Do I need a visa if I'm only transiting through India?

Yes, unless you're staying airside for under 24 hours on the same calendar day. Direct international-to-international connections without entering India don't need visas.

Can I extend my e-Visa while in India?

No. e-Visas cannot be extended, converted, or renewed from within India. You must exit and apply for a new visa if you want to return.

What if my luxury tour operator offers to handle my visa?

Verify they're using the official government portal and not charging excessive fees. Many luxury operators charge $100-200 service fees for a process that takes 15 minutes online.

Do I need proof of funds for luxury travel to India?

Immigration may ask but rarely checks for obvious luxury travelers. Credit cards and luxury hotel bookings are usually sufficient proof of financial means.

How to Get a Visa for Luxury Travel to India

Luxury travelers to India need an e-Visa (most common) or regular tourist visa, with e-Visas processed in 3-5 business days for $25-80 depending on nationality. Apply online through the official Indian government portal, have a clear passport photo and scan ready, and ensure your passport has 6 months validity with 2 blank pages.

Choose your visa type. e-Tourist Visa covers 99% of luxury travelers - allows 30/90/365 day stays with multiple entries. Only get a regular tourist visa if you need longer than 1 year or your nationality isn't e-Visa eligible.
Gather required documents. You need: passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport photo (white background, 2x2 inches), confirmed return flight ticket, and accommodation proof (hotel booking confirmation works).
Apply online through official portal. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (official site - avoid third-party services). Fill application completely, upload documents in specified formats (JPEG for photo, PDF for passport), and pay fees online.
Track and receive your visa. Check status online with your application ID. Print the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) email - you must show this at Indian immigration along with your passport.
Prepare for arrival. Have printed ETA, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. Immigration may ask about your itinerary and proof of funds - luxury hotel bookings and credit cards satisfy this requirement.

Do I need a visa if I'm only transiting through India?: Yes, unless you're staying airside for under 24 hours on the same calendar day. Direct international-to-international connections without entering India don't need visas.
Can I extend my e-Visa while in India?: No. e-Visas cannot be extended, converted, or renewed from within India. You must exit and apply for a new visa if you want to return.
What if my luxury tour operator offers to handle my visa?: Verify they're using the official government portal and not charging excessive fees. Many luxury operators charge $100-200 service fees for a process that takes 15 minutes online.
Do I need proof of funds for luxury travel to India?: Immigration may ask but rarely checks for obvious luxury travelers. Credit cards and luxury hotel bookings are usually sufficient proof of financial means.