Planning a trip to India is an exciting adventure, but before you pack your bags, you’ll need to secure legal entry into the country – you will need to get a visa for India – by applying online for an India e-Visa.
To make the process as smooth as possible, here is our step-by-step guide to understanding and applying for your India e-Visa.
The Basics: What is a Visa?
A travel visa is an official government document that grants you legal permission to enter a foreign country. While traditional visas are often stickers or stamps placed directly into your physical passport, modern travel has introduced digital alternatives.
Visas are categorized based on the purpose of your visit.
The most common types include:
- Tourist: For sightseeing and recreation.
- Business: For meetings, trade, or professional events.
- Work: For long-term employment.
- Transit: For travelers passing through to a third destination.
Do You Need One for India?
In short: Yes.
Almost all international visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter India.
The good news is that for most travellers, the process is now entirely digital. Citizens from 164 countries—including New Zealand, Australia, the UK, the USA, most of the EU, and many nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—are eligible to apply for an e-Visa before they depart.
What is an Indian e-Visa?
The e-Visa is a convenient, digital version of the traditional visa application.
- The Old Way: You previously had to visit an embassy or consulate in person to have a physical visa glued into your passport.
- The Modern Way: You can now apply for authorization entirely online.
How it works:
- Application: You fill out the forms and upload documents via the official portal.
- Approval: If your application is successful, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.
- Travel: You must print this ETA and carry it with you. Upon arrival in India, an immigration officer will verify the digital record and place an entry stamp in your passport.
Types of India e-Visa
The Indian government currently offers six distinct categories of e-Visas to suit different travel needs:
- e-Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, recreation, and visiting friends or family.
- e-Business Visa: For business meetings, sales, or recruitment.
- e-Conference Visa: For attending international seminars or workshops.
- e-Medical Visa: For short-term medical treatment.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa: For those accompanying a patient with an e-Medical visa.
- e-Emergency X-Misc Visa: For urgent travel needs not covered by other categories.
While there are many options, this guide focuses on the most common choice for travelers: the e-Tourist Visa.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin: India e-Visa
Applying for an India e-Visa is straightforward, but it requires a bit of patience—budget about one hour to complete the form.
To avoid technical errors or timeouts, ensure you have the following documents and details ready before you start:
1. Required Documents
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent, clear photo of your full face against a white or light-colored background.
- Format: JPEG
- Size: Between 10KB and 1MB.
- Scanned Passport ID Page: A clear scan of the page containing your photo and personal details.
- Format: PDF
- Size: Between 10KB and 300KB.
2. Key Information
- Indian Reference/Contact: You will be asked for a contact person in India. If you don’t know anyone personally, don’t worry—you can simply use the name, address, and phone number of the first hotel you plan to stay at.
3. Payment Method
- Application Fee: You will need to pay the processing fee online at the end of the application. The portal generally accepts Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal.
4. Passport Requirements
Before applying, double-check your physical passport for these two non-negotiable requirements:
- Validity: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into India.
- Blank Pages: It must have at least two blank pages for the immigration officer to stamp upon your arrival.
Validity and Stay Duration: India eVisa
Indian e-Tourist Visas are designed to be flexible, offering three main options depending on your travel plans. While all three are digital, they differ in how long you can stay and how many times you can enter the country.
e-Tourist Visa Options
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Number of Entries |
| 30-Day Visa | 30 days from date of arrival | Double Entry |
| 1-Year Visa | 365 days from date of grant | Multiple Entry |
| 5-Year Visa | 5 years from date of grant | Multiple Entry |
Important Stay Restrictions
It is a common misconception that a 1-year or 5-year visa allows you to stay in India for that entire duration without leaving. There are strict limits on continuous stays:
- For US, UK, Canada, and Japan Citizens: You can stay for up to 180 days at a time.
- For All Other Eligible Nationalities: Continuous stay is limited to 90 days per visit.
- Annual Limit: Regardless of your nationality, the total number of days spent in India across multiple visits cannot exceed 180 days within a single calendar year.
Note: The 30-day e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. You must ensure your departure is scheduled within the 30-day window to avoid significant fines or legal issues.
This guide will focus specifically on the 30-Day e-Tourist Visa, which is the most popular choice for short-term holidaymakers and first-time visitors.
How To Apply for an India e-Visa Online
There is only one official website to get an Indian e-Visa provided by the Government of India:
Follow the link and let’s get started.
On the website homepage click on the ‘Apply Here For e-Visa‘ tab on the bottom left of the screen.
Page 1: Initial Application & India e-Visa Selection
The first page of the application establishes your basic identity and the specific type of visa you are requesting. It is crucial to use a functional email address, as this is where your official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent.
Selecting Your India e-Visa Service
Under the “Visa Service” section, you will choose your specific duration. For travelers, the options are:
- e-Tourist Visa (for 30 Days)
- e-Tourist Visa (for 1 Year)
- e-Tourist Visa (for 5 Years)
Understanding the Validity Clock
One of the most important things to remember is that for all three e-Tourist options, the validity period begins on the day you actually arrive in India, not on the day you submit the application or the day it is granted.
💡 Important Tip for 30-Day Applicants: While your 30-day stay begins upon arrival, your granted ETA will have an expiry date (usually 30 days from the date of issuance). This means you must enter India beforethat ETA window expires. Once you pass through immigration in India, your 30-day “stay clock” starts.
MAKE SURE this covers beyond your expected Date of Arrival.
Page 2: Applicant Details
The second page of the application asks you to fill in more information about yourself. Accuracy here is vital to ensure your data matches your passport exactly.
Navigating the Personal Info Section
- Visible Identification Marks: This refers to permanent features like tattoos, scars, or birthmarks on your face or arms. If you don’t have any, simply type “NONE” in the box.
- Citizenship & Residency: The form asks, “Have you lived for at least two years in the country where you are applying visa?” * This refers to your current legal residence (the country where you normally live), not necessarily your country of birth or India.
- Pro Tip: If you are currently traveling and applying from a third country (for example, a New Zealander applying while on holiday in the Netherlands), you should generally select “YES” as if you were applying from your home country of residence to avoid unnecessary complications.
Passport Details
Enter your primary passport information carefully. You will also see an option to add a second passport if you hold dual citizenship. If you only have one passport, select “NO” and the additional fields will automatically disappear.
💡 Pro Tip: Secure Your Application ID
As soon as you begin this page, look for the Temporary Application ID that appears at the top.
Write this number down immediately. If your internet cuts out, or if you need to hit “Save and Exit” to find a document, you will need this ID (along with your passport number) to log back in and resume where you left off. Without it, you may have to start the entire application from scratch.
Page 3: Applicant Details, Address & Family History
The third page of the application covers your residential history, family background, and professional status. This section is quite detailed, so take your time to ensure everything is accurate.
1. Address Details
You must provide both your Present Address (where you are currently living) and your Permanent Address. If they are the same, most versions of the form allow you to check a box to auto-fill the details.
2. Family Background
You are required to provide the full names, birthplaces, and nationalities for both your Mother and Father.
- Note on Heritage: A specific question on this page asks if your parents or grandparents (on either side) ever held Pakistani nationality or belonged to a Pakistan-held area. If the answer is yes, you will likely be required to apply for a traditional paper visa at an embassy rather than an e-Visa.
3. Profession and Occupation
You will need to disclose your current occupation, including:
- Your employer’s name or business name.
- Your designation/job title.
- The address of your workplace.
- If you are a student, retired, or self-employed, select the corresponding category from the dropdown menu.
4. Marital Status
You must select your current status (Single, Married, Divorced, etc.). If you are married, you will be prompted to provide your spouse’s full name and nationality.
Page 4: India Travel Plans and History
This section focuses on the logistics of your upcoming trip and a detailed look at your international travel history.
1. Arrival and Exit Logistics
You must specify your Port of Arrival (where you will first land or enter India) and your Port of Exit (where you plan to leave the country).
- Note: Ensure your Port of Arrival is one of the designated airports or seaports that accepts e-Visas.
2. International Travel History
The form asks for a list of all countries you have visited in the last 10 years.
- Character Limit: The text box has a limit and can typically only fit 15 to 20 country names. If you are a frequent traveler, list your most recent destinations until the box is full.
3. SAARC Country Visits
You will be asked specifically if you have visited any SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries in the last three years. These include:
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- If you have visited any of these, you must list the country and the year of the visit.
4. References
You are required to provide two points of contact:
- Reference in India: If you don’t have a personal contact, use the name, address, and phone number of your first hotel or hostel.
- Reference in Home Country: This should be a friend, family member, or colleague in your country of residence who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
💡 Tip
Don’t stress if you don’t have your entire itinerary booked. Providing the details of your first accommodation is standard practice and perfectly acceptable for the “Reference in India” field.
Page 5: Declarations
This page consists of several questions regarding your legal and criminal history.
- Important Note: In some versions of the portal, these boxes may be set to “Yes” by default. Read each question carefully and ensure you select “No” for each (assuming they do not apply to you).
- At the bottom, check the box to agree to the final declaration and click “Continue.”
Page 6: Uploading Your India eVisa Documents
You will now upload the digital files you prepared earlier:
- Passport Photo: Upload your JPEG headshot.
- Passport ID Page: On the following screen, upload the PDF scan of your passport’s information page.
- Double-check that both files are clear and legible before proceeding, as blurry documents are the most common reason for application rejection.
Page 7: Online India eVisa Fee Payment
Before you pay, review your information one last time.
- 💡 Tip: Screenshot or write down your Application ID here. Payment portals can occasionally glitch, and you will need this ID to verify if your payment was successful or to try again without restarting the entire form.
Payment Rules to Remember:
- Timing: You must pay at least 4 days before your departure date.
- Methods: Most applicants can pay via Credit Card, Debit Card, or PayPal.
- Additional Costs: Expect a 2.5% bank surcharge on top of the visa fee. Your own bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee.
- Refund Policy: The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is granted or denied.
Page 8: Application Complete!
Congratulations! Your application is officially in the system.
- The Waiting Game: Processing typically takes up to 72 hours. Keep a close eye on the email address you provided.
- The Final Document: When your visa arrives, it will be titled Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
- Final Check: Confirm that your passport number is correct on the ETA and that the “Date of Expiry of ETA” is after the day you plan to land in India.
Remember: You must print a physical copy of this ETA and bring it with you to the airport.
More – IMPORTANT – Info for India e-Visa
For all further information (and to clarify anything official) refer to the e-Visa support center website.
While the system is efficient, the Indian government has updated its windows for 2026 to offer more flexibility.
Processing Time: How long does it take?
Officially, the government states that processing can take 72 hours or more.
- The Reality: While many applicants receive their approval within 48 hours, recent updates in 2026 suggest that increased security checks and high volumes can occasionally push this to 4–7 days.
- The Rule: You must apply at least 4 days before your flight. If you apply later than this, the system may not even allow you to submit your application.
When can you apply? (2026)
As of late 2025, the application windows have been expanded, making it much easier to plan ahead:
| Visa Type | How Early Can You Apply? | Latest You Can Apply? |
| 30-Day Tourist e-Visa | Up to 120 days before arrival | 4 days before arrival |
| 1-Year & 5-Year e-Visa | Up to 120 days before arrival | 4 days before arrival |
⚠️ Critical Warning: The “30-Day” Overlap Trap
The most common mistake travelers make with the 30-Day e-Tourist Visa is applying too close to their arrival date or exactly 30 days out.
- The ETA Window: When your 30-day visa is granted, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This document has an Expiry Date—usually 30 days from the day it was issued.
- The Risk: You must enter India before that expiry date. If you apply exactly 30 days before your flight and your flight is delayed by just a few hours (pushing your arrival past midnight), your ETA will be expired, and you will be denied boarding or entry.
💡 Recommendation: The “25-Day Rule”
To stay safe, we recommend applying for the 30-Day Visa 20 to 25 days before you travel. This gives you a comfortable “buffer” of about 5 days. If your flight is delayed or rescheduled, your ETA will still be valid for entry.
Once you clear immigration in India, your actual 30-day stay begins, regardless of when the ETA was issued.
Do I need to print my India e-Visa?
Yes. You do need to print your India e-Visa. You are required to bring a printed copy of your e-Visa when you enter India.
Final Steps: From Approval to Arrival – India e-Visa
Once you hit “submit,” the process isn’t quite over. Here is what you need to know about managing your documents and navigating Indian immigration.
Understanding the Emails
After submitting your form and fee, you will receive two distinct emails. It is vital not to confuse them:
- The Acknowledgement: This arrives almost immediately. It simply confirms that your application and payment were received. This is NOT a visa.
- The Confirmation (ETA): This arrives within 72 hours. Look for the magic words: “Application Status: GRANTED.” This email contains your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
💡 Pro Tip: As soon as you get your ETA, double-check your passport number and name spelling. Even a tiny typo can cause issues at the border. Ensure the “Date of Expiry” allows for any potential flight delays.
Preparing Your Documents
Don’t rely solely on your smartphone. Digital copies are great for backup, but official procedures still require paper:
- Print the ETA: You must have a physical, printed copy of your ETA to present to immigration.
- Digital Backup: Keep a screenshot or PDF on your phone. You will often be asked to show your visa or ETA when checking into hotels or guesthouses throughout India.
- Airport Check-in: Most airlines will ask to see your printed ETA before they even allow you to check in for your flight.
Arriving in India: What to Expect
Navigating a major Indian airport can be a bit overwhelming, but the India e-Visa process is generally well organised.
- Find the Correct Line: Look for the dedicated desks labeled “e-Visa” or “ETA Holders.” Do not stand in the general “Visa on Arrival” or “Citizen” lines.
- Biometrics: This is standard procedure. The officer will take a digital photo of your face and scan your fingerprints.
- The Interview: Expect a few brief, friendly questions about your trip, such as:
- “What is the purpose of your visit?” (Sightseeing/Tourism)
- “Which cities are you visiting?”
- “When are you planning to leave?”
- The Stamp: Once satisfied, the officer will place a physical stamp in your passport. This stamp officially marks the beginning of your stay in India.
WELCOME TO INDIA 🙂
Read More About Travel in India
- Managing Money In India: ATMs, Withdrawing & Exchanging Indian Rupees.
- Our Complete Packing List For India.
- Train Travel In India: A Complete Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Varanasi.
- Everything About Visiting The Taj Mahal.
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Things To Do In Jaisalmer.
- Taking A Bus In India.
- Jaisalmer To Jaipur (& Jodhpur) By Overnight Train.
Useful Links For India & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before arriving to travel with your India e-Visa!