Can I apply for an Indian e-visa at the airport?

No. E-visas must be obtained online before traveling. There are no visa-on-arrival options for Americans visiting India.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

You'll need to apply for a regular tourist visa through the Indian consulate. This takes 5-7 business days and costs $100-160 depending on validity.

Can I enter India through any airport with an e-visa?

No. E-visas are only valid for entry through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Check the complete list on the application site.

Do I need my e-visa for domestic flights within India?

No. The e-visa is only needed for international entry and exit. Use your passport for domestic flights within India.

How to get an Indian e-visa as an American citizen

Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in with your passport, photo, and supporting documents. Most tourist e-visas are approved within 3-5 business days and cost $10-80 depending on duration. Print the approved e-visa to present at immigration in India.

Check your eligibility. Confirm your passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Tourist e-visas are available for stays up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options.
Gather required documents. You need a color passport photo (JPEG, 10KB-1MB), scanned passport bio page (PDF, 10KB-300KB), and supporting documents like return flight tickets or hotel bookings.
Complete the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the official site). Fill out the form completely - any errors will delay processing. Double-check all dates and passport numbers.
Upload documents and pay. Upload your photo and passport scan in the exact formats required. Pay the visa fee ($10-80) plus $2.50 processing fee using a credit or debit card.
Wait for approval. Check your email for the e-visa approval, usually within 3-5 business days. The e-visa comes as a PDF attachment - save multiple copies.
Print and travel. Print the e-visa PDF in color. Carry the printed copy when flying to India and present it at immigration with your passport.

Can I apply for an Indian e-visa at the airport?: No. E-visas must be obtained online before traveling. There are no visa-on-arrival options for Americans visiting India.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?: You'll need to apply for a regular tourist visa through the Indian consulate. This takes 5-7 business days and costs $100-160 depending on validity.
Can I enter India through any airport with an e-visa?: No. E-visas are only valid for entry through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Check the complete list on the application site.
Do I need my e-visa for domestic flights within India?: No. The e-visa is only needed for international entry and exit. Use your passport for domestic flights within India.