How to Get Your First India Visa

Most travelers need an e-Tourist Visa, which costs $25-80 depending on your passport and takes 3-5 business days to process online. Apply at least one week before travel through the official Indian government portal, not third-party sites.

  1. Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don't need visas. Everyone else does, including Americans, Europeans, Canadians, and Australians. Check the official Indian visa website for your specific country.
  2. Choose your visa type. For tourism, get an e-Tourist Visa (most common). Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. The 30-day costs $25-50, 1-year costs $40-80 depending on your passport. Business travelers need e-Business Visa.
  3. Gather required documents. You need: passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, recent passport photo (white background), return flight ticket, hotel booking or invitation letter, and bank statements from last 3 months.
  4. Apply online. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the ONLY official site). Fill out the form carefully - any mistakes mean starting over. Upload your photo and passport scan. Pay the fee with credit card.
  5. Wait for approval. Takes 3-5 business days typically. You'll get an email with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Print 2 copies - keep one in your carry-on, one in checked luggage.
  6. Enter India. Show your ETA printout and passport at immigration. The visa is activated on first entry and valid from that date. You can enter through 28 designated airports and 5 seaports only.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
No, India discontinued visa on arrival for most countries. You must get an e-Visa online before traveling or apply at an Indian consulate.
What if my e-Visa is rejected?
You'll need to apply for a regular tourist visa at an Indian consulate. Common rejection reasons are poor photo quality, insufficient bank balance, or incomplete documentation.
Can I enter India through any airport?
No, e-Tourist Visas are only valid for 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Goa. Check the official list before booking flights.
How much money do I need to show?
Bank statements should show sufficient funds for your trip. Generally $50-100 per day of stay is considered adequate, but there's no official minimum stated.