Can I convert a tourist e-visa to a long-term visa inside India?

No. You must exit India and apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate abroad. E-visas cannot be extended or converted.

How long can I stay on a 5-year tourist visa?

Maximum 90 days per visit for most nationalities, 180 days for US/UK citizens. You must leave India between visits - no continuous stay allowed.

Do I need a sponsor for an employment visa?

Yes. Your Indian employer must provide a contract letter and company registration documents. They may need to register you with local authorities before you apply.

Can I work on a long-term tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas prohibit employment, business activities, or volunteer work. You need an appropriate work visa for any paid or unpaid work.

What if my passport expires during my visa validity?

You'll need to transfer the visa to your new passport at an Indian consulate or FRRO office in India. Keep your old passport - the visa remains there until transferred.

How to Get a Long-Term Visa for India

India offers 5-year and 10-year tourist visas, plus employment, business, and student visas for extended stays. Tourist e-visas max out at 60 days, so you need a regular visa from a consulate. Processing takes 4-15 business days and costs $80-200 depending on visa type and your nationality.

Choose your visa type. 5-year tourist visa for multiple trips, 10-year for frequent travelers (US citizens only). Employment visa if you have a job offer. Business visa for work meetings and conferences. Student visa for courses longer than 180 days. Research visa for academic work.
Gather required documents. Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Two passport photos. Completed visa application form. Proof of funds ($25 per day minimum). Return flight ticket or onward travel proof. Hotel bookings or invitation letter.
Add specific documents for your visa type. Employment visa: job contract and company registration. Student visa: admission letter and fee payment proof. Business visa: invitation from Indian company and your company letter. Research visa: invitation from Indian institution.
Submit application. Apply at Indian consulate or visa application center in your country. Cannot apply online for long-term visas. Book appointment online first. Submit documents in person or by authorized agent in some countries.
Pay fees and wait. Pay visa fees (varies by nationality and type). Regular processing: 4-7 business days. Expedited: 2-3 business days for extra fee. Check status online with reference number.
Collect passport. Pick up in person or arrange courier delivery. Check visa details immediately - dates, entries allowed, and restrictions. Tourist visas allow multiple entries. Other types may have specific conditions.

Can I convert a tourist e-visa to a long-term visa inside India?: No. You must exit India and apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate abroad. E-visas cannot be extended or converted.
How long can I stay on a 5-year tourist visa?: Maximum 90 days per visit for most nationalities, 180 days for US/UK citizens. You must leave India between visits - no continuous stay allowed.
Do I need a sponsor for an employment visa?: Yes. Your Indian employer must provide a contract letter and company registration documents. They may need to register you with local authorities before you apply.
Can I work on a long-term tourist visa?: No. Tourist visas prohibit employment, business activities, or volunteer work. You need an appropriate work visa for any paid or unpaid work.
What if my passport expires during my visa validity?: You'll need to transfer the visa to your new passport at an Indian consulate or FRRO office in India. Keep your old passport - the visa remains there until transferred.