Can we submit one visa application for both of us?

No. India requires individual applications even for married couples or family members. Each person pays separately and receives a separate e-Visa approval. You can use the same accommodation address and travel dates on both applications.

What if we have different surnames?

Carry your marriage certificate with you. Some Indian hotels ask for proof of relationship when couples check in with different surnames. Immigration doesn't typically ask, but hotels might. A digital copy works, but carry a physical one as backup.

Do we need to enter India on the same flight?

No. Your e-Visas are independent. One partner can arrive earlier or later. Just ensure both enter through e-Visa approved airports if using e-Visas. If you're using standard tourist visas, you have more entry point flexibility.

What happens if one visa is approved and the other denied?

This is rare but possible. The approved visa remains valid — that person can travel alone or wait. If one is denied, check the reason (usually fixable errors like photo format or form mistakes), correct it, and reapply. Denials don't affect the other person's application.

Can we extend our e-Visas from inside India?

No. E-Tourist Visas cannot be extended or converted to other visa types. If you want to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa. Standard tourist visas can sometimes be extended through FRRO offices in major cities, but it's a lengthy bureaucratic process.

Do we need travel insurance to get visas?

No, India doesn't require proof of travel insurance for visa applications. However, you should carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies and trip interruptions. Some insurance plans offer couple or family rates that save 10-15% compared to individual policies.

How to Handle Visas and Documents for India as a Couple

Couples traveling to India need individual e-Visas or standard tourist visas, with each person submitting a separate application even if traveling together. Apply online 4-120 days before departure, expect processing in 3-5 business days, and ensure both passports have 6 months validity with at least two blank pages. Married couples should carry a marriage certificate if surnames differ.

Determine which visa type you need. Most couples use e-Tourist Visas (valid 30 days single or double entry, or 1 year multiple entry). This covers tourism, visiting friends/family, and short yoga programs. If you're attending a wedding or staying longer than 90 days in one stretch, you need a standard tourist visa from an embassy or consulate. E-Visas cannot be extended. Standard visas can be issued for up to 10 years but require in-person application at a visa center.
Prepare documents for both travelers separately. Each person needs: passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, digital passport photo (JPEG, square format, white background), travel itinerary with accommodation address in India, and a copy of their passport bio page. If surnames don't match, carry your marriage certificate — some hotels check this. Upload documents separately for each application even if you're married.
Complete individual e-Visa applications. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (not third-party sites). Each person fills out their own form. You can list the same hotel and travel dates, but you cannot submit a joint application. The form takes 20-30 minutes per person. Pay 25 USD (30-day) or 40 USD (1-year) per person by credit card. You'll receive separate application IDs.
Wait for approval and print both e-Visas. E-Visas typically process in 3-5 business days. Check status using your application ID. Once approved, print two copies of each e-Visa — one for immigration, one backup. Carry these separately from your passports. Indian immigration stamps the e-Visa printout, not your passport. Both travelers must enter through an e-Visa approved airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and 25 others).
Prepare backup documentation. Carry digital and physical copies of: both passports, both e-Visas, marriage certificate (if applicable), hotel confirmations, return flight tickets, and travel insurance documents. Keep one set in your luggage, one in a day bag, and upload everything to cloud storage. If one person loses documents, the other's copies help with embassy replacements.
Arrive together but process separately at immigration. At Indian immigration, you'll queue separately even if traveling as a couple. Officers may ask basic questions about your itinerary, accommodation, and purpose of visit. Answer consistently. Have your e-Visa printout and passport ready. The process takes 5-10 minutes per person. After stamping, both travelers should verify their permitted stay duration matches what they applied for.

Can we submit one visa application for both of us?: No. India requires individual applications even for married couples or family members. Each person pays separately and receives a separate e-Visa approval. You can use the same accommodation address and travel dates on both applications.
What if we have different surnames?: Carry your marriage certificate with you. Some Indian hotels ask for proof of relationship when couples check in with different surnames. Immigration doesn't typically ask, but hotels might. A digital copy works, but carry a physical one as backup.
Do we need to enter India on the same flight?: No. Your e-Visas are independent. One partner can arrive earlier or later. Just ensure both enter through e-Visa approved airports if using e-Visas. If you're using standard tourist visas, you have more entry point flexibility.
What happens if one visa is approved and the other denied?: This is rare but possible. The approved visa remains valid — that person can travel alone or wait. If one is denied, check the reason (usually fixable errors like photo format or form mistakes), correct it, and reapply. Denials don't affect the other person's application.
Can we extend our e-Visas from inside India?: No. E-Tourist Visas cannot be extended or converted to other visa types. If you want to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa. Standard tourist visas can sometimes be extended through FRRO offices in major cities, but it's a lengthy bureaucratic process.
Do we need travel insurance to get visas?: No, India doesn't require proof of travel insurance for visa applications. However, you should carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies and trip interruptions. Some insurance plans offer couple or family rates that save 10-15% compared to individual policies.