How to Get Visas for India as a Couple
Couples need separate visa applications for India, even if married. Apply together online through the official e-Visa portal or at consulates. Processing takes 3-7 business days for e-Visas, 5-10 days for regular visas. Budget $25-160 per person depending on visa type and nationality.
- Check if you need the same visa type. Most couples apply for tourist e-Visas (valid 30-365 days). If one partner has Indian heritage, they may qualify for an OCI card instead. Business travelers need business visas. Confirm both partners qualify for the same category before starting.
- Gather documents for both applications. Each person needs: passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), return flight tickets, and bank statements from last 3 months. Married couples can use joint bank statements.
- Apply online simultaneously. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill separate applications. Use the same accommodation address and travel dates. Pay fees separately ($25-80 per person for e-Visa depending on nationality). Save both application IDs.
- Upload documents and submit. Upload clear photos and scanned documents for each application. Common rejections happen from blurry photos or incomplete bank statements. Submit both applications within the same day to ensure similar processing times.
- Track applications together. Check status using both application IDs. E-Visas typically process in 3-7 business days. Print both e-Visas when approved - immigration requires physical copies, not phone screenshots.
- Enter India together or separately. No requirement to enter simultaneously. Present printed e-Visas at immigration. First-time visitors get photos and fingerprints taken. Keep e-Visas with passports throughout your stay.
- Can married couples share one visa application?
- No. India requires separate visa applications and fees for each traveler, regardless of marital status. Each person gets their own visa document.
- Should we apply at the same time?
- Yes, apply on the same day using identical travel dates and accommodation. This helps ensure both visas are processed simultaneously and approved together.
- Can we use joint bank statements?
- Married couples can submit the same joint bank statements for both applications. Include marriage certificate as supporting documentation when using joint accounts.
- What if one visa gets rejected?
- Rejections are individual. One partner can still travel if their visa is approved. The rejected applicant must reapply with corrected documents or choose a different visa type.
- Do we need to enter India together?
- No entry timing requirements. Each person can enter India independently using their individual e-Visa within the validity period.