Can I get a visa on arrival in India?

No. India discontinued visa on arrival for most nationalities. You need an e-Visa approved before you fly or a regular visa from an embassy. The e-Visa functions like advance approval — you still show it at immigration when you land, but you cannot apply at the airport.

What if my e-Visa application is rejected?

Rejections happen for photo issues, passport validity problems, or incorrect information. The email will state the reason. You can apply again immediately after fixing the problem — there's no waiting period. If rejected twice, apply for a regular visa at an embassy or consulate instead.

Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?

If you're staying airside and connecting within 24 hours at the same airport, most nationalities don't need a transit visa. If you want to leave the airport, enter the city, or stay overnight, you need a regular e-Visa or a Transit Visa (valid 15 days, double entry, 10 dollar fee). Check your specific nationality requirements.

Can I work or volunteer on a tourist e-Visa?

No. Tourist visas prohibit paid or unpaid work, including volunteering, teaching, or internships. You need an Employment Visa or an appropriate category like Conference Visa. Volunteering without the correct visa can result in deportation and future entry bans.

How many times can I use an e-Visa for India?

Tourist e-Visas are double-entry — you can enter India twice on one visa within the 60-day validity period. After your second exit or after 60 days (whichever comes first), the visa expires. To return, you must apply for a new e-Visa.

How to Get an Indian Visa for the First Time

First-time travelers to India need an e-Visa (applied online) or a regular visa (via embassy/consulate). The e-Visa is faster and works for tourism, business, and medical visits up to 60 days. Apply at least 4 days before travel, expect approval in 2-5 business days, and bring a printed copy of your ETA when you fly.

Determine which visa type you need. Tourist e-Visa works for most first-time travelers visiting for sightseeing, meeting friends, or yoga retreats — valid for 60 days, double entry. Business e-Visa covers conferences and meetings. Medical e-Visa is for treatment. If you're staying longer than 60 days, working, studying, or visiting on a restricted passport, you need a regular visa through an embassy or consulate.
Gather your documents. You need a passport valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages. Take a digital passport photo (JPEG, 350px square, white background, face centered). Have a credit or debit card ready for the 25 dollar fee (tourist e-Visa). Scan your passport bio page as a PDF. If applying for a regular visa, you'll also need printed forms, additional photos, and proof of onward travel.
Complete the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (not a third-party site). Fill out the form carefully — small errors get rejected. You'll enter personal details, passport information, travel dates, and upload your photo and passport scan. Double-check your passport number and dates. The form auto-saves but can time out, so work in one sitting if possible.
Pay and submit. Pay the 25 dollar visa fee by card. You'll get an Application ID immediately — save this number. The system sends a confirmation email within a few minutes. If you don't receive it, check spam and verify your email address was entered correctly.
Wait for approval. E-Visas process in 2-5 business days, though most come through in 48-72 hours. You'll receive an email with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as a PDF. Check your application status anytime using your Application ID and passport number at the same website. Do not book flights until you have approval in hand.
Print your ETA and travel. Print your ETA — this is mandatory. Airlines will not board you without it. Bring the printed copy to the airport and keep it with your passport. At Indian immigration, show your passport and ETA. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and permitted stay duration.

Can I get a visa on arrival in India?: No. India discontinued visa on arrival for most nationalities. You need an e-Visa approved before you fly or a regular visa from an embassy. The e-Visa functions like advance approval — you still show it at immigration when you land, but you cannot apply at the airport.
What if my e-Visa application is rejected?: Rejections happen for photo issues, passport validity problems, or incorrect information. The email will state the reason. You can apply again immediately after fixing the problem — there's no waiting period. If rejected twice, apply for a regular visa at an embassy or consulate instead.
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?: If you're staying airside and connecting within 24 hours at the same airport, most nationalities don't need a transit visa. If you want to leave the airport, enter the city, or stay overnight, you need a regular e-Visa or a Transit Visa (valid 15 days, double entry, 10 dollar fee). Check your specific nationality requirements.
Can I work or volunteer on a tourist e-Visa?: No. Tourist visas prohibit paid or unpaid work, including volunteering, teaching, or internships. You need an Employment Visa or an appropriate category like Conference Visa. Volunteering without the correct visa can result in deportation and future entry bans.
How many times can I use an e-Visa for India?: Tourist e-Visas are double-entry — you can enter India twice on one visa within the 60-day validity period. After your second exit or after 60 days (whichever comes first), the visa expires. To return, you must apply for a new e-Visa.