Safety notice: The US Department of State rates India Level 2 (exercise increased caution) overall, but advises Do Not Travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except eastern Ladakh and Leh), areas within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, parts of Central and East India affected by Maoist violence, and Manipur. It also advises reconsidering travel to the northeastern states. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except air travel to and within Jammu city), against all travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, and against all but essential travel to Manipur. Read the current US State Department advice and the UK FCDO advice before you book.
Do You Need a Visa for India?
Yes, almost every foreign visitor needs a visa before arriving in India. Most travelers apply online for an electronic visa, known as the e-Visa, on the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in, if their nationality is eligible. Other travelers apply through an Indian embassy or consulate. Confirm the rules for your own passport on the official site before you pay or book.
Last checked: November 2026
Many look-alike websites charge extra fees for the same form, so type the official address yourself rather than following an advert. After you have a visa, plan the rest of the trip with the flights to India guide and the best time to visit India.
Which Passports Can Use the India e-Visa?
The e-Visa list has grown in recent years, and 2026 sources give figures from about 166 to 172 countries and territories. Check the live list on the portal rather than relying on a number. It includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, most of Europe and many countries in the Gulf, Africa and Latin America.
| Traveler group | Usual route | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Passport on the e-Visa list | Online e-Visa | Visa type, stay per visit, fee for your nationality |
| Passport not on the list | Visa from an Indian embassy or consulate | Processing time and documents at your local mission |
| Citizens of Pakistan | Visa from the Indian mission only | Visa services have been restricted since 2025 |
| Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders | OCI card, no tourist visa | Carry the card and a valid passport |
Travelers of Pakistani origin who hold another passport are asked extra questions on the form and may be directed to an Indian mission. Answer every question accurately, because an incorrect answer can lead to refusal.
e-Tourist Visa Types and Fees
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa: valid for 30 days from your first arrival, with two entries allowed.
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entries, with the validity counted from the date of issue.
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entries, with the validity counted from the date of issue.
On the 1-year and 5-year visas, each stay is usually limited to 90 days, and citizens of a few countries may stay longer. Fees depend on your nationality, the visa length and the month you apply, and India now uses reciprocal fees for some countries, so figures on third-party sites often differ. Use the fee table on the official portal, and expect a small bank or card charge on top. For one holiday, the 30-day visa is the usual choice.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Check eligibility: open the official portal and confirm your nationality is on the e-Visa list.
- Fill in the form: enter passport details, address, family details and your planned arrival airport and date. Use the exact spelling from your passport.
- Upload documents: add a recent photo and a scan of your passport photo page in the format the portal asks for.
- Pay online: pay the fee by card. A refusal does not return the fee.
- Wait for approval: the authorization arrives by email, usually within about 72 hours.
- Print it: carry a printed copy and keep a digital copy on your phone.
Documents You Need
- A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least two blank pages.
- A recent color photo that meets the portal’s size and background rules.
- A scan of your passport photo page.
- The address of your first hotel or stay.
- A return or onward ticket and proof of funds, which officers may ask to see.
You must travel on the same passport you used for the application.
Which Forms Must You Complete Before You Land?
A visa is not the only requirement. Two separate online forms are now needed for foreign arrivals, and neither replaces the visa.
- e-Arrival Card: a digital arrival form completed on the official portal up to 72 hours before you arrive. It replaces the paper card.
- Air Suvidha 2.0 health self-declaration: mandatory for all international arrivals since the portal launched on 25 June 2026 in response to an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. You can submit it up to 24 hours before arrival at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in, and officers may ask to see the downloaded copy.
Both requirements can change at short notice, so check the official pages again a few days before you fly.
How Early Should You Apply?
The portal requires you to apply at least four days before arrival and shows the earliest date you can apply. In practice, apply three to four weeks ahead. Official processing is about 72 hours, but holidays and busy periods can add delays, and a refusal needs time to fix.
Entering India on an e-Visa
The e-Visa works only at designated airports and seaports. The major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi and Goa are normally on the list, but confirm the current list on the portal before you choose your arrival city. At immigration, officers check your passport and e-Visa and take your fingerprints and photo.
Land crossings are more restricted. The FCDO states that the Wagah-Attari crossing with Pakistan is closed for tourist transit except for the daily border ceremony, and land borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar can need extra permits. Some regions, including parts of the northeast and certain border areas, also need special permits, so check the FCDO entry requirements page or your own government’s advice before you plan a route.
Overstaying and Extensions
Do not overstay. Fines, detention and a ban on returning can follow. E-Visas generally cannot be extended or converted into another visa type, so choose a visa length that covers your plans, including any buffer for delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying on an unofficial website and paying extra fees.
- Applying too close to departure, with no time to fix an error.
- A name or passport number that does not match the passport exactly.
- A photo with the wrong size or background.
- Arriving at an airport that is not on the e-Visa list.
- Forgetting the e-Arrival Card or the Air Suvidha self-declaration.
- Booking non-refundable flights or hotels before the visa is approved.
India Visa FAQs
Can I get a visa on arrival in India?
Visa on arrival is limited to a few nationalities at a few airports, and most visitors should not count on it. Apply for the e-Visa before you fly, because airlines can refuse boarding without valid authorization. Check the official portal for the current country list and entry points.
How long does an India e-Visa take?
The government states that e-Visa applications are processed within about 72 hours, but delays can occur around holidays and busy periods. Apply a few weeks before departure, and never later than four days before arrival, which is the minimum the portal requires.
Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The e-Arrival Card is a digital arrival form completed up to 72 hours before landing, and it does not replace a visa or OCI card. You must also complete the separate Air Suvidha health self-declaration, which is mandatory for all international arrivals.
How long must my passport be valid for India?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least two blank pages. You must travel on the same passport you used for the e-Visa application. Check the official portal in case the rules change before you travel.