Most foreign visitors to India can apply for their visa online, as an e-Visa, instead of visiting an embassy. The e-Visa is issued by the Government of India through its official website and is sent to you by email. Below is a short guide to the main points. Rules can change, so please always check the official Indian e-Visa website before you apply.
Types of e-Visa
- e-Tourist Visa – for holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, short yoga programmes and similar purposes. It is offered for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years, with multiple entries. With the 1-year and 5-year visas, the total stay in India should not exceed 180 days in a calendar year; the length of each single stay can depend on your nationality.
- e-Business Visa – for business meetings, trade fairs and similar visits; valid for one year with multiple entries.
- e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant Visa – for medical treatment in India and for the family members accompanying the patient.
- e-Conference Visa – for attending conferences and seminars organised by government bodies.
- Other categories such as e-Transit, e-Student and e-Film visas are also available for specific purposes.
Before you apply
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have at least two blank pages.
- You need a return or onward ticket and enough money for your stay in India.
- You will upload a scan of your passport's photo page and a recent front-facing photograph on a white or light background (JPEG format).
- Apply at least 4 days before arrival; applications are accepted up to 120 days before the planned date of travel.
- The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa, and it is not available to holders of every passport – please check the eligible countries on the official website.
How to apply – step by step
- Go to the official e-Visa website of the Government of India. Beware of private websites that look official and charge extra fees.
- Fill in the online application form with your personal, passport and travel details.
- Upload your photograph and the passport scan.
- Pay the visa fee online. The fee depends on your nationality and the type of visa.
- You will receive the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email once it is approved. Check its status on the website and print a copy to carry with you.
On arrival in India
The e-Visa is valid for entry through the designated international airports and seaports listed on the official website, which include all major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Kochi. At immigration, show your passport and the printed ETA; your fingerprints and photograph will be taken at the counter.
Need help? When you book a tour with ADI Voyages, our team can guide you through the e-Visa application and check your form before you submit it. You can also look at the official sample e-Visa form to see what information is asked.
