India eVisa Guide 2025: 160+ Countries, 3 Types, Fast Approval

India's electronic visa (eVisa) system is one of the most expansive in the world, covering over 160 nationalities and multiple visa categories. If you're planning to visit India, there is a good chance you can skip the embassy queue entirely — but understanding the system's rules, limitations, and common pitfalls will save you significant stress.

Who Can Apply for an India eVisa?

Citizens of 169 countries are currently eligible for the India eVisa. This includes most of the world's major passport-issuing nations:

Eligible nationalities include: United States, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, and most of the rest of the world.

• ·Pakistan and Afghanistan (diplomatic restrictions)
• ·Citizens who hold Pakistani or Afghan passports but may be citizens of other countries should check their specific passport's eligibility
• ·Several other nationalities with specific diplomatic complications — check the official Indian eVisa portal for the current complete list

India eVisa Types: Which One Do You Need?

1. e-Tourist Visa (eTV)

The most commonly applied-for category. Available in three durations:

| Variant | Entry | Max consecutive stay | Validity | |---------|-------|---------------------|----------| | 30-day | Single | 30 days | 30 days from first entry | | 1-year | Multiple | 90 days per visit | 1 year from issue | | 5-year | Multiple | 90 days per visit | 5 years from issue |

Fee: USD 10–80+ depending on nationality and visa duration. Some nationalities pay higher fees; US citizens historically paid more than EU nationals. Check the portal for your specific passport's fee.

Best option for most tourists: The 1-year multiple-entry eTV gives maximum flexibility for travellers who may want to re-enter India or travel through a neighbouring country and return.

2. e-Business Visa (eBV)

For attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or short-term business activities. It explicitly does NOT permit paid employment or taking up a job in India.

• ·Validity: 1 year from issue
• ·Entry: Multiple entry
• ·Max stay: Up to 180 consecutive days per visit
• ·Fee: USD 80 for most nationalities

3. e-Medical Visa (eMV)

For visitors seeking medical treatment at recognised Indian hospitals. One of the more unique eVisa categories — issued as a triple (patient + 2 attendants on separate eMedical Attendant Visas).

• ·Validity: 60 days from first entry
• ·Entry: Triple entry
• ·Fee: USD 80
• ·Note: Requires documentation from the treating Indian hospital; apply well in advance and provide hospital correspondence

4. e-Conference Visa

A rarely-used category for attending specific government-approved international conferences.

Step-by-Step India eVisa Application

1. **Visit the official portal**: indianvisaonline.gov.in — bookmark this URL. Dozens of unofficial copycat sites charge inflated fees for the same process.
2. **Choose your visa type** and complete the online application form — allow 30–45 minutes for a thorough completion. Save your application ID before closing the browser.
3. **Upload required documents**:
4. **Pay the fee** by credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; some nationalities report issues with certain card types — try an alternative card if payment fails.
5. **Receive your eVisa by email** — typically within 72 hours, though 4–7 business days is the official processing window. During Indian public holidays or peak periods (October–November, December), allow more time.
6. **Print the eVisa email** (or save as PDF) and carry it to India. You will need to present it at immigration along with your passport.

Common eVisa Application Mistakes to Avoid

Photograph requirements are strictly enforced: The photo must have a plain white background, face occupying 70–80% of the frame, no glasses, and taken within 6 months. Applications with non-compliant photos are rejected without refund.

Passport name vs. ticket name must match exactly: Any discrepancy between how your name appears on your passport and your flight booking (including middle names) can cause delays or refusals at check-in or immigration.

Apply at least 4 business days before travel: The official processing window is up to 4 business days. Do not apply the day before travel and expect same-day processing — it sometimes happens, but it is not guaranteed.

The eVisa start date: The 30-day eVisa validity begins from the date of first entry, not from the issue date. The 1-year and 5-year eVisas' validity begins from the issue date.

Critical Rules for India eVisa Holders

Eligible Entry Points Only

• ·28 designated airports: Includes all major international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Goa, Amritsar, and others)
• ·5 seaports: Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochi, Mangalore
• ·Land borders are NOT permitted for eVisa entry — if you plan to cross from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Myanmar by land, you need a standard sticker visa from the embassy

No Extensions Allowed

The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted to another category once you are in India. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and re-apply (on a multiple-entry variant) or visit an Indian consulate abroad to apply for a long-stay visa.

Return Ticket Requirement

You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket when entering on a Tourist eVisa. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see this at Indian airports, and airlines may check before boarding.

What to Expect at Indian Immigration

Indian immigration at major airports (especially Delhi and Mumbai) can be slow — queues of 45–90 minutes during peak arrival periods are not unusual. Having your documents organised will help:

• ·Present your passport AND the printed/PDF eVisa email
• ·Complete the arrival card (often distributed on the plane; also available at immigration)
• ·Have your Indian hotel address and phone number ready
• ·Fingerprinting and photography is standard for most nationalities

Standard Sticker Visa (For eVisa-Ineligible Nationalities)

• ·Processing time: 5–10 business days for standard applications; 2–3 days for expedited processing where available
• ·Documents: Passport, visa application form, photo, travel itinerary, financial evidence, employment or enrollment documentation
• ·Fee: Varies significantly by nationality and visa type

India does NOT offer visa on arrival for any nationality. All visitors require a visa (eVisa or sticker) obtained before travel.