Can I apply for an e-Visa on arrival?

No. India doesn't offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must apply online before traveling. Only a few countries (Japan, South Korea) have visa-on-arrival arrangements.

What if my visa application is rejected?

Common reasons include poor quality photos, mismatched information, or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply immediately with corrected information. Keep your rejection notice - it helps identify what to fix.

Do I need confirmed hotel bookings to apply?

You need to list accommodation details, but they're not verified. You can list any hotel in your first city - many backpackers just pick a well-known one from Google. You're not required to actually stay there.

Can I extend my e-Visa while in India?

30-day e-Tourist Visas cannot be extended. 1-year and 5-year e-Visas allow multiple 90-day stays but individual visits can't be extended easily. It's simpler to exit to Nepal or another country and re-enter.

How to Get Your Visa for Backpacking India

Most travelers need an e-Visa for India, which costs $10-80 depending on duration and can be applied for online 4-120 days before arrival. The process takes 2-7 days and requires a digital photo, passport scan, and basic travel details.

Choose your visa type. For backpacking, get an e-Tourist Visa. Available for 30 days ($10), 1 year ($25), or 5 years ($80). The 1-year option allows multiple entries and is best value for most backpackers. Avoid the regular tourist visa unless you need more than 90 days per visit.
Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, a digital passport photo (2x2 inches, white background), and a scan of your passport's bio page. Take the photo yourself against a white wall - it doesn't need to be professional but must show your full face clearly.
Fill out the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the only official site). Complete the form with your travel dates, first city of arrival, and accommodation details. You can list any hotel for your first night - you're not locked into staying there. Double-check all dates and passport details before submitting.
Pay and submit. Pay by credit card ($10-80 plus processing fees). You'll receive an application ID immediately. Print or save this confirmation - you need it to check status and for your ETA approval letter.
Wait for processing. Most e-Visas process within 72 hours, but allow up to 7 days during busy periods (October-March). Check status on the same website using your application ID. You'll receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) approval letter by email.
Print your approval. Print 2 copies of your ETA approval letter. Airlines will ask to see it before you board, and Indian immigration needs to see it on arrival. Keep one copy in your carry-on and another in checked luggage.

Can I apply for an e-Visa on arrival?: No. India doesn't offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must apply online before traveling. Only a few countries (Japan, South Korea) have visa-on-arrival arrangements.
What if my visa application is rejected?: Common reasons include poor quality photos, mismatched information, or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply immediately with corrected information. Keep your rejection notice - it helps identify what to fix.
Do I need confirmed hotel bookings to apply?: You need to list accommodation details, but they're not verified. You can list any hotel in your first city - many backpackers just pick a well-known one from Google. You're not required to actually stay there.
Can I extend my e-Visa while in India?: 30-day e-Tourist Visas cannot be extended. 1-year and 5-year e-Visas allow multiple 90-day stays but individual visits can't be extended easily. It's simpler to exit to Nepal or another country and re-enter.