How to Apply for an India E-Visa Online
Apply for an India e-visa through the official government website at least 4 days before travel. The process takes 10-15 minutes, costs $10-100 depending on visa type, and approval usually comes within 72 hours via email.
- Choose your visa type. Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select from e-Tourist Visa (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years), e-Business Visa (1 year), or e-Medical Visa (60 days). Most travelers need the e-Tourist Visa.
- Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, a recent passport-style photo (JPEG under 1MB), and a scan of your passport's bio page (PDF under 300KB). Business visas require invitation letters.
- Complete the online application. Fill out personal details, travel plans, and upload documents. Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Common mistakes include typos in passport numbers and wrong birth dates.
- Pay the visa fee. Pay online with credit/debit card. Tourist visas cost $10 (30-day), $25 (1-year), or $40 (5-year). Add $2.50 payment processing fee. Business visas cost $80.
- Wait for approval and print. Check your email within 72 hours for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Print two copies - one for your departure airport and one for Indian immigration. No approval email means check spam folder or reapply.
- Can I extend my e-visa while in India?
- No, e-visas cannot be extended. You must leave India and apply for a new visa if you want to return.
- What if my e-visa application is rejected?
- Apply for a regular tourist visa at an Indian consulate. Common rejection reasons include poor photo quality, passport expiring soon, or previous visa violations.
- Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?
- No visa needed for transit if you don't leave the airport and your layover is under 24 hours. For longer transits or leaving the airport, you need a transit visa.
- Can I work on an e-tourist visa?
- No, tourist e-visas are for tourism only. Working requires a proper work visa obtained through an Indian consulate.