If you are a U.S. citizen planning to visit India, you must have a valid Indian visa to enter.
The good news is that India now offers the India E-Visa, which lets you apply and get approval entirely online, a visa process that is much faster and easier to obtain than a traditional paper visa.
This guide covers the simple facts you need to know about the India Tourist and Business visas, including the fees and the steps you need to take to apply online.
Quick Summary: India Visa Rules
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | A E-Visa (Online Tourist or Business Visa) is mandatory for all U.S. citizens entering India. |
| Tourist E-Visa Stay | Up to 180 days per visit (on 1-year or 5-year visa). |
| Business E-Visa Stay | Up to 180 days per visit (on 5-year visa). |
| Passport Validity | At least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date. |
In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.
What is the India E-Visa?
The Indian E-Visa is an official document that grants U.S. citizens permission to enter and stay in India. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a visa to visit.
The most common E-Visa types are:
- Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or short yoga programs.
- Business Visa: For trade, negotiations, and attending meetings.
Important: You must apply for the correct type of visa for your trip, as changing your visa purpose after you enter India is very difficult or impossible.
Applying for Your India E-Visa
The government of India has outsourced all visa handling to professional services. This means you cannot apply directly at an Indian Embassy. You must apply either through the official government E-Visa portal or through an approved visa service provider.
Here are your two options in detail:
- India E-Visa portal: You must apply online, upload your travel documents, pay the fee, and receive the visa approval by email. E-visas are available for Tourists (30-day, 1-year, 5-year options) and Business travelers. E-Visas cannot be extended or changed.
- India Tourist E-Visa for US Citizens: Your Essential Travel Guide
- India Business E-Visa for US Citizens: Your Essential Travel Guide
- Using an Assisted Service (iVisa): The official application forms are detailed and complicated, and mistakes often lead to non-refundable denial. iVisa provides a simple, trusted service to help. Their experts review your application, confirm the correct visa type and duration, check your photo and documents, and guide you through the submission process, ensuring your application is correct the first time.
The Official India Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The E-Visa process involves careful document preparation to avoid delays and the mandatory payment of fees.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport Validity: | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. |
| E-Visa Processing Time: | E-Visa processing time varies but can take several days. Plan to apply at least 4 days before your trip. |
| E-Visa Application Fee: | Varies by visa type/duration (e.g., $40 - $80 USD for Tourist E-Visas). |
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Your U.S. passport (must have 2 blank pages and 6 months’ validity).
- One recent, color, passport-size photo (digital upload).
- Proof of residency in the U.S. (e.g., copy of your driver's license or state ID).
- Proof of travel (e.g., trip itinerary, airline ticket).
- For Business Visas Only: A cover letter from your U.S. company and a letter from the inviting company in India.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official Indian government E-Visa portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Complete the detailed application form online. The name and address on the application must match your US passport and ID exactly.
- Upload your digital photo and passport scan.
Step 3: Pay the Fee and Submit
- Pay the non-refundable India visa fee online.
- Double-check your application for errors that may cause delay or denial.
- Submit your complete application.
Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. You must print this ETA and carry it with you during your trip.
Beyond the India E-Visa: Important Rules
An approved E-Visa does not guarantee entry into India. Immigration officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Printed ETA
- Valid U.S. Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Proof of Onward Travel (e.g., return ticket)
Note on India E-Visa Validity
All India visas are valid from the date they are issued, not the date you enter. Do not apply for your India E-Visa too early, or your visa may expire before your planned trip.
In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.
India E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Yes. All U.S. citizens need a visa to enter India, even for tourism. The E-Visa is the easiest type to apply for.
A: No. E-Visas cannot be extended or converted to a different visa type (like a work visa) once you are in India. You must leave India when your permitted stay ends.
A: For the 1-year and 5-year Tourist E-Visas, the maximum continuous stay per visit is 180 days (6 months).
A: Yes. Children need their own visa application and passport, regardless of age. The application for minors must be signed by both parents.
A: Because the Indian government handles visa processing differently than most countries (i.e., using authorized centers and very strict forms), the E-Visa application requires high attention to detail to prevent instant rejection. This is why it is highly recommended to apply for your India E-Visa through a trusted application service like iVisa.
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