For an international traveler planning a sightseeing trip, an Indian tourist visa is the key to unlocking a world of unforgettable experiences. Travelers must have a visa for tourism unless they have a special passport or OCI card or are visa-exempt.
Read on to learn more about the Indian tourist e-Visa, its validity, and how to get it to travel to the country.
The tourism visa is a travel document that allows tourists to experience India’s rich cultural heritage and explore the country. Tourists have the option to choose between a regular paper tourist visa or the increasingly popular Indian e-Visa (eligible for citizens of 166 countries).
Travelers can apply for a regular visa online and get it processed through an authorized center or an Indian embassy. In this guide, the focus will be on Indian e-Visas, which are available in various types based on travel needs.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a pivotal global entry point, welcomes a myriad of visitors to India each day, accommodating both tourists and business travelers. The airport is equipped with the India eVisa system for entry.
The following types of tourist e-Visas are available:
Important Note: All types of Indian tourist e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
Let’s understand some common confusions and concerns surrounding the validity of the Indian e-Visa.
However, the traveler needs to be mindful of the 30-day stay limit once he/she enters India. Being a double entry e-Visa, they can enter the country twice within the validity period.
Remember, e-Visa costs vary for different nationalities.
Seasonal Pricing: For a 30-day e-Visa, the price fluctuates based on the season:
Long-Term e-Visas:
At the government website, prepare for additional charges! Banks will apply a 2.5% fee to the application fee. If using PayPal on the SBIePay platform, expect a 3.5% charge on top of the e-Visa fee.
Remember, these are just some key points to keep in mind. For the most up-to-date information on pricing, always refer to the official Indian e-Visa website.
Online application
No document send-off
Easy process
Available for tourism and business
Fast processing
Foreign nationals applying for an India tourist e-Visa can do so via Natvisa, which provides a user-friendly interface. Applicants can follow the below-mentioned steps:
Our support team provides timely updates on the Indian e-Visa application status via formal email notifications. Rest assured, applicants will be informed at each stage of the process, from submission to decision.
Natvisa offers a user-friendly and efficient system that simplifies obtaining Indian e-Visas by making it less stressful.
Form is received and reviewed.
Receive the approved document.
Present the document upon arrival.
Many applicants have faced difficulties on the government e-visa portal, which can be slow and glitchy. Listed below are some issues reported on discussion and travel forums that applicants have faced on the government e-Visa website:
Technical Tips:
Document Submission on the Government website for electronic visas:
Remember: Be cautious, provide accurate information on the government site, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. With these tips, applying for the India tourist e-Visa will be easy.
| Ahmedabad | Amritsar | Bagdogra |
| Bengaluru | Bhubaneswar | Calicut |
| Chandigarh | Chennai | Cochin |
| Coimbatore | Delhi | Gaya |
| Goa | Guwahati | Hyderabad |
| Jaipur | Kannur | Kolkata |
| Lucknow | Madurai | Mangalore |
| Mumbai | Nagpur | Port Blair |
| Pune |
| Chennai | Cochin | Goa |
| Mumbai | New Mangalore |
While the Indian e-Visa offers incredible flexibility, it’s important to note that it cannot be extended or converted to another type.
Additionally, it’s not valid for entry into restricted zones like Protected, Restricted, or Cantonment Areas. To explore these sites, tourists must obtain prior permission from the relevant civil authority.
Indian e-Visa, also known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), will be sent by email upon approval. Remember to print it out to present it to immigration, where it will be stamped on the passport.
For added peace of mind, save a backup copy of your e-Visa on the phone or tablet. This comes in handy if a traveler loses the paper copy before boarding or faces limited internet access before going through immigration.
Based on travel forum discussions, showing the e-Visa on the phone at immigration has been acceptable for entry. However, we recommend keeping a couple of printed copies to avoid any potential delays.
To obtain an Indian e-Visa for tourism, applicants must meet the passport requirements:
If the tourist e-Visa is valid, but the old passport has expired, travelers must carry both the expired and new passports for travel.
Tourists have the option to apply for a new e-Visa or transfer their existing e-Visa to the new passport, if preferred.
Citizens of over 166 countries can apply for the Indian e-Visas. Unfortunately, the following travelers are not eligible:
Whether the trip is a leisurely escape or a family reunion, the Indian tourist e-Visa is the perfect option. For quick getaways, targeted visits, or short events, the 30-day tourist e-Visa is ideal. Frequent travelers and digital nomads seeking extended stays will find the 1-year and 5-year e-Visas for tourism the best choice.
With its convenient online application and flexible validity options, the Indian tourist e-Visa types offer something for everyone. Start planning today!
This content has been reviewedThe content on this page has undergone a thorough review by Gunjan Shukla, ensuring its accuracy, relevance, and quality. It’s important to always check with relevant authorities as entry policies can change.
See Natvisa content review process.
