Getting Your India Travel Documents in Order
To enter India, you need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank pages, plus an approved visa. Most travelers will use the e-Visa system, which must be applied for at least four days before your arrival.
- Check your passport. Ensure your passport expires at least six months after your intended date of entry into India. It must have at least two blank pages for the immigration stamps.
- Identify your visa type. Most tourists use the e-Tourist Visa. If you are going for business, medical, or conference reasons, you need a specific e-Visa category. Check the official Indian e-Visa government portal to confirm your eligibility.
- Prepare digital files. Scan your passport's bio-data page into a PDF (10KB to 300KB). You also need a recent digital photograph (JPG format, 10KB to 1MB, white background).
- Submit the online application. Apply only via the official Indian government website (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Avoid third-party 'agency' sites that charge extra fees. Pay the visa fee online via credit or debit card.
- Print your ETA. Once approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print this document and carry a physical copy in your carry-on; you must present it to the airline and at the immigration desk.
- Can I apply for the e-Visa upon arrival?
- No. India does not offer visa-on-arrival for most travelers. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
- How long can I stay in India on an e-Tourist visa?
- Standard e-Tourist visas allow for a stay of up to 90 days for most nationalities. Check the specific conditions listed on your approval notice.
- Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
- Only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Carry your 'Yellow Card' if you have traveled through such regions recently.