India Visa Guide 2026: e-Visa, Requirements & Tips

Getting a visa for India is one of the first practical hurdles in planning your trip, but the process has become significantly smoother in recent years thanks to the e-Visa system. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Indian visa types, the online application process, fees, and the common pitfalls that trip people up.

Understanding India's e-Visa System

India introduced its electronic visa (e-Visa) system to simplify entry for tourists and business travelers from over 160 eligible countries. The e-Visa is applied for entirely online through the official Indian government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in, and the approved visa is sent to your email. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate, mail your passport, or attend an interview in most cases.

The e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Jaipur, and Kochi, as well as 5 designated seaports.

Types of e-Visa

e-Tourist Visa

The most common option for leisure travelers. It comes in three durations:

• 30-day e-Tourist Visa: Valid for a single or double entry within 30 days from the date of arrival. This is the cheapest option and suitable for a standard holiday. The fee is 25 USD for many nationalities, though it varies by country.
• 1-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entry, with each stay limited to a continuous period of 90 days (for most nationalities). The fee is approximately 40 USD.
• 5-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entry, with each stay limited to 90 continuous days. The fee is approximately 80 USD. This is excellent value for frequent visitors.

e-Business Visa

For those traveling to India for business meetings, trade fairs, or establishing commercial ventures. Valid for 1 year with multiple entries and stays of up to 180 continuous days. The fee is approximately 80 USD.

e-Medical Visa

For travelers seeking medical treatment at recognized hospitals in India. Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival, with triple entry. Each recognized patient can bring up to two attendants on e-Medical Attendant Visas. The fee is approximately 25 USD.

e-Conference Visa

For attending conferences organized by a government ministry or department, or by a government-affiliated organization. Valid for 30 days with single entry.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you begin the online application, prepare the following:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
• Digital passport photo: Recent photograph with white background, face covering 50-60 percent of the frame. Dimensions should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm). File size between 10 KB and 1 MB, in JPEG format.
• Passport bio page scan: A clear scan or photo of the page in your passport that contains your photograph and personal details. File size between 10 KB and 300 KB, in PDF format.
• Travel details: Your planned arrival date, port of entry, and hotel address in India (at least your first night's accommodation).
• Payment method: Credit card, debit card, or PayPal for the visa fee.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on "e-Visa Application." The form asks for:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, religion, occupation)
• Passport details (number, issue date, expiry date, place of issue)
• Travel details (expected date of arrival, port of arrival, cities to visit)
• Accommodation details (hotel name and address)
• Reference details (a contact person in India, which can be your hotel)
• Previous visa history and travel to certain countries

Fill out every field carefully. The name on your application must match your passport exactly, including middle names and any special characters.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload your passport-size photograph and passport bio page scan. This is where most applications run into trouble. The system is strict about file formats and dimensions. Crop your photo precisely and ensure the background is pure white with no shadows.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Fees vary by nationality and visa type. Payment is processed online at the time of submission. You will receive a payment confirmation via email.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Most e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours, though the Indian government recommends applying at least four days before your planned travel date. In practice, applying one to two weeks in advance is wise, as processing can occasionally take longer during peak periods.

Step 6: Download and Print

Once approved, you will receive an email with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Print a copy to carry with you, though immigration officers will verify your visa electronically using your passport number.

Fees by Nationality

Visa fees are not uniform across all nationalities. Citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom typically pay higher fees due to reciprocity agreements. As of 2026, approximate fees for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa are:

• Most countries: 25 USD
• United States: 25-75 USD (reciprocity-based)
• United Kingdom: 25-100 USD (reciprocity-based)
• Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka: 0-10 USD (special arrangements)

A processing fee of approximately 2.5 percent is added for credit card payments.

Photo Requirements: Getting Them Right

The photo requirement is the single most common reason for visa application rejection. Follow these specifications exactly:

• White or light-colored background only
• Face should occupy 50-60 percent of the frame
• Both ears must be visible
• No glasses (even clear prescription glasses are often rejected)
• No head coverings unless worn for religious reasons
• Neutral expression, mouth closed
• Taken within the last six months
• JPEG format, between 10 KB and 1 MB

Many travelers find success using a smartphone camera against a plain white wall, then using a free online passport photo tool to crop and resize the image to the exact specifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying on the wrong website: Only use the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Numerous third-party websites charge inflated fees for the same service and some are outright scams.

Name mismatch: Your name on the application must match your passport exactly. If your passport says "JOHN MICHAEL SMITH," do not enter "John Smith" or "J. Michael Smith."

Applying too late: While 72 hours is the standard processing time, do not cut it close. Apply at least two weeks before departure.

Wrong photo format: This causes more rejections than any other issue. Follow the specifications precisely.

Not printing the ETA: While your visa is verified electronically, some airlines check for a printed copy at check-in, and having one speeds up the immigration process.

Overstaying your visa: India takes visa overstays seriously. Even a single day over your permitted stay can result in fines, detention, and blacklisting for future travel.

Regular (Sticker) Visa vs. e-Visa

If you need to stay longer than the e-Visa allows, or if your nationality is not eligible for the e-Visa, you will need to apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy or consulate in your country, or through an authorized visa service center like VFS Global or BLS International. Regular visa processing typically takes 5-10 working days and requires submitting your physical passport.

Visa on Arrival

India offers visa on arrival only to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates at select airports. For all other nationalities, you must obtain your visa before arrival.

Final Tips

Keep a digital copy of your visa approval, passport, and travel insurance documents in your email and on your phone. Register with your country's embassy in India through their online traveler registration service. And remember that your visa period starts from the date of issue for regular visas, but from the date of arrival for e-Visas, which is an important distinction for planning purposes.