Can I extend my e-Visa once I'm in India?

No. E-Visas cannot be extended or converted. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential travel bans. Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.

What if my visa application is rejected?

Check the rejection reason in your application status. Common causes: poor photo quality, passport validity issues, or errors in the form. Fix the problem and reapply. The fee is non-refundable. For persistent rejections, contact an Indian embassy or consulate.

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

If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, no visa needed for most nationalities. If you want to leave the airport or your layover is overnight, you need a visa—the 30-day e-Visa works fine for this.

How strict is the 6-month passport validity rule?

Very strict. Airlines will deny boarding if your passport expires within 6 months of arrival. Renew your passport before applying if you're close to the deadline.

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

No. Tourist e-Visas are for tourism only. Working, volunteering, or conducting business requires the appropriate visa type. Violating this can result in deportation.

How to Get Your First Indian Visa

Most travelers need an e-Visa for India, which you apply for online 4-120 days before arrival. It costs $25-$100 depending on type and takes 3-5 business days. You'll need a passport valid for 6 months, a digital photo, and payment details. Skip the visa agents—the official process is straightforward.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don't need a visa. Everyone else does. Most nationalities qualify for e-Visa. Check india.gov.in/visa to confirm your country is on the list. If you're not eligible for e-Visa, you'll need to apply through an embassy or consulate.
Choose your e-Visa type. Tourist e-Visa is what most travelers need. It comes in three flavors: 30-day single-entry ($25), 1-year multiple-entry ($40), or 5-year multiple-entry ($80). Business e-Visa is $100. Medical e-Visa is $100. Pick based on your trip length and whether you'll leave and re-enter India.
Gather your documents. You need: passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, a digital passport photo (JPEG, white background, 2-inch square, file size 10KB-1MB), a scan of your passport info page (PDF format, file size under 300KB), and your travel details including arrival date and port of entry. For business visas, add a business card scan or invitation letter.
Apply online at the official site. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in—this is the ONLY official site. Do not use third-party services. Fill out the form carefully. Mistakes mean delays or rejection. Common errors: wrong passport number, mismatched names, poor photo quality. Double-check everything before submitting. The form takes 20-30 minutes.
Pay the fee. Pay by credit or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, and some others. You'll also pay a small processing fee (around $2-3). Save your Application ID—you'll need it to check status and print your visa.
Wait for approval. Processing takes 3-5 business days typically. Check status at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/statusenquiry using your Application ID. You'll receive an email when it's approved. Apply at least 10 days before your trip to allow for delays or corrections.
Print your e-Visa. Once approved, download and print your e-Visa grant letter. Bring 2 physical copies with you—one for immigration, one backup. Immigration officers at Indian airports will NOT accept the digital version on your phone. Print it.

Can I extend my e-Visa once I'm in India?: No. E-Visas cannot be extended or converted. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential travel bans. Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.
What if my visa application is rejected?: Check the rejection reason in your application status. Common causes: poor photo quality, passport validity issues, or errors in the form. Fix the problem and reapply. The fee is non-refundable. For persistent rejections, contact an Indian embassy or consulate.
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?: If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, no visa needed for most nationalities. If you want to leave the airport or your layover is overnight, you need a visa—the 30-day e-Visa works fine for this.
How strict is the 6-month passport validity rule?: Very strict. Airlines will deny boarding if your passport expires within 6 months of arrival. Renew your passport before applying if you're close to the deadline.
Can I work or volunteer on a tourist e-Visa?: No. Tourist e-Visas are for tourism only. Working, volunteering, or conducting business requires the appropriate visa type. Violating this can result in deportation.