The short answer
- Apply at least
- 4 days before arrival
- Options
- 30 days, 1 year or 5 years
- Fees
- US$10 to US$80, plus bank charge
- Passport
- Valid 6 months from arrival
Citizens of most countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, can apply for an e-Tourist Visa online instead of visiting an embassy. Approval usually arrives by email within a few days.
Apply only through the official Indian government website. Many lookalike sites charge large extra fees for the same visa.
The three e-Tourist Visa types
| Visa | Fee (US$) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 30 day | 25 (July to March) or 10 (April to June) | A single trip of up to a month |
| 1 year | 40 | Several trips within a year |
| 5 year | 80 | Frequent visitors |
Fees for many nationalities, plus a 2.5% bank charge. Some nationalities pay different fees. Checked October 2026.
The 30 day visa counts from the day you arrive. Longer visas allow several visits, each with a maximum length of stay that depends on your nationality.
How to apply
- 1. Go to the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and choose e-Visa.
- 2. Fill in the form with your passport details, travel plans and a reference in India (your first hotel or tour operator).
- 3. Upload a recent passport style photo on a white background and a scan of your passport photo page.
- 4. Pay the fee online. Applications must be paid at least 4 days before travel or they are not processed.
- 5. Check your email. Your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must show as GRANTED before you fly.
Tip: Print a copy of your ETA and carry it with your passport. If you renew your passport after applying, travel with both the old and new passports.
Rules people often miss
- Your passport needs at least six months of validity from your arrival date and at least two blank pages.
- The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another type, and the fee is not refundable.
- You must enter India through one of the designated e-Visa airports or seaports. All major international airports are included.
- Some restricted and protected areas, including parts of the north east and Ladakh, need an extra permit. Tours to these areas usually arrange it.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does an India e-Visa take?
Most are approved within 2 to 4 working days. Apply at least 4 days before arrival, and ideally a few weeks ahead so there is time to fix any problems.
Can I get a visa on arrival in India?
Only a few nationalities can. Most visitors, including those from the UK, US, Canada and Australia, must apply for an e-Visa before travelling.
Which e-Visa should I choose?
The 30 day visa suits a single tour. If you might return within a year, the 1 year visa often costs only a little more.
Sources we checked
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