa

For travellers seeking medical treatment in India. Allows triple entry within 60 days of the first entry. Must be accompanied by documentation from a recognised Indian hospital.

Conference eVisa

For attending international conferences registered with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Valid for 30 days with single entry.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

India's Visa on Arrival is available to citizens of Japan and South Korea only, and is available at a limited number of international airports. Most travellers should use the eVisa system instead.

  • Available at: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Chennai airports
  • Maximum stay: 30 days
  • Non-extendable, non-convertible
  • Requires 2 passport photos and return ticket

Regular Visa (Embassy / High Commission)

For longer stays, multiple visits or if you are not eligible for an eVisa, you must apply through your nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission. This process takes longer (up to 2–3 weeks) but offers more flexibility.

  • 6-month, 1-year, 5-year and 10-year tourist visas available
  • Application in person or by post at your local Indian Embassy
  • Requires completed application form, photos, passport copy
  • Processing time: 5–15 working days

Step-by-Step eVisa Application

Apply for your India eVisa in just a few simple steps

  • Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal

    Go to the official Indian e-Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Beware of unofficial third-party sites that charge additional fees. Always use the official government website.

  • Step 2 – Select Your Visa Type

    Choose the appropriate visa category: Tourist, Business, Medical or Conference. Select your nationality and intended date of arrival in India.

  • Step 3 – Complete the Application Form

    Fill in the online application with your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Include travel plans, accommodation details and emergency contact information.

  • Step 4 – Upload Your Documents

    Upload a recent passport-size photo (JPEG, white background, facing forward) and a scan of your passport bio-data page. File size must be under 1MB for photo and 300KB for passport scan.

  • Step 5 – Pay the Application Fee

    Pay securely online using a credit/debit card or net banking. Fees range from USD 25 to USD 80 depending on your nationality and visa type. Keep your payment receipt.

  • Step 6 – Receive Your eVisa by Email

    Your approved eVisa (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation) will be emailed to you within 1–5 business days. Print a copy and present it at the airport immigration counter on arrival in India.

Required Documents

Have these ready before you start your application

Additional documentation may be required depending on the chosen visa type.

Passport

  • Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
  • At least 2 blank pages for entry stamps
  • Scanned bio-data page (clear, colour scan)

Passport Photo

  • White background, facing forward
  • Face visible from forehead to chin
  • JPEG format, under 1MB

Travel Details

  • Intended date of arrival in India
  • Port of entry (arrival airport or land border)
  • Accommodation address in India

Payment

  • Valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Correct billing address for your card
  • Email address to receive eVisa confirmation

Processing Times & Fees

Visa Type Validity Max Stay Approx. Fee (USD) Processing Time
Tourist eVisa (30 days) 30 days from arrival 30 days $25 72 hours
Tourist eVisa (1 year) 1 year from issue 90 days / visit $40 72 hours
Tourist eVisa (5 years) 5 years from issue 90 days / visit $80 72 hours
Business eVisa (1 year) 1 year from issue 180 days / visit $80 72 hours
Medical eVisa 60 days from arrival 60 days $25 72 hours

Fees may vary by nationality. Check the official portal for the exact fee for your country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, eVisas cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave India and re-apply for a new eVisa (subject to eligibility), or apply for a regular visa extension through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.

Yes. You must carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval email and present it at the immigration counter on arrival in India. Most airports will not accept a digital version on your phone.

The India eVisa is accepted at 28 international airports including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Kochi (COK), Kolkata (CCU), Chennai (MAA), Goa (GOI) and more. Holders can also exit through any authorised port of departure.

If your eVisa is rejected, the system will notify you but will not provide a specific reason. You can apply again after 3 days if you believe there was an error in your application, or apply for a regular visa at your nearest Indian Embassy. Contact us for expert assistance with your visa application.

Most of India is accessible on a standard Tourist eVisa. However, some restricted/protected areas (such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, and certain border regions) require additional Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP). We can advise on permit requirements for your specific itinerary.

Need Help with Your India Visa?

Our team of India travel experts can guide you through the entire visa application process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Contact Our Visa Team