India Tourist Visa Guide – Rules, Application & Online Process Explained

Planning a Trip to India? Here’s How to Get Your Tourist Visa

India is one of the most diverse and unforgettable destinations in the world. Whether you're visiting to see the Taj Mahal, experience Holi, or enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, your first step is applying for an India tourist visa.

This guide explains how the process works, what documents you need, who is eligible, what the visa costs — and how to apply online quickly and safely through the official government portal.

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Types of India Tourist Visas

India offers two main types of tourist visas:

The e-Tourist Visa is the most popular and convenient option for most travelers, especially from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Apply online via the official Indian government portal

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Who Can Apply for the India e-Tourist Visa?

Citizens of over 160 countries are eligible for the e-tourist visa. These include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany, France, Italy
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & most European/Asian nations

Important Notes:

• You must apply before arriving in India.
• Visa on arrival is NOT available for most travelers (exceptions: Japan, South Korea, UAE – with conditions).
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with 2 blank pages.

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Required Documents for India Tourist Visa

To complete your visa application, prepare the following:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months, 2 blank pages)
• A recent passport-size photo (white background)
• Scanned copy of your passport’s photo page (PDF format)
• Travel details: expected arrival date, airport of entry
• Debit/credit card for visa fee payment

Photo Tip: Submit a clear JPEG image of your face with no shadows, glasses, or filters.

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India Tourist Visa Fees

Visa fees depend on your nationality and the visa duration. Here's a general fee estimate in USD:

Bank Fee: Around 2.5% extra is charged during online payment.

Check official visa fees here

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How to Apply Online for an India e-Tourist Visa

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit the government site:                                                                                                    https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

Step 2: Select ‘e-Visa Application’ and fill in your details

• Name, nationality, DOB, passport number, etc.

Step 3: Upload your documents

• Passport scan (PDF, under 300KB)
• Photo (JPEG, under 1MB)

Step 4: Pay the visa fee online

• Using a credit or debit card

Step 5: Wait for approval email (2–4 business days typical)

Step 6: Print your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• Carry it during your flight to India
• Present it at immigration along with your passport

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Approved Entry Points for e-Tourist Visa

Airports:

• Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Varanasi

Seaports:

• Mumbai, Cochin, Goa, Chennai, Mangalore

Your first entry must be through one of these ports if you're using the e-visa.

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Visa Validity & Stay Limits

Overstaying your visa can result in penalties, deportation, or visa bans.

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Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

• Blurry or incorrect passport photo
• Missing or inconsistent personal details
• Attempting tourist visa for business/work purposes
• Previous visa violations or overstays

Double-check everything before submission to avoid delays.

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Need Help with Itinerary or Booking?

Once you receive your approved e-Visa, you can start planning your trip across India. If you're looking for a customizable, private car tour with a local English-speaking driver, check out:

IndiaPersonalTours.com

They offer:

• Pre-planned and tailor-made private India tours
• Airport pickup, guided sightseeing, and comfortable transport
• Multi-day tours across Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala, Varanasi, and more

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Frequently Asked Questions (India Tourist Visa)

1. Can I get a visa on arrival in India for tourism?

No, India does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. Travelers must apply for an e-Tourist Visa or regular visa before entering India. Exceptions include limited cases for Japan, South Korea, and UAE citizens.

2. How long does it take to get an India tourist visa?

The e-Tourist Visa is usually processed in 2 to 4 business days. However, it's best to apply at least 7–10 days before travel in case of delays or document issues.

3. Is the India tourist visa valid for multiple entries?

Yes. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow multiple entries, with each stay up to 90 days (180 for US/UK citizens). The 30-day visa is single entry only.

4. Can I extend my India e-Tourist Visa while in India?

No. The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted once issued. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.

5. What documents are required for the India e-Visa application?

You need:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-size photo (white background)
• A scanned copy of your passport’s bio page
• Travel details and a credit/debit card for payment

6. What is the best website to apply for the India tourist visa?

Always use the official government website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Avoid third-party agencies unless you're seeking extra assistance.

7. Do children also need a tourist visa to visit India?

Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have a valid visa to enter India. A separate application is required for each child.

8. Can I travel to India for yoga or wellness on a tourist visa?

Yes. Short-term yoga retreats and wellness visits are allowed under the tourist visa category, as long as it's not formal or paid training.

9. What if my India e-Visa is rejected?

If your e-visa is rejected, you may apply again — or contact your local Indian embassy or consulate to apply for a regular sticker visa.

10. Where can I get help planning my trip after getting the visa?

Once your visa is approved, you can plan a custom tour with private driver and car through IndiaPersonalTours.com, offering full itineraries, airport pickup, hotel coordination, and local insights.