Do I Need a Visa for India? eVisa Requirements 2026
Entry fees, opening times and fares in India change often. Please check before you travel.
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E-Visa Types and Costs
India offers three e-tourist visa durations. Fees are set by nationality on a reciprocal basis; the figures below are from the official fee table (September 2026) for most nationalities, and a 3% bank charge is added to every payment.
| Visa Type | Fee (most nationalities) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-tourist | US$25 for arrivals July to March; US$10 for arrivals April to June | 30 days from arrival | Multiple entry, non-extendable |
| 1-year e-tourist | US$40 | 1 year from issue | Multiple entry |
| 5-year e-tourist | US$200 (US citizens US$160; UK citizens US$484) | 5 years from issue | Multiple entry |
Total time in India on an e-tourist visa is capped at 180 days per calendar year.
If you're visiting Delhi for a week or two, the 30-day visa is cheapest. If there's any chance you'll return to India within a year, the 1-year visa at US$40 is better value and gives you flexibility.
Fees vary by nationality. The official site publishes the full fee table by country, and the payment page shows your specific fee. Check it before you budget.
How to Apply Step by Step
1. Go to the Official Website
The only legitimate site is indianvisaonline.gov.in. There are dozens of copycat sites that charge double or triple the fee for the same service. If the URL doesn't end in .gov.in, close the tab.
2. Gather Your Documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Digital passport photo: white background, 2x2 inches (350x350 pixels minimum), JPEG format, under 1 MB
- Passport photo page scan: colour scan, PDF only, between 10 KB and 300 KB
- Travel details: your expected arrival date, port of entry (Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is listed as "Delhi Airport"), and hotel address
3. Fill in the Application
The form takes 15-20 minutes. Some tips:
- Applicant name must match your passport exactly.
- Port of arrival: Select "Delhi Airport" for IGI Airport.
- Indian hotel address: Enter your first night's accommodation.
- Previous visa details: If you've been to India before, have your old visa details ready.
- Answer every field truthfully. A wrong answer is grounds for refusal.
4. Pay and Submit
Pay by credit or debit card. The payment gateway occasionally fails; if it does, wait 30 minutes and try again. Don't submit the application multiple times or you may create duplicate entries.
5. Wait for Approval
Processing usually takes a few days, but apply at least 4-7 days before travel. You'll receive the approved e-visa by email. Print a copy; immigration at Delhi airport will ask to see it alongside your passport.
Who Doesn't Need a Visa
- Nepali and Bhutanese citizens can enter India without a visa
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders have lifelong entry rights
- Diplomatic and official passport holders from some countries have visa-free agreements
Who Can't Use the E-Visa
Pakistani passport holders, and applicants of Pakistani origin, must apply through an Indian embassy or consulate for a regular visa. Afghan nationals use a separate portal. A few other nationalities are also excluded; check the official site for the current list. If you're not eligible for the e-visa, the standard tourist visa application through your nearest Indian embassy takes 5-10 business days.
At the Airport
When you land at Delhi's Terminal 3, head to the e-visa immigration counters; they're separate from the regular visa queues and usually faster. Have ready:
- Printed e-visa approval
- Passport
- Return or onward flight booking (sometimes asked, not always)
- Hotel booking confirmation (sometimes asked, not always)
Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date.
After clearing immigration, grab a SIM card at the arrivals hall and head into the city.
Common Mistakes
Applying too late. Processing usually takes a few days, but that isn't guaranteed. Some applications take longer. Don't wait until the last minute.
Using a fake website. Search "India visa" and the first results are often paid intermediary sites charging several times the official fee for the same service. The official site is indianvisaonline.gov.in; bookmark it.
Passport name mismatch. If your application name doesn't match your passport exactly, you'll be rejected. Double-check every letter.
Expired passport photos. The photo upload has strict requirements. Use a white background, face the camera directly, and make sure the file is under 1 MB. Most phone photos work if you crop to a square against a white wall.
Not printing the e-visa. Technically the system is digital, but immigration officers at Delhi airport still ask to see a printed copy. Don't rely on your phone; print it.
Regular (Sticker) Visa
If you need a longer stay, want to work or study in India, or aren't eligible for the e-visa, apply for a regular visa through your nearest Indian embassy or consulate. These are stamped or stickered directly into your passport.
- Tourist visa (regular): Up to 10-year validity, 180 days maximum continuous stay, multiple entry. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Fees vary by country.
- Business visa: For work purposes, conferences, etc. Requires an invitation letter.
- Student, medical, and conference visas are also available for specific purposes.
For most leisure travellers visiting Delhi, the e-visa is all you need. See our packing guide for other pre-trip preparation.
How Do I Apply for an India E-Visa?
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in, the only official site. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-size photo (white background, 2x2 inches), and a PDF scan of your passport's photo page. Fill in the online form, pay the fee (for most nationalities US$25 for 30-day, US$40 for 1-year, US$200 for 5-year, plus a 3% bank charge), and submit. Processing usually takes a few days. You'll receive the e-visa by email; print it and carry it with your passport. Apply at least 4 days before your flight, ideally a week.
Which Countries Are Eligible for India's E-Visa?
Citizens of 175 countries are eligible for the India e-visa, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and most EU nations. Notable exceptions include Pakistani passport holders, who must apply through an Indian embassy or consulate, and Afghan nationals, who use a separate portal. Nepali and Bhutanese citizens don't need a visa at all. Check the full list at indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying.
Can I Extend My India E-Visa?
The 30-day e-tourist visa is non-extendable. If you want to stay longer, apply for the 1-year or 5-year e-tourist visa before you travel; total time in India on any e-tourist visa is capped at 180 days per calendar year. If you overstay any visa, you'll face fines, possible detention, and future visa difficulties. For stays beyond that, you need a regular tourist visa from an Indian embassy or consulate, which allows up to 10 years of validity with 180-day continuous stays.