FAQ
Overview of the India e-Visa
The India e-Visa is a digital travel authorization that allows eligible foreign travelers to enter India for purposes such as tourism, business-related activities, or medical treatment. Depending on the selected visa category and the traveler’s nationality, approved stays generally range between 30 and 180 consecutive days.
All international travelers entering India are required to hold a valid visa along with a valid travel document, such as a current passport.
Application Requirements and Basic Documents
To submit an India e-Visa application, travelers must possess a valid passport, a recent passport-style photograph, and a debit or credit card for payment. In certain cases, applicants may also be asked to provide additional personal information, including residential address, employment details, or family-related data.
Applicants requesting a business or medical travel authorization may be required to submit extra supporting documents. Business travelers may need to provide a business invitation or proof of association with an organization in India, while medical travelers may be asked to submit a letter from the healthcare facility where treatment is planned.
In many cases, supporting documents are not required at the initial submission stage and may be requested later if necessary.
Eligibility Criteria for Online Applications
Nationals of countries approved for the electronic visa program are permitted to apply for an India e-Visa. A detailed list of eligible nationalities is provided in the section below.
Applicants holding Pakistani nationality, as well as individuals of Pakistani origin, are not eligible to use the electronic visa system and must instead apply through a regular visa process via an embassy or consular office.
Note: If your nationality does not appear on the eligible list, travel to India may still be possible. In such situations, you will need to apply for a standard visa through the nearest embassy or consular office.
When Should I Submit My India e-Visa Application?
Travelers are required to submit their India e-Visa request no later than four (4) days before their planned departure. That said, it is highly recommended to apply at least one (1) month ahead of travel to allow enough time for processing and any additional checks that may be required.
Entry Options and Validity Rules
Depending on the visa category, the India e-Visa may be issued as a double-entry or multiple-entry authorization for tourism, a multiple-entry authorization for business travel, or a triple-entry authorization for medical patients and accompanying attendants.
The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted once issued and is not valid for travel to restricted, protected, or cantonment areas.
What If I Entered Incorrect Information?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all submitted details carefully before finalizing the application. If a mistake is discovered after submission, applicants should reach out to customer assistance promptly to receive guidance on possible corrections.
Steps to Take After Approval
Once approved, the e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical travel authorization is delivered to the applicant by email. This email serves as official confirmation and should be saved for reference.
Travelers must print at least one copy of the approved authorization and keep it with them during their stay. Upon arrival at an approved airport or seaport, travelers must present the printed authorization along with their passport. Immigration officials will verify the documents, collect biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph, and place an entry stamp in the passport.
Entry Rules for Travelers Using an India e-Visa
Yes. Travelers holding an India e-Visa are required to enter the country only through officially approved airports or seaports. Entry through any other point of arrival is not permitted and may lead to refusal at immigration.
Those planning to enter India by land routes or through ports that are not authorized must obtain a standard Indian visa before traveling.
Departure Guidelines for e-Visa Holders
There are no exit restrictions for travelers with a valid India e-Visa. Departures are allowed from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) across the country.
Can Cruise Ship Travelers Use an India e-Visa?
Yes. Passengers arriving in India by cruise ship may use an India e-Visa, provided the vessel docks at an approved seaport. Cruise passengers arriving at ports not included in the authorized list must secure a traditional visa stamped in their passport prior to travel.
How Does an e-Visa Differ from a Standard Indian Visa?
A traditional Indian visa is obtained through an in-person application at an embassy or consulate. This process is generally more time-intensive and requires submission of the applicant’s original passport along with supporting documents. Standard visas typically allow stays between 90 and 180 consecutive days.
An India e-Visa, including Tourist, Business, and Medical categories, is completed entirely online and issued electronically. Once approved, the authorization is delivered by email and must be printed for presentation upon arrival. Depending on the visa type and nationality, permitted stays range from 30 to 180 consecutive days.
Health and Vaccination Advice for Travel to India
While vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into India in most cases, travelers are strongly encouraged to ensure they are appropriately immunized before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever where applicable. Travelers should consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to their individual health and travel plans.
Is Proof of Yellow Fever Immunization Required for Travel to India?
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required only for travelers who are nationals of, or who are arriving from, countries classified as Yellow Fever–risk areas. Travelers who are subject to this requirement and do not present valid proof of vaccination may be placed under quarantine upon arrival in India.
Important: Individuals who are citizens of, or who have recently traveled through, Yellow Fever–affected regions must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when entering India. Failure to provide this documentation may result in mandatory quarantine for a period of up to six (6) days following arrival.