How to get an India e-visa quickly

Apply for an India e-visa 4-7 days before travel through the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Most tourist e-visas are processed within 72 hours, but business visas can take up to 4 days. Have your passport, photo, and supporting documents ready in digital format.

  1. Check your eligibility. Verify your nationality is eligible for e-visa and your passport has at least 6 months validity with 2 blank pages. Tourist e-visas are available for 166 countries. Check the official list on indianvisaonline.gov.in before starting.
  2. Gather required documents. Prepare a passport-style photo (350x350 pixels, JPEG format, 10KB-1MB), passport bio page scan (PDF format, 10KB-300KB), and supporting documents. For business visas, add a business card scan and invitation letter if applicable.
  3. Complete the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the only official site) and fill out the form completely. Double-check all entries - errors cause delays. Choose your visa type: e-Tourist (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years) or e-Business (1 year).
  4. Pay the visa fee. Pay online using credit/debit card. Tourist e-visa costs $10-80 depending on your nationality and duration. Business e-visa is typically $80. Payment must be in USD. Keep the payment receipt.
  5. Wait for processing and download. Check your email for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) within 72 hours for tourist visas, up to 4 business days for business visas. Download and print 2 copies - one for immigration, one backup.
Can I get an India e-visa same day?
No, minimum processing time is 24 hours but typically takes 72 hours. Emergency visas are not available online - you'd need to visit a consulate for urgent travel.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?
You cannot reapply for e-visa if rejected. You must apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate or VFS center. Common rejection reasons include passport validity under 6 months or incorrect information.
Do I need to submit my passport anywhere?
No, e-visas are completely online. You only need digital scans of documents. Your passport stays with you throughout the process.
Can I enter India through any port with an e-visa?
No, e-visas are only valid for entry through 28 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) and 5 seaports (including Mumbai, Goa, Kochi). Check the complete list before booking flights.