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India Tourist E-Visa for US Citizens: Your Essential Travel Guide

How American citizens can get an India Tourist E-Visa (e-TV) online

Traveling to India has never been easier, thanks to the country's streamlined Tourist E-Visa (e-TV) system. For U.S. citizens, the e-TV is the fastest and most convenient way to secure your required visa before you depart, eliminating the need for a traditional paper visa application at a consulate.

The e-TV allows you to pre-process your visa online, choose between several validity options, and arrive in India with confidence that you have what is required to gain entry to India. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to obtain your India Tourist E-Visa (e-TV) both quickly and accurately.

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What is the India Tourist E-Visa?

The India Tourist E-Visa (e-TV) is an official, electronic visa that grants foreign visitors permission to enter India for short-term stays, primarily for tourism or visiting family/friends. The e-TV is different from a regular paper visa because it is processed entirely online.

Do I Need an India Tourist E-Visa?

As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need an e-TV to enter India for tourism. The India Tourist E-Visa is the recommended option for short visits due to its speed of processing and the convenience of having your visa digitally connected to your US passport.

You must get an e-TV if you are:

  • Traveling to India for tourism, sightseeing, or casual visits to meet friends and relatives.
  • Attending a short-term yoga program.
  • Planning a short-term stay (up to 180 days continuous stay, depending on the visa option chosen).

The e-TV is required for all foreign visitors, including children and infants. It is not valid for Diplomatic/Official Passport holders or for entry via India’s land borders.

E-Visa Options: Validity and Cost

India offers several e-TV options. The e-TV fee depends on the duration and time of year for the 30-day visa. Note that an additional 2.5% bank transaction charge applies to all fees.

Visa Type Official Government Fee Duration of Stay (Maximum Continuous) Validity (Entry Window)
30-Day e-TV (Peak Season) US$25.00 (July to March) 30 days from arrival Single Entry. Must enter within 30 days of ETA issuance.
30-Day e-TV (Low Season) US$10.00 (April to June) 30 days from arrival Single Entry. Must enter within 30 days of ETA issuance.
1-Year e-TV US$40.00 180 days Multiple Entry. Valid for 365 days from ETA issuance.
5-Year e-TV US$80.00 180 days Multiple Entry. Valid for 5 years from ETA issuance.

Applying for Your E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service

When obtaining your India Tourist E-Visa, you have two main pathways. Be highly cautious of using unverified third-party websites.

  • Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating the official government portal, applying directly is the most cost-effective method. You must only use the official government portal to avoid scams.
  • The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process and expert review before submission, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa streamlines the application process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted. This helps eliminate common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The Official India Tourist E-Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide

The e-TV application must be completed entirely online. You must apply at least 4 days before your travel date. Standard processing time is up to 72 hours. Many applications are processed quickly, but officials require submission and payment at least 4 days before travel.

Step 1: Get Your Information Ready

  • Your valid U.S. passport (must have at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival and 2 blank passport pages).
  • A recent digital passport-style photograph (JPEG format).
  • A scanned copy of the passport's bio page (PDF format).
  • A confirmed round-trip or onward flight ticket.
  • A credit or debit card for the non-refundable fee.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

  • Access the official India government portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
  • Select the visa category (e-Tourist Visa) and the desired validity (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year).
  • Fill out the application form with personal details, travel history, and necessary documentation uploads.

Step 3: Pay and Receive Your E-Visa

  • Pay the non-refundable government fee (plus the 2.5% bank charge). The fee must be paid at least 4 days before your arrival date.
  • Double-check all your information for accuracy, as no modifications are allowed after submission.
  • Submit your application.
  • Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive the India e-TV document via email. While the e-TV is digitally connected to your passport, you must print this document and carry it with you to present to the immigration officer upon arrival in India.

Beyond the E-Visa: Other India Entry Requirements

The e-TV is your official permission to travel to India, but it does not guarantee entry. An approved e-TV does not guarantee entry into India. Immigration officers retain the final authority on admission.

Be prepared to show:

  • Printed e-TV: A physical, printed copy of your approved e-TV.
  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of arrival and have 2 blank passport pages.
  • Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of your ticket for departure from India.

Important E-Visa Restrictions

  • Entry Points: The e-TV is only valid for entry at 28 designated international airports and 5 seaports (it is not valid for land border crossings).
  • Maximum Stay: Regardless of whether you have a 1-year or 5-year e-TV, the maximum continuous stay is 180 days.

India Tourist E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the E-Visa the same as a regular paper visa?

No. The E-Visa is processed entirely online and is for short-term tourism. Regular paper visas (which U.S. citizens can also apply for) are typically for longer stays and require a physical submission at a consulate or a VFS center.

Which visa duration should I choose?

The choice depends on your travel plans:

  • 30-day e-TV: Best if you are making a single, short visit within the next few months.
  • 1-year or 5-year e-TV: Ideal if you plan multiple short visits to India over the next several years, as it saves you the hassle of reapplying repeatedly.
Can I extend my e-TV once I am in India?

No. The India Tourist E-Visa (e-TV) is non-extendable and non-convertible. You must leave the country once your maximum period of stay expires.

Is the E-Visa multiple entry?

The 30-day e-TV is generally single-entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-TVs are multiple-entry, allowing you to enter and exit India multiple times within the validity period, subject to the 180-day continuous stay rule.

What if my passport expires soon?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in India. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must renew it before applying for a visa. We highly recommend applying for a passport renewal as soon as possible to avoid delaying your travel plans.

Need your passport fast? Visit our page: How to Get a Passport Fast.

Apply for your India Tourist E-Visa quickly and securely with iVisa today! Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and complete confidence in your travel documents.

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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