Can I extend my Indian e-Visa?

No, e-Visas cannot be extended. You must leave the country and reapply if you want to return. Plan your trip duration carefully.

What happens if my e-Visa application is rejected?

Rejections are common for incomplete applications. You lose your fee but can reapply immediately. Fix the errors and submit a new application with a new fee.

Can I enter India through any border with an e-Visa?

E-Visas work at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports, but NOT at land borders. If crossing from Nepal, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you need a regular visa from a consulate.

Do I need vaccinations for my Indian visa?

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. No other vaccinations are visa requirements, but hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for backpackers.

How to Get Your Visa for Backpacking India

Most travelers need an e-Visa for India, which costs $10-80 depending on your nationality and visa type. Apply online 4-120 days before travel through the official Indian government portal. Tourist e-Visas are valid for 30 days to 1 year with multiple entries allowed.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don't need visas. Everyone else does, including Americans, Europeans, Australians, and Canadians. Check the official Indian visa website for your specific country requirements.
Choose your visa type. For backpacking, get a Tourist e-Visa. 30-day e-Visa costs $10-25, 1-year e-Visa costs $25-80 depending on nationality. The 1-year option allows multiple entries and is better value for longer trips.
Gather required documents. You need: passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, digital passport photo (white background, square format), return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds ($50+ per day recommended).
Apply online through official portal. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the ONLY official site). Fill out the form completely - any mistakes mean rejection. Upload documents in exact file sizes specified (photo under 1MB, passport scan under 300KB).
Pay the fee. Pay immediately after submitting. Use a credit card - debit cards often fail. You'll get an Application ID. Keep this safe - you need it to check status and print your ETA.
Wait for processing. E-Visas typically process in 24-72 hours. Check status using your Application ID and passport number. You'll get an email when approved with your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Print your ETA. Print 2 copies of your ETA approval. Immigration requires a physical copy - mobile phones don't work. Keep one copy with your passport, one in your backpack separately.

Can I extend my Indian e-Visa?: No, e-Visas cannot be extended. You must leave the country and reapply if you want to return. Plan your trip duration carefully.
What happens if my e-Visa application is rejected?: Rejections are common for incomplete applications. You lose your fee but can reapply immediately. Fix the errors and submit a new application with a new fee.
Can I enter India through any border with an e-Visa?: E-Visas work at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports, but NOT at land borders. If crossing from Nepal, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you need a regular visa from a consulate.
Do I need vaccinations for my Indian visa?: Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. No other vaccinations are visa requirements, but hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for backpackers.