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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.