Can I get a visa on arrival in India?

No traditional visa on arrival exists. E-Visas must be applied for online before travel, but the process is similar to visa-on-arrival once you have approval.

What if my e-Visa application is rejected?

Apply for a traditional tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate. This takes 1-2 weeks but allows for more complex travel situations.

Can I work with a tourist e-Visa?

No. Tourist visas are strictly for tourism. Working requires a business visa or employment visa depending on your situation.

Do I need vaccinations for my India visa?

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. COVID-19 requirements change frequently, so check current health protocols.

How to Get Your First Visa for India

Most travelers need an e-Visa, which costs $10-80 depending on duration and takes 72 hours to process. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in with your passport, photo, and travel dates. Tourist e-Visas are valid for 365 days with multiple entries allowed.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don't need visas. Everyone else does. Check the Indian government's visa website to confirm your country's requirements.
Choose your visa type. Tourist e-Visa is easiest for most travelers. Valid for 30 days ($10), 1 year ($25), or 5 years ($80). Business e-Visa costs $80. Medical e-Visa costs $80. Conference e-Visa is free.
Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, a digital passport photo (white background, 350x350 pixels minimum), and proof of return travel or onward journey.
Apply online. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (official site only). Fill out the form completely. Double-check all dates and passport numbers. Pay with credit card. Save your application ID.
Wait for approval. E-Visas process within 72 hours, usually faster. You'll get an email with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Print 2 copies to carry with you.
Enter India. Show your ETA printout and passport at immigration. E-Visas are valid at 28 airports and 5 seaports. You cannot extend an e-Visa once in India.

Can I get a visa on arrival in India?: No traditional visa on arrival exists. E-Visas must be applied for online before travel, but the process is similar to visa-on-arrival once you have approval.
What if my e-Visa application is rejected?: Apply for a traditional tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate. This takes 1-2 weeks but allows for more complex travel situations.
Can I work with a tourist e-Visa?: No. Tourist visas are strictly for tourism. Working requires a business visa or employment visa depending on your situation.
Do I need vaccinations for my India visa?: Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. COVID-19 requirements change frequently, so check current health protocols.