Complete Guide to India e-Visa: Everything You Need to Know
A step-by-step walkthrough of the India e-Visa application process, required documents, fees, and expert tips to get approved on the first try.
What Is an India e-Visa?
The India e-Visa is an electronically issued travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter India without visiting an embassy or consulate in person. Launched in 2014, the programme has since expanded to cover tourism, business, medical treatment, and conference visits. Once approved, the e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport and can be verified at 28 designated international airports and 5 seaports across India.
There are several sub-categories you should understand before applying. The eTourist Visa comes in three variants: a 30-day single/double-entry visa ideal for short holidays, a one-year multiple-entry visa suited to frequent visitors, and a five-year multiple-entry visa that offers maximum flexibility for those who travel to India regularly. Each variant permits a continuous stay of up to 90 days per visit (120 days for US, UK, Canadian, and Japanese nationals).
Beyond tourism, the eBusiness Visa covers activities such as attending trade fairs, establishing joint ventures, or recruiting staff. The eMedical Visa is designed for patients seeking treatment at recognised Indian hospitals, while the eMedical Attendant Visa lets up to two companions travel alongside the patient. Finally, the eConference Visa is issued to delegates attending government-sponsored conferences or seminars.
Who Is Eligible for an India e-Visa?
Citizens of 166 countries are currently eligible to apply for an India e-Visa. The list includes most European Union member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and the majority of Southeast Asian, African, and South American nations. You can check the full eligibility list on the official Indian e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
There are a few important exclusions. Nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are not eligible for the e-Visa programme and must apply through a traditional consular route. Additionally, holders of diplomatic or official passports from any country cannot use the e-Visa system; they need to obtain a regular visa from an Indian mission abroad. Travellers of Pakistani origin who have acquired citizenship of an eligible country should also verify their eligibility carefully, as some restrictions may still apply.
For the 30-day eTourist Visa, you may enter India only through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports. Overland entry at border crossings with Nepal, Bhutan, or other neighbouring countries is not permitted on an e-Visa. If your travel plans involve a land border crossing, you will need to apply for a regular sticker visa through the nearest Indian embassy.
Required Documents
Before starting your application, gather the following documents. First, you need a passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your planned arrival date and at least two blank pages for stamps. The passport must be a standard, machine-readable type. Second, prepare a recent passport-sized photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) with a plain white background, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your full face from the front with both ears visible.
You will also need a clear, colour scan of the biographical page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details). This scan should be in JPEG or PNG format, between 10 KB and 1 MB. For eBusiness applicants, an invitation letter from the Indian company and a business card or letterhead of the foreign company are required. eMedical applicants must provide a letter from the Indian hospital confirming the appointment.
Payment is made online using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. It is crucial to double-check that the name on your application exactly matches the name on your passport, including any middle names. Even minor discrepancies can lead to rejection. We also recommend having your hotel booking confirmation and return flight itinerary on hand, as these are occasionally requested during the application process.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and click "Apply here for e-Visa." Select your nationality, passport type, and port of arrival. Choose the appropriate visa category (eTourist, eBusiness, eMedical, or eConference). Fill in your planned arrival date and the specific e-Visa sub-type you need.
Step 2: Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, family details, and professional background. You will also need to answer a series of security-related questions. Be thorough and accurate with every field. Upload your passport photo and the scan of your passport bio page as described above. Review every field carefully before submitting.
Step 3: Pay the visa fee online. The base fee for a 30-day eTourist Visa is approximately USD 25 for most nationalities, though citizens of certain countries may pay a different amount. One-year and five-year visas carry higher fees. After successful payment, you will receive an Application ID. Save this ID, as you will need it to check the status of your application and to download your e-Visa once it is approved.
Processing Time and Fees
Standard processing for the India e-Visa takes approximately 72 hours (3 business days) from the date of submission. However, we recommend applying at least one week before your travel date to account for any delays or requests for additional information. During peak tourist season (October through March), processing times may be slightly longer.
Fee structures vary by visa type and nationality. The 30-day eTourist Visa starts at USD 25 for most countries, but nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan often pay between USD 25 and USD 80 depending on the specific visa duration. The one-year eTourist Visa typically costs USD 40 and the five-year variant costs USD 80 for most nationalities. eBusiness and eMedical visas generally cost USD 80. Note that an additional bank processing fee of 2.5% is charged on top of the base fee.
If your application is rejected, the visa fee is non-refundable. This makes it especially important to fill out the form correctly the first time. With eVisaFlex, we review your application for errors before you submit, significantly reducing the risk of rejection and wasted fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The single most common reason for rejection is a mismatch between the name on the application and the name on the passport. If your passport reads "JAMES ROBERT SMITH" but you enter "James Smith" on the form, your application may be denied. Always copy your full name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport.
Photo-related issues are the second biggest cause of delays and rejections. The photo must have a white background, not cream, grey, or any other colour. Your face should occupy 50 to 70 percent of the frame, and you must not wear glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons). The image must be clear, well-lit, and in colour.
Other frequent mistakes include selecting the wrong port of arrival, uploading blurry or cropped passport scans, providing incorrect passport numbers, and failing to disclose previous visa refusals. Some applicants also accidentally apply for the wrong visa type. If you are visiting India for tourism but apply for a business visa, your application will likely be rejected, and the fee will not be refunded.
Tips for Quick Approval
Apply early. While the official processing time is 72 hours, submitting your application 7 to 10 days before your travel date gives you a buffer in case additional documentation is requested. Avoid applying on Indian public holidays or weekends, as these can slow processing.
Use a strong, stable internet connection when completing the form. The official portal can sometimes be slow, and a dropped connection might cause you to lose your progress. We recommend using a desktop or laptop rather than a mobile device, as the form is easier to navigate on a larger screen.
Keep digital copies of all your documents easily accessible. If the immigration authorities request additional information, responding promptly can prevent unnecessary delays. Finally, consider using eVisaFlex to handle your application. Our platform pre-checks your documents, flags potential issues, and submits your application with a much higher first-time approval rate than self-filing.
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