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India tourist visa from the embassy in 2023: A complete guide

Published: June 7, 2023

This article is a complete guide to obtaining India tourist visa from the embassy or consulate. You can learn everything about India tourist visa types, requirements, eligibility, documents needed, fee and application procedure.

Indian missions around the world issue India tourist visas for those that require a visa to enter India. Most nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. But there are a handful of nationalities that are not eligible. These nationalities must apply for a tourist visa at their nearest Indian embassy or consulate. 

Nationalities that are eligible for India e-Visa or India Visa on Arrival are also eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa from their nearest Indian embassy or consulate. There may be occasions where a tourist visa from the embassy is a better choice than an India e-Visa or India Visa on Arrival . For example, US nationals can get a 10-year tourist visa from the embassy vs an Indian e-Visa which is only valid for 5 years. So a tourist visa from the embassy is a better choice in this case.

There are three types of tourist visa categories T-1, T-2 and T-3. T-1 is for tourists. T-2 is for tour groups and T-3 is for cruise passengers. 

Table of Contents

Requirements for india tourist visa from the embassy (sticker visa).

Who is required to apply for India tourist visa?

Following nationalities are REQUIRED to apply for an Indian tourist visa from the embassy in order to travel to India.

• Congo, Dem. of
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

NOTE Nationals who are eligible to apply for e-Visa or Visa on Arrival can also apply for an India tourist visa from the embassy. 

Pakistan citizens are restricted from obtaining Indian tourist visas from the embassy. They must apply for a special visa. 

Anyone of Pakistan origin is granted only a 3-month single-entry tourist visa. Applicants whose parents or grandparents were born or ever lived in Pakistan are considered of Pakistan origin. 

What are the different types of India tourist visas available?

Indian embassies offer three types of tourist visas depending on whether the applicant is an individual, a tour group or a cruise passenger. Below is a summary of the three categories of Indian tourist visas offered at the embassy. 

NOTE For this article, we will focus only on the T-1 category meant for individual tourists. 

What is the validity of India tourist visa?

India tourist visa is valid for 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. Your tourist visa validity varies depending on your nationality. Below is a summary of various nationalities and the corresponding tourist visa validity. 

How many days can you stay in India on a tourist visa?

You can stay up to 90 days in India on a tourist visa. Canada, Japan and US nationals can stay up to 180 days. Below is the summary of permitted stay for your tourist visa depending on your nationality.

How many times can you enter India on tourist visa?

All tourist visas from India are multiple-entry, except for those of Pakistan origin. That means you can enter India as many times as you like. But there are some restrictions on how frequently you can enter India on your multiple-entry visa.

When can you enter India on a tourist visa?

You can enter India anytime during the validity of your tourist visa. You are allowed to stay 90 days on each entry (or 180 days if you are a Canada, Japan, UK or US national).

Even if you enter India on the last day of your visa validity, you will still be given 90 days of entry (or 180 days if you are a Canada, Japan, UK or US national)

When should you apply for India tourist visa?

Indian tourist visas can be applied for up to 180 days in advance. But the latest is 30 days as the visa processing takes 15-20 calendar days in some locations. 

Where should you apply for Indian tourist visa?

You can apply for an India tourist visa from any Indian embassy/consulate in any country. You don’t have to be a citizen or resident of that country. You can be a tourist as well. 

In case you are a non-resident or a tourist in a country, the Indian embassy where you have applied may consult the Indian embassy in your home country for the visa process. This usually does not delay the visa process. 

Which airports or land borders you can enter India from using tourist visa?

You can enter India from all international airports, sea ports and land borders using an India tourist visa obtained from the Indian Embassy. There are no restrictions on where you can enter or exit the country with a tourist visa.

What is the minimum passport validity required for India tourist visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

How many blank pages are required in the passport for India tourist visa?

You need at least two blank pages in your passport for your Indian tourist visa. One blank page is necessary for the visa sticker and another is for entry and exit stamps when entering and leaving India. 

What are the documents needed for India tourist visa?

The following documents are needed for tourist visa.

• Completed and signed India visa application form
• One digital photo for the online application
• One physical photograph to affix on the completed application form
• Proof of residence (ID, passport or visa)

What are the India tourist visa photo requirements?

You must upload one digital photo during your online application. The photo must meet the following specifications.

• Must be in JPG or JPEG format only
• Must be a minimum of 10 KB and a maximum of 300 KB
• Must be square in dimensions
• Must not have any borders
• Background must be white or light color
• Must not have any shadows on the face or on the background
• Must show full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin
• Head must be about 1 inch to 1 ⅜ inches, i.e roughly 25mm to 35mm
• Eye height must be between 1 ⅛ inches to 1 ⅜ inches

What is the current India tourist visa fee?

The visa fee varies depending on the visa period, the embassy’s location and the nationality. For example, the fee for a 10-year India visa for a US citizen applying from the US is $160 plus VFS charges. The fee for a 1 year India visa for Bangladesh nationals applying from Bangladesh is free of charge. 

What is the current India tourist visa processing time?

The India tourist visa processing time is 3 working days the application is submitted directly at the Indian embassy/consulate. 

The processing time is 15 calendar days or more if applied through a visa application center such as VFS. 

Whether you must apply at the visa application center or directly at an Indian mission depends on your location and whether or not the Indian embassy/consulate has outsourced its visa application process. 

INDIA TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

How to apply for Indian tourist visa from the embassy?

The India tourist visa application is a two-step process.

STEP 1: Online Application

Step 2: appointment.

The first step in the Indian tourist visa application process is to fill out an online application on the India visa portal . 

If you are a family or group, each person must complete one online application form. There is no family application. Similarly, each person must schedule one separate visa appointment for document submission. 

In the online application, you must select the Indian embassy/consulate where you plan to apply for your visa. 

After filling out the application, you must print and sign it. 

If the Indian embassy/consulate did not outsource the visa application to a visa application center, then you can walk into the embassy/consulate any day to pay the fee and submit your visa application. 

If the Indian embassy/consulate has outsourced the visa process to a visa application center, then you will have to go to the visa application center’s website and schedule an appointment. You may be able to pay the visa fee while scheduling the appointment. 

On the day of the appointment, you must submit your completed and signed application form, photographs and original passport. You must also pay the fee if you haven’t while scheduling the appointment. 

If there is no visa application center near you, you can also send your completed application and documents to the visa application center by mail. 

Word of caution on India tourist visa fake websites

If you search on the internet, you will see that there are many Indian visa websites posing as “official websites”. There is ONLY one OFFICIAL website for Indian tourist visas. The rest are all fake. The OFFICIAL website is below.

India tourist visa OFFICIAL website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html  

How to track India tourist visa application?

If applied directly at an Indian embassy or consulate: There is no option to track your application. But the processing time is fairly quick. The Indian mission where you are applying will tell you when to come back and pick up your passport, which is usually within 3 working days. 

If applied at a visa application center such as VFS: You can track your visa application status on the visa application center’s website. 

How to receive the approved India tourist visa?

If applied directly at an Indian embassy or consulate: At the time of submitting your documents at the embassy, the visa officer will tell you when to come back to pick up your passport. You will simply have to go back on that day to pick up your passport with your India visa. 

If applied at a visa application center such as VFS: When your visa is processed, you will be notified by email to pick up your passport. If you have opted for returning the passport via mail/courier, your passport will have mailed to your address.

Is there a priority service for India tourist visa?

Unfortunately, there is no priority visa service for Indian tourist visas. You must apply at least 30 calendar days prior to your travel to avoid any delays. Or you can opt for an India e-Visa which usually is processed within 72 hours. 

How to contact India tourist visa customer service?

You will have to contact your nearest embassy or the visa application center for any questions.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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• Home > Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Updated Advisory on Tourist Visas

Embassy of India

Washington DC

The Government of India has decided, with immediate effect, to restore valid long duration (10 years) regular (paper) tourist visas for the nationals of USA. Fresh issue of regular (paper) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas has also been restored for nationals of USA.

E-Tourist visas under the three options (one month, one year and five year) which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored for nationals of 156 countries. Applications for fresh e-tourist visas for eligible nationalities can also be made at the Indian E-Visa Portal [ https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html ]

• The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (single entry of 30 days duration) on gratis basis will be discontinued w.e.f. 1 st April 2022.  

Application for fresh tourist visa can be made as per following procedure:

E visa: Eligible foreign nationals can apply for e-tourist visa at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . [The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal].

Regular (Paper) Tourist visa: Application for regular (paper) tourist visa from Embassy / Consulate in USA can be submitted by following the link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

Foreign nationals on tourist/e-tourist visas would be permitted to enter India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or ‘air bubble’ scheme or by any flights as allowed by Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. In no case, the foreign nationals will be allowed to enter through land border or riverine routes on Tourist visa/E-Tourist visa.

Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at:  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf .

28 March 2022

The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (one month stay only) on gratis basis will also continue.

15 March, 2022

            The Government of India has decided to issue fresh tourist visas with effect from 15 October, 2021 for group tourism and from 15 November, 2021 for individual travel.  In this context, the following may be noted:

• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism will be allowed to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism only) with effect from 15 October, 2021.
• All foreign nationals intending to visit India for individual tourism purposes will be permitted to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa with effect from 15 November, 2021. Such travel will be allowed through Vande Bharat Mission, Air Bubble Scheme or by any scheduled/non-scheduled commercial flight allowed by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.
• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant. However, VFS service charge and payments on account of value-added services like courier, etc. will need to be made.
• It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa issued before 6 October, 2021 will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted.
• The process of obtaining e-Tourist Visa/Regular Tourist Visa may be accessed at the following links:
• e-Tourist Visa -  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
• Regular Tourist Visa through VFS Global with effect from 13 December, 2021 (12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time) - https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsdated30thNovember2021.pdf

Advisory on Tourist Visas

• A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant.
• e-Tourist Visa - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
• Regular Tourist Visa through the Embassy of India – https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=88
• Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at  https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf .

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• Home › Consular Services › Visa Services › Visa Guidelines for USA Passport Holders

Consulate General of India

The Government of India has decided to restore all valid regular paper /e-visa [including long term 10 years tourist regular paper visa and 5 years e-visa] irrespective of its issue date, for the nationals of USA since 16 March 2022. Fresh issue of regular paper long term (10 years) tourist visas has also been restored for nationals of USA.

The current scheme of regular Tourist visa/e-tourist visa (one month stay only) on gratis basis will be discontinued from 01 April 2022.

Maximum stay by a foreigner in India on an  e-Tourist visa or regular paper Tourist visa or both  in one calendar year shall be restricted to 180 days. Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.

For issue of any visa, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months and it should have two blank pages.

In case of a minor applicant,  Notarized Parental authorization form , duly signed by both the parents is mandatory, along with copies of their passports and marriage certificate.

E-Visa  -

The process of obtaining e-visa may be seen at - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . The applicant may note that the Consulate does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.

Regular Paper visa through VFS Global only  -

Applicants residing within the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, New York may apply for regular visa at VFS Global  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa  and send the completed physical application to VFS Global at -

VFS Global Indian Visa Application Centre, 128 East, 32nd Street, 2nd Floor, New York, 10016. Email [email protected], Helpline:  +1-800-320-9693

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All foreigners (including foreigners of Indian origin) visiting India on long term (more than 180 days)  Student Visa, Medical Visa, Employment Visa  are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival. All  Business Visa  (including e-Business visa) holders are required to register themselves with the FRRO/FRO concerned in case the aggregate stay in India on Business Visa exceeds 180 days during a calendar year.

Emergency Visa Service  -

VFS Global will accept in-person applications, with prior appointment, on working days as well as on weekends /holidays, from US passport holders of Indian origin and their family members who are required to visit India due to a family emergency, such as critical illness or death of a family member. Documentary evidence will need to be provided and the applicant will be charged an emergency service fee . Applicants within the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, New York may contact VFS as per details given below to:

Monday to Friday: Between 9 AM to 4 PM Email: [email protected] Weekends and Holidays: Between 9 AM to 4 PM Tel:  +1-929-866-2770

Diplomatic & Official Passport holders and Fullbright Scholars  -

Diplomatic/official passport holders and Fullbright Scholars, may please send an email at [email protected] for guidance on the procedure to be followed.

Guidelines for International Travel  -

Applicants are advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India website.

Travel arrangements  -

Applicants are advised not to finalize their travel arrangements prior to issuance of visa.

New York 01 Feb 2023

Updated Advisory on Visas

The Government of India has decided to issue fresh tourist visas with effect from 15 October, 2021 for group tourism and from 15 November, 2021 for individual travel. In this context, the following may be noted:

All foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purpose are permitted to enter India on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa with effect from 15 November, 2021. Such travel will be allowed through Vande Bharat Mission, Air Bubble Scheme or by any scheduled/non-scheduled flight allowed by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.

A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue . This visa will be issued free of charge for a limited period once to each applicant. However, VFS service charge and payments on account of value-added services like courier, etc. will have to be made.

It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa issued before 6 October, 2021 will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted.

Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.

The process of obtaining e-Tourist Visa may be accessed at -  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html .The applicant may note that the Consulate does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.

Regular Tourist Visa/ Business Visa/Medical Visa/Conference Visa/Journalist and Student visa may be applied at VFS Global with effect from 13 December, 2021 (12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time) - https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/in

Applicants are also advised to go through the guidelines for international travel to India available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsdated30thNovember2021.pdf

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• Bahrain : 800 11 300

Select option no. 6 on IVR to connect to agents.

From rest of the countries none toll free number to India + 91-40-6717-4100 (Paid Number).

• eVisa Helpdesk (Due to maintenance activity IVRS services are unavailable.)
• eVisa Helpdesk

E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply online

Upload Photo and Passport Page

Pay eVisa fee online

Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet

Receive ETA Online

Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail

Fly To India

Print ETA and present at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on passport.

Government of India makes no provision of charging of any emergency fees or additional fees for grant of any emergency / express e-visa. Those travelling to India are also advised to go through instructions available on the website of Bureau of Immigration at https://boi.gov.in .

eVisa is admissable only under the following categories:

E-tourist visa, e-business visa, e-conference visa, e-medical visa, e-medical attendent visa, e-ayush visa, e-ayush attendent visa.

• e-Emergency X-Misc Visa

1. One Month e-Tourist Visa

One Month (30 Days).

Double Entry, non-extendable and non-convertible

2. One year e-Tourist Visa

One year (365 Days) from the date of grant of ETA.

3. Five years e-Tourist Visa

Five years from the date of grant of ETA.

Maximum stay in India during one Calender Year should not exceed 180 days for 1 year and 5 year Tourist Visa.

One year (365 days) from the date of grant of ETA.

Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days. If the intension is to stay for more then 180 days, shall get registered with FRRO/FRO concerned within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days.

Thirty days (30 days) from the date of arrival into India.

Organizers to upload all details & documentation on the MHA website (conference.mha.gov.in)

Sixty days (60 days) from the date of arrival into India.

If the applicant is unable to complete his e-visa application form, he may save the application and may return to complete the application form by clicking the tab at the bottom of page: After your eVisa applications is submitted, the same shall be scrutinized and if any Document/Image is not appropriate, you may be advised on your given e-mail to re-upload the same. To re-upload use the tab at the bottom of the page. Applicant should normally receive this mail within 24 hours.

• Useful Web Links
• Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. Of India.
• Ministry of External Affairs, Govt Of India
• Ministry of Tourism, Govt Of India
• Bureau of Immigration, Govt Of India
• Incredible India, Govt Of India

Eligibility

• International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sight seeing,casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme,Short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc),Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return), medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and private conferences organized by private persons/companies/organizations.
• Applicant's passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa.
• International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket,with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
• International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
• Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.
• Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• Not available to International Travel Document Holders other than Passport.

If you are a national of any following countries, you are eligible for eVisa.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cameroon Union Republic
• Cayman Island
• Cook Islands
• Cote d'lvoire
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Niger Republic
• Niue Island
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of Korea
• Saint Christopher and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos Island
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City-Holy See
• Zambia and Zimbabwe

Documents Requirement & Visa Categories

• General Instructions
• Advisory for Canadian Nationals
• e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa(for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years) ,e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa. A foreigner (other than those applying for e-Conference Visa) will be allowed to club activities permitted under these categories. Foreigners applying for e-Conference visa will be permitted to club the activities permitted under e-Tourist visa only (validity co-terminus with e-Conference Visa only i.e. 30 days). Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e- Medical Visa.
• For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival.
• For e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant and e-Conference visa, Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept to 2nd Jan
• Sample eVisa application form is available on the tab near the bottom of eVisa main page.
• Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.
• e-Visa fee is country/Territory specific. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel otherwise application will not be processed. To know the fee applicable on your Country/Territory please Click here (for e-Tourist Visa) and for other e-Visa Click here .
• e-Visa fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
• Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking VisaStatus
• Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
• e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. If you intend to visit Protected/Restricted/Cantonment areas, you would require prior permission from the Civil Authority please visit here.
• The e-Visa fee payment status updation may take up to 2 hours due to technical reasons/network delays. Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for 2 hours for payment status updating, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. In cases, where e-Visa fee has been deducted but status is not updated, the applicants are advised to verify their payment status by clicking on 'Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee' tab or by clicking on the link Verify Payment.
• Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CARD at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India. Please visit our Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare latest guidelines regarding yellow fever countries here.
• You must travel on the Passport which you have applied for eVisa. Entry will be allowed into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport, however in such cases a traveler must carry the old passport on which ETA was issued

The documents required for completing the eVisa application is indicated against each type of eVisa. Please keep all these documents ready at hand before beginning to fill your eVisa application. All documents including Business cards, Invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which the application would be liable for rejection. The entire process may take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application and make the payment.

Applicants must be fill eVisa application himself/herself and give correct information in each column and take responsibility for the correctness of information provided.

Documents Required: All documents uploaded by the applicant including business cards, invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which e-Visa application would be liable for rejection.

The documents required for e-visa are :.

• Scanned Bio Page of the passport showing the Photograph and Details *
• For short term courses, copy of letter from the institute/organization/hospital etc. concerned on its letter-head *
• For voluntary work of short duration, copy of letter from the organization concerned on its letter-head *
• Copy of Letter from the Hospital concerned in India on its letterhead which including the date / tentative date which admission have been suggested .
• Copy of Business Card
• Any letter of invitation if applicable from indian parties which wish you conduct the business (optional).
• Copy of Passport page containing personal particulars *
• Approval of the Government of India in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports)
• Invitation Letter to foreign sports teams and sports persons to visit India by the concerned Sports Federation/Association in India.
• If the applicant had participated in any commercial sports event during his/her previous visit to India, then documents regarding Tax compliance for the said visit are to be furnished
• If the sports event entails visit to Restricted or Protected Areas in India, below mentioned additional documents are also to be submitted (a) Clearance for holding the event from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. (b) Political Clearance for holding the event from the Ministry of external Affairs, Government of India. (c) Requisite clearance from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
• Invitation of the host institute to the foreign faculty
• Copy of the sanction order under GIAN issued by the National Coordinating Institute viz. IIT Kharagpur
• Copy of the synopsis of the courses to be taken up by the faculty
• Invitation from organizer, which applicant may seek from this organiser.
• Political clearance from Ministry of External Affairs
• Event clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

• Format - JPEG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• Photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin
• Background should be plain light colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.
• Format -PDF
• Size : Minimum 10 KB ,Maximum 300 KB

The applicant has choice of using two option for payment.

• SBI-FAQS-Payment Related
• AXIS-FAQS-Payment Related

SBIePay is the Payment Aggregator service of State Bank of India – India’s Largest Bank and amongst top 50 Banks in the world, which provides bouquet of multiple payment options on a single page for the convenience of the customers.

SBIePay has facilitated the following channels on e-Visa platform:

• Payment Gateway: It seamlessly processes Credit card and Debit Card transactions for all the cards issued internationally by Visa & MasterCard. SBIePay Payment gateway is enabled with BIN identifier which recognises the BIN online when a customer enters the no., which drastically improves the success percentage and reduces customer friction.
• Paypal: SBIePay also facilitates e-Visa customers to make payment through widely popular and accepted Paypal channel.

SBIePay is certified with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ver 3.2, which is the latest version, and which further reinforces our promise of security and safety. The payment system fully supports 3DSecure - Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code, wherever it is applicable. Further, SBIePay is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption which ensures that payment information that travels over the Internet is always encrypted and cannot be viewed by unauthorised individuals.

Yes, SBIePay has enabled international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D Secure authentication.

The applicant enters necessary details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ , and clicks on 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to SBIePay payment page and is presented with payment options of either entering Card details (Payment Gateway) or Paypal .Applicant enters his card details and clicks ‘Proceed’. Now, either of the below mentioned 2 scenarios will occur:

• 3 D Secure page of the Card Issuerwill be displayed, where applicant must enter 3D Secure Password/OTP.
• Transaction is processed without 3D Secure page. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.

If an applicant is presented with a 3D Secure page prompting to enter a password/OTP, this means the Card issuing Bank participates in 3D Secure transaction. If the applicant’s transaction is processed without directing to 3D secure page, he/she should contact the card issuing Bank for support.

In an ideal scenario, once the transaction is processed, the applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with a reference number.

In some rare scenarios it may happen where the application is not shown Payment successful page post completion of transaction, which may be due to a drop in connectivity leading to non-receipt of success response. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund shall be initiated after due reconciliation process to the applicants’ card account.

In rare case of transaction status unknown to the applicant, which is when the applicant has not received success response due to time out or connectivity issue and the account has been debited, we advise the customer not to attempt another transaction immediately and rather provide their Order no. on the e-Visa site after 30 minutes to check the status of the transaction. If the transaction status is showing ‘failed’, then customer may attempt another transaction. Also, the debited amount shall be refunded to the applicants’ card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction.

The banking charges for:

• Payment Gateway Card transactions (both Debit or Credit Card): 2.5%* of the applicable e-Visa fee.
• Paypal: 3.5%* of the applicable e-Visa fee.

*The charges are inclusive of any applicable taxes.

The breakup of transaction charges will be displayed on the Payment page for applicants’ knowledge and to maintain transparency.

At State Bank of India, we are committed to provide best customer services to our customers. Customers can email us at sbiepay[at]sbi[dot]co[dot]in for any queries related to their transaction. Alternatively, SBIePay provides 24*7*365 customer support to all the e-Visa applicants. Applicants can also call us on the below mentioned number(s):

Contact No: +91-22-2753-5773

An applicant can perform multiple times transactions for a single application ID, with a gap of minimum 25 minutes between each transaction. It is advisable that applicant may check the status of the transaction at e-Visa portal before attempting another transaction.

An applicant shall be charged for only once for any successful transaction against an application ID. Any further debits shall be refunded back to the customer after due reconciliation, within seven (7) days of transactions.

Axis Bank is an Internet Payment Gateway Solution allows you to make payments on a 24 X 7 basis from around the world. It accepts all Visa, MasterCard and Maestro cards.

Axis Bank Payment Gateway services facilitates online payments w.r.t. all Credit and Debit Cards issued by MasterCard and VISA.

Axis Bank Payment gateway services is compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) standards. All transactions initiated at Axis Bank Payment Gateway services come with 128 bit security and two factor authentication via MasterCard Secure Code and Verified-by-Visa authentication is enabled.

Axis Bank Payment gateway accepts all international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D secure authentication.

The applicant after filling details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ clicks 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to Axis Bank payment gateway page and is presented with payment options like MasterCard and VISA. Cardholder enters his card number, expiry date, Name and CVV value and clicks 'Pay Now'. Incase cardholder Bank is enabled for 3D secure, then a page will appear for the cardholder to entire either his/her OTP/3D secure password. Else transaction would be processed. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.

Incase Bank is participating for 3D Secure transaction during transaction a 3D secure page would appear and cardholders have to enter his/her password /OTP.

The applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with reference number. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund will have to be initiated after due reconciliation to the applicant's card account.

If a transaction has failed but the applicants card account is debited more than once, the amount will have to be refunded to the applicant's card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction. In some cases, If the fund still lies with the card issuing Bank, kindly get in touch with your Bank for such case.

The banking charges are subject to maximum of 2.5% plus applicable taxes on the applicable e-Visa fees. These charges are charged to the applicant at the time of making online e visa fee payment.

Axis Bank provides technical support for all payment related transactions at ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com

Our endeavour is to provide you with a seamless experience on our platform. Please ensure following, before initiating the card payment.

• Using a non-expired card
• Have sufficient balance in your account
• Have sufficient credit card limit on the card being used
• Card is not reported as “lost or stolen”
• Entering the correct OTP. Have access to device for accessing OTP or Static password
• Card supports transactions in INR and USD
• Amount has not exceeded the daily maximum allowed amount by your issuer
• Number of transactions have not exceeded the daily maximum allowed count by your issuer
• Issuer and card not enrolled for 3DS
• Timeout occurred while receiving the OTP from issuer or while entering OTP on the payment page

SBI e-Pay Payment Gateway :-

• SBIePay is the Payment Aggregator service of State Bank of India which provides multiple payment options on a single payment page for the convenience of applicants. SBIePay has enabled Debit and Credit issued by MasterCard and VISA.
• SBIePay facilitates online payments all Credit and Debit Cards issued by MasterCard and VISA.
• SBIePay is certified with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ver 2.0 certified, which reinforces our promise of security. The payment system fully supports 3DSecure - Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code, wherever it is applicable. Further SBIePay is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption which ensures that payment information never sent over the Internet unencrypted and cannot be viewed by unauthorised individuals.
• SBIePay has enabled international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D Secure authentication.
• The applicant after filling details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and clicks 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to SBIePay payment page and is presented with payment options like MasterCard and VISA. Applicant enters his card details and clicks “Proceed”. Then the applicant may see one of the two options: i. 3 D Secure page of the Card issuing page for inputing 3D Secure password/OTP ii. Transaction is processed without 3D Secure page. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.
• The applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with reference number. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund shall be initiated after due reconciliation to the applicants card account.
• If a transaction has failed but the applicants card account is debited more than once, the amount shall be refunded to the applicants card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction.
• The banking charges are 2.5% on the applicable e-Visa fees. These charges are charged to the applicant at the time of making online e-visa fee payment.
• SBIePay provides technical support for all payment related transactions at +91-22-2753-5773 is (24 x 7).
• An applicant can perform maximum of three transactions for a single application ID.
• If the applicant cannot succeed in three attempts, a new application is required to be filled and transaction has to be carried out with new application ID.
• An applicant shall be charged for only once against an application ID. Any double/triple debit shall be refunded after due reconciliation within seven (7) days of transactions.

Ans- The following are the eligibility conditions for availing e-Visa services-   i. Nationals of countries listed on the e-Visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ are eligible to apply for e-Visa Services.   ii. Foreigners whose sole objective for visiting India is     (a) Recreation and sightseeing     (b) Casual visit to meet friends and relatives     (c) Attending short term yoga programme or short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme      (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issuing a qualifying certificate/diploma etc. to the participants)     (d) Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return)     (e) Medical treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine     (f) As attendant to e-Medical visa holder     (g) Business purpose     (h) Attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop.   iii. Passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa and a re-entry permit, if that is required under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant.    The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.   iv. The foreigner should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.   v. Foreigners of Pakistani origin or having Pakistani Passport are not eligible for e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) was born    in, or was permanently resident in Pakistan, are also not eligible for e-Visa. They may apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.   vi. Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer/ international travel document holders.   vii. Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.

Ans- For details regarding procedure for applying, please visit our website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

Ans- No, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ is only the official website to apply for the e-Visa Services.    Note - Services of e-Visa are completely online and no facilitation is required by any intermediary / travel agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim    speedy/express grant of e-Visa and charge money for it.    Do not share your personal information with any unauthorized website as it may lead to leakage of your personal data. Only visit the official website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ for e-Visa    service.    For any clarification, you may write us on our email id ' indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in ' or contact us on +91 11 24300666 .

Ans- No, there is no fee other than the processing fee for e-Visa application and it is non-refundable. Please visit our website to know the fee applicable for your country as it is country-specific.

Ans- (i) For e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant and e-Conference visa, applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance    of the date of arrival. Such application can be made 120 days in advance from proposed date of travel.    (ii) For e-Tourist Visa (30 days) , applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival. Such application can be made 30 days in advance from    proposed date of travel.

Ans- Yes. Immediately after you submit your e-Visa application and make the payment, you will receive a confirmation of submission of your application on the email id provided by you while filling up your    application form.

Ans- Your e-Visa application may take 72 hours or more for processing. You will be intimated about your Visa status (Granted or Rejected) on your email id provided by you in the e-Visa application.

Ans- Yes, you may check the status of your e-Visa application by visiting our website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and clicking on 'Check your Visa Status' Tab provided on the website.

Ans- The validity of e-Visa would be according to the e-Visa service you have requested in the application form as -    For e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years) , the validity would be 365 days / 05 years from the date of grant of ETA with Multiple entries and Maximum stay in India during one Calender Year should not exceed 180 days.    For e-Tourist Visa (30 days) , the validity would be 30 days from the date of your first arrival in India. Double entries will be granted within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport. Your first    arrival must be between the date of issue and expiry of ETA.    For e-Business Visa , the validity would be 365 days from the date of grant of ETA with Multiple entries and continuous stay during each visit which shall not exceed 180 days and no registration would be    required if stay is for a period of less than 180 days. However, if the intention is to stay for more than 180 days, then the foreigner shall get himself/herself registered with the FRRO/FRO concerned     (https://indianfrro.gov.in) within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days of his/her arrival in India.    For e-Conference Visa , the validity would be 30 days from the date of arrival in India with Single entry.    For e-Medical Visa , the validity would be 60 days from the date of first arrival in India and triple entry will be allowed within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport.    For e-Medical Attendant Visa , the validity would be 60 days from the date of first arrival in India and triple entry will be allowed within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport.

Ans- No, e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.

Ans- You may arrive at 31 designated Airports i.e. Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa(Dabolim), Goa(Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad,Indore    Jaipur,Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi & Visakhapatnam, and 5 designated seaports (i.e. Cochin, Goa, Mangalore,    Chennai and Mumbai seaports). You may depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).

Ans- Your e-Visa application may take upto 72 hours for processing. For more enquiries on your e-Visa application, you can contact us at +91 11 24300666 or e-mail at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in    The applicants are advised to beware of unscrupulous elements/ travel agents/ intermediaries in this regard. In cases where applicants have been asked for correct details or additional information    where application is incomplete, the same must be sent immediately. If such information is not provided within 72 hours, the application is liable to be rejected.

Ans- Yes, ensure that your child’s passport is valid at-least for next 06 (six) months from the date of arrival in India.

Ans- e-Visa processing fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Ans- No. You have already paid the required processing fee online. The applicants are advised to beware of unscrupulous elements/ travel agents/ intermediaries demanding extra payment.

Ans- This pertains to customs department.

Ans- Make sure you delete the browser history and cookies before trying to make payment. Also try to change the browser if the problem persists.    In case you have already tried more than thrice, then you may have to re-submit the entire application form once again.    Payment Support helpline :-     Axis Bank Technical support. Email address: ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com    Contact No Toll free Numbers from:    USA : 18552055577 UK : 0808178 5040 Singapore : 8001206355 Australia : 1800153861 UAE : 8000 3570 3218 Saudi Arabia : 8008500000 Qatar : 00800 100348 Bahrain : 80011300    For rest of the countries: + 91-40-6717-4100     SBI ePay payment support provides technical support for all payment related transactions at +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7).

Ans- Please visit our website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and click on 'Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee'.

Ans - You have to upload the business card along with the details of Indian Firm/Company (which you intend to associate yourself with) for business activities. For Sports Related Activity under e-Business Visa, please refer Instructions for applicant page for the list of documents required.

Ans- Business card means 'a card provided to you by the company you are working for' OR you can also upload 'an invitation letter from the company in India including company's information, address and    phone number in India'.

Ans - A Copy of Letter from the Hospital concerned in India on its letterhead which includes the tentative date of admission/treatment in the hospital mentioning the name, nationality and Passport number of    the patient/ e-Medical Visa applicant.

Ans- For e-Conference Visa, following are the required documents:    (i) Invitation from organizer (mandatory)    (ii) Political clearance from Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India (mandatory)    (iii) Event clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India (optional)

Ans- You may be allowed entry into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport with the condition that you must carry the new Passport and old passport on which ETA was    issued.

Ans- No, You can only enter through the designated airports/seaports which are listed on the e-Visa website.

Ans- You have to put the Previous visa details in the application form as it is mandatory. You can write NA or Not Available or Not Applicable or any other suitable phrase according to you in the application    form if you do not remember your earlier Visa number/details.

Ans- The Visa on Arrival facility is only for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India). For the nationals of all other    countries eligible for e-Visa, the e-visa application have to be filled online and the applicant must wait till the confirmation/Grant of ETA for travelling to India.

Ans- e-Visa processing fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either grant or Rejection of the Application.

Ans- Entry by cruise ship is allowed with the ETA through 5 designated seaports namely Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa and Mangalore seaports.

Ans- 'Visible identification mark' generally means moles, birthmarks, permanent scars etc. which are visible and can be shown if askd for by the Indian Immigration Authority.

Ans- All the foreigners arriving in India within 6 days of departure from any yellow fever endemic country are required to possess (in original) a valid yellow fever certificate of vaccination.    List of Yellow fever vaccination countries-     https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Updated%20List%20of%20Yellow%20Fever%20Endemic%20Countries%20by%20WHO_0.pdf

Ans- The applicant must check all the details including Name, Nationality, Passport Number and Date of Birth, photograph/self image etc before final submission of e-Visa application. The applicant would be    responsible for any discrepancy irrespective of grant/rejection of e-Visa application. However, if any discrepancy found on ETA, e-Visa Support Centre may be contacted at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in or     +91 11 24300666 for assistance at least 24 hours before the journey date.

Ans- e-Visa is not allowed for employment. You may apply for a Regular Visa.

Ans- e-Visa is not allowed for NGO activities and journalism purposes. However, Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or    consideration of any kind in return) are allowed.

Ans- Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e-Medical Visa (patient).

Authorized Immigration Checkposts

Entry points.

Persons holding eVisa will be allowed to enter into India only through the designated international airports (31) namely :

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Goa(Dabolim)
• Visakhapatnam
• Bhubaneswar

eVisa facility is also been provided for entry at 5 major Indian seaport for cruise tourists:

• New Mangalore

Exit Points

• Bhubaneshwar
• Tiruchirapalli
• Vishakhapatnam
• Attari Road
• Changrabandha
• Gauriphanta
• Kailashahar
• Lalgolaghat
• Srimantapur
• Kawarpuchia
• Bedi Bunder
• Mormagoa Harbour
• Mumbai Seaport
• Nagapattinum
• Nhava Sheva
• Vishakapatnam
• Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT
• Vallarpadam
• Krishnapatnam
• Munabao Rail Check Post
• Attari Rail Check Post
• Gede Rail and Road Check Post
• Haridaspur Rail Check Post
• Chitpur Rail Checkpost

Technical information for e-visa: This site is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox,Google Chrome,Internet Explorer (Windows) version 9.0 and above.The applicant must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or higher installed on your PC in order to download and print the completed application form. This website is compatible with Android and IOS devices.

Here's how to get a visa to visit India

Dec 20, 2023 • 7 min read

From applying for an e-Visa to extending your stay, here's what you need to know about entry requirements for India © beavera / Getty Images

With its dense tapestry of cultures and landscapes, India feels like dozens of countries rolled into one, but a single visa will cover you for travel across more than 3 million sq km (more than a million sq miles) of territory, taking in everything from steamy jungles to the high passes of the Himalayas.

Every Indian state is as large and diverse as a nation, so take your time navigating this enormous and fascinating country. The good news is that visas are easy to obtain and allow plenty of time for exploring.

Here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements for India, from the application process for e-Visas to overland travel and extending your stay.

You'll probably need a visa to go to India

Almost everyone needs a visa to visit India , but for most nationalities, tourist visas are easy to obtain online or through your local Indian embassy or consulate. Citizens of 166 countries – including most nations in the EU and EEA, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand, and many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America – can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form .

Applying online is a fairly painless process, and it will save you hours compared to applying in person at an embassy or through a visa agency (in countries where Indian embassies no longer issue visas directly). Tourist e-Visas are available with a validity of 30 days, one year or five years, with the one- and five-year visas allowing for multiple entries for a maximum stay of 180 days on each visit.

For one- and five-year tourist visas, applications are accepted up to 120 days in advance of travel. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy if you’re planning a side trip to Nepal , and you can apply up to 30 days in advance of travel. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to apply in plenty of time (at least 4 days in advance is recommended).

Applying online is the most hassle-free way to obtain a visa

The Indian government’s online e-Visa portal can be used to apply for tourist visas, business visas, and visas for medical treatment and attending conferences. The cost and duration of the visa vary depending on your nationality, and you may need to show proof of return travel arrangements and sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip.

Rules for non-tourist visas can be complex. Business travelers usually need to provide letters of introduction from Indian companies and organizations that they plan to meet. Assuming you meet the requirements, business visas are usually valid for multiple entries over the space of one year.

Working for an Indian company is more complicated. You’ll need an employment visa and a work permit, and most people need a firm job offer and assistance from an Indian employer to complete the paperwork. As with all visa requirements, the situation is subject to change; contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Applying for a tourist e-Visa is fairly straightforward

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, visit the government’s official e-Visa portal . You’ll need to upload a digital passport-style photo and copies of your passport ID pages, and pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and you’ll need two spare pages for the visa, which will be physically stamped into your passport on arrival. Assuming your application is accepted – which is the case for most applicants – you’ll receive a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which you should print out and carry with you when you travel, so you can present it to the immigration authorities on arrival. 

Enter India via air or sea on your e-Visa

E-Visas allow entry to India through 25 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Hyderabad, Kochi (Cochin), Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Varanasi, Kozhikode (Calicut), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh and Visakhapatnam.

They’re also valid for entry via the designated seaports at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, New Mangalore and Mormugao (in Goa).

Apply for a visa before you travel to enter India overland

If you plan to enter India overland – for example, from Nepal or Pakistan – you’ll need a visa stamped into your passport before you leave home, which you’ll need to obtain from the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an approved visa application office.

If you plan to visit India and Nepal on the same trip, get a multiple-entry visa – it used to be possible to arrange a new Indian tourist visa through the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu , but the authorities may now insist on a two-month gap before issuing a new visa.

There’s no need to worry about applying for a visa for Nepal in advance – they’re available on arrival at border crossings (bring passport photos and US dollars to pay the fee).

If you can't apply for an e-Visa, get one in person in advance

Contact your local embassy or consulate to check the application process in your country; the Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains a list of diplomatic missions online. It’s best to apply for a visa in your home country – obtaining an Indian visa from an embassy in another country can be tortuously slow, assuming it’s possible at all. Fees and the permitted duration of stay will vary depending on your nationality.

As an alternative to applying through an Indian embassy or consulate, you may be able to apply for a visa through a visa agency – however, this tends to be more expensive than applying directly. In practice, many of these agencies just collect together applications and then send over a staff member to the embassy to apply in person.

Student visas are available to those on full-time courses in India

Student visas are reserved for people enrolled in approved full-time educational courses in India (which can include training courses in yoga, meditation, and traditional Indian art forms). Student visas are valid for up to five years, depending on the length of the course, but the rules are strict, and you’ll need documentation from the institution where you are studying to apply. The Ministry of Home Affairs provides some information online, but contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.

Extending your stay in India is for exceptional circumstances only

E-Visas cannot be extended, but other types of visas can, though only in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or theft of your passport. To apply, you’ll need to use the government’s special online portal , providing evidence of a valid reason for extending your stay in India (e.g., a letter from the hospital where you are being treated or a police report).

You may then be called in for an in-person interview at the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Delhi. If there is a fee, it will be made clear during the application process.

Some border areas in India require additional travel permits

Under a system carried over from British colonial rule, special permits (known as “protected area permits” or “restricted area permits”) are required to visit many areas close to India’s disputed external borders with China , Pakistan and other territories – a zone known as the “inner line.” Applying for these permits outside India is tricky, but you can apply locally in India without too much difficulty.

Permits are especially important for highly sensitive border areas (which tend to be off-limits to all travelers). Applications can be made through local government offices or local travel agencies; contact the state government offices for these regions to get the latest information. In some areas, you may need to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office on arrival, but this is an easy process.

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Home » NRI » India Visa » Tourist Visa

India Tourist Visa

Eligibility A tourist visa is appropriate for those who would like to visit India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.

The following persons are not eligible to apply for a tourist visa and they must apply for the  Entry Visa :

• Persons of Indian Origin.
• Spouse and children of a person of Indian origin.

A Tourist Visa is granted for visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends and relatives, etc. No other activities are permissible on a Tourist Visa. In order to get a tourist visa, you must not have a residence or occupation in India.

If you would be volunteering, working with charities or working with non-profit organizations, you must apply for an  Employment Visa  instead.

If you are coming to India for medical treatment, you should apply for a  Medical Visa  instead, and NOT a Tourist Visa.

The family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas (such as older children or domestic partners) may have to come on an  Entry Visa , if eligible. If they come on Tourist Visa, all the requirements and restrictions of Tourist Visa apply, just like anyone else.

Validity Tourist visa is generally a multiple-entry visa.

You can apply for various validity periods such as a 6-month, 5-year, or 10-year tourist visa. However, persons of Indian origin with US passport can apply for 10-year duration visas only. However, a shorter duration visa can be granted to applicants of Indian origin that have already applied for OCI card and waiting, emergency visa, for minors (5 years only).

The visa validity duration begins on the first day of issuance. Therefore, a six-month visa issued on July 1 would be valid until December 31. Duration of StayRegardless of the duration of the valid visa, the maximum duration of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days) on each visit.

Extension of stay is not granted on tourist visas and it can not be converted into any other visa.

Traveling to Neighboring Countries

No Permit is needed if the visa holder is also travelling to neighboring countries of India for tourism purposes on the same itinerary as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly.

The visa holder must carry a copy of the itinerary to show the Immigration Officer

Restrictions If foreign national applies for a Tourist Visa frequently, i.e., within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Consulate/Embassy would scrutinize the application thoroughly and refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before granting a fresh Tourist Visa.

Permit to re-enter India within 2 months  for further restrictions.

Visitor Visa – Pakistani If the person is of Pakistani origin, they must apply for Visitor Visa, instead of a tourist visa.

If the person is of Pakistan origin who is current or former Pakistan citizen, they must provide proof of Renunciation of Pakistan Citizenship to apply for Visa on a US passport. If that is unavailable, the visa application must be made on a Pakistani passport.

Applicants of Pakistan origin who are born outside Pakistan (such as in the US) and have never held Pakistan nationality must provide a notarized affidavit that the applicant never held Pakistan nationality or POC (Pakistan Origin Card) or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani) and does not hold any other nationality except that of the US (Non-Pakistan).

Visitor visa is a single entry visa and is granted for three months, valid from the date of issuance and not from the date of entry into India.

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Applying for an E-Visa

Your Essential Guide to Getting an E-Visa for India

Understanding India's New Electronic Visa Scheme (Updated)

All visitors to India require a visa , except for citizens of neighboring Nepal and Bhutan. Visitors must either apply for a regular visa or an e-Visa (citizens of Japan and South Korea can also get a visa on arrival at six major airports in India). The e-Visa is hassle-free to obtain, and will be suitable for most tourists. Here's what you need to know about it.

Latest News as of September 2019

Three types of e-Tourist visas are now available with validity of one-month, one-year and five-years. The one-month e-Tourist Visa permits two entries. The one-year and five-year e-Tourist visas allow multiple entries but are subject to limitations on length of continuous stay. The fee for the one-year e-Tourist Visa has been reduced, while the fee for the new one-month e-Tourist Visa is discounted during the off-peak summer season from April to September.

The Indian government introduced a tourist visa on arrival scheme on January 1, 2010. It was initially trialed for citizens of five countries. Subsequently, a year later, it was extended to include a total of 11 countries. And, from April 15, 2014 it was extended to include South Korea.

Effective November 27, 2014, this visa on arrival scheme was replaced by an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. It has been implemented in phases and progressively made available to more countries.

In April 2015, the scheme was renamed "e-Tourist Visa" by the Indian government, to remove confusion over the previous ability to get a visa on arrival without applying in advance.

In April 2017, the scheme was further extended to passport holders of 158 countries (up from 150 countries).

The Indian government has also widened the scope of the visa scheme to include short duration medical treatment and yoga courses, and casual business visits and conferences. Previously, these required separate medical/student/business visas.

The aim is to make getting an Indian visa easier, and to bring more business people and medical tourists into the country.

To facilitate this change, in April 2017, the "e-Tourist Visa" scheme became known as "e-Visa". Furthermore, it was divided into three categories:

• e-Tourist Visa
• e-Business Visa
• e-Medical Visa

Two additional categories—e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa—have since been added. Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas will be granted against one e-Medical Visa.

The visa categories can be clubbed together. However, e-Conference visas are only permitted to be clubbed with e-Tourist visas.

Be sure to research the different types of Indian visas .

Who is Eligible for an E-Visa?

Passport holders of the following 165 countries: Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D'lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Island, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

However, do note that if your parents or grandparents were born in or lived in Pakistan, you will be ineligible to get an e-Visa even if you're a citizen of the above countries. You will have to apply for a normal visa.

What is the Procedure for Obtaining an E-Visa?

Applications must be made online at this website, no less than four days and no more than 30 days before the date of travel (for a 30-day tourist e-visa). A sample form with screen shots can be downloaded here .

As well as entering you travel details, you will need to upload a photograph of yourself with a white background that meets the specifications listed on the website, and the photo page of your passport that shows your personal details. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of e-Visa required.

Following this, pay the fee online with your debit or credit card. You will receive an Application ID and the ETA will be sent to you via email within three to five days (often earlier). The status of your application can be checked here . Make sure it shows "GRANTED" before you travel.

You will need to have a copy of the ETA with you when you arrive in India, and present it at the immigration counter at the airport. An immigration officer will stamp your passport with your e-Visa for entry into India. Your biometric data will also be captured at this time.

You should have a return ticket and enough money to spend during your stay in India.

What are the Fees?

The visa fees depend on the nature of the reciprocal relationship between India and each country. Citizens of some countries can get visas free of cost. There are also differing fees for e-Tourists visas and other types of e-Visas. The details can be found in this e-Tourist Visa Fee Chart and Fee Chart for Other E-Visa Types .

Citizens of the following countries are entitled to free visas:

• Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Citizens of all other countries, except Japan, now pay the same fees for e-Tourist visas. These are as follows:

• One-month e-Tourist Visa (April to June): $10.
• One-month e-Tourist Visa (remainder of the year) : $25
• One-year e-Tourist Visa : $40.
• Five-year e-Tourist Visa : $80.

Japanese citizens only pay $25 for one-year and five-year e-Tourist visas.

The fees for other types of e-Visas are as follows:

• $100 Citizens of US, UK, Russia, Ukraine and Mozambique.
• $80 : Citizens of the majority of countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• $25: Citizens of Japan, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

In addition to the visa fee, a bank charge of 2.5% of the fee must be paid.

How Long is the Visa Valid For?

The one-month e-Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, with two entries permitted. One-year and five-year e-Tourist visas are valid for 365 days from the date the ETA is granted, with multiple entries permitted.

E-Business visas are valid for one year from the date the ETA is granted, with multiple entries permitted.

E-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. E-Conference visas are only valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. Three entries are permitted on e-Medical visas and e-Medical Attendant visas. Only one entry is permitted on e-Conference visas. The visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.

How Long Can You Stay in India?

It's important to note that although your e-Tourist Visa may be valid for one year or five years, this doesn't mean you can stay in India continuously for the whole time. The length of continuous stay must not be longer than 90 days—except for citizens of US, UK, Japan and Canada. Citizens of these countries can stay for up to 180 days at a time.

Citizens of all countries can stay in India for up to 180 days continuously on an e-Business visa.

Which Indian Entry Points Accept E-Visas?

You can now enter at the following 28 international airports in India : Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kochi, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Vishakhapatnam.

You can also enter at the following five designated seaports: Kochi, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, Chennai.

In addition, separate immigration desks and help counters have been set up to assist medical tourists at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad airports.

Once you have the e-Visa, you can leave India (and return) through any immigration point.

How Often Can You Get an E-Visa?

You can apply as often as you want. The limit on the number of times in a calendar year has been removed.

Visiting Protected/Restricted Areas with Your E-Visa

The e-Visa is not valid for entry into areas such as Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, by itself. You'll need to obtain a separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Inner Line Permit (ILP), depending on the requirements of the particular area. This can be done in India after you arrive, using your e-Visa. You don't need to hold a regular tourist visa to be able to apply for a PAP. Your travel or tour agent can take care of the arrangements for you. If you're planning on visiting Northeast India, you can read more about permit requirements here.

Need Help with Your Application?

Call +91-11-24300666 or email [email protected]

Important: Scams to be Aware of

When applying for your e-Visa, do be aware that a number of commercial websites have been created to look similar to the government of India's official website, and they claim to provide online visa services to tourists. These websites include but are not limited to:

• e-visaindia.com
• e-touristvisaindia.com
• indianvisaonline.org.in

The websites do not belong to the government of India and they will charge you hefty service fees.

Expediting Your E-Visa

If you do need to get your e-Visa in a hurry, iVisa.com offers 24-hour and 2-day processing times. However, this comes at a price— $100 for 24-hours, and $65 for 2-days. Their standard fee for a 4-day processing time is $35. These fees are all additional to the e-Visa fee. The company is legitimate and reliable though.

Visa Requirements for India

Visa Requirements for Australia

Visa Requirements For Thailand

Visa Requirements for the Netherlands

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

Visa Requirements for Vietnam

Visa Requirements for Canada

Visa Requirements for Macao

Required Documents for Travel to China

How to Get a Shenzhen Visa in Hong Kong

Permits for North East India and What You Need to Know

Visa Requirements for Italy

Visa Requirements for Myanmar

Visa Requirements for Sweden

Visa Requirements for Norway

Visa Requirements for France

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India.

Your passport must also: - have 2 blank pages for your visa

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your travel.

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel.

Penalties for having the wrong visa can include refusal of entry or deportation. This may also include not being allowed to enter India in the future.

For latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office), the  Bureau of Indian Immigration website  and  Indian Ministry of External Affairs website .

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (make sure to check the website’s ‘FAQs’ for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London .

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistan dual national, or holding a National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London .

If you are a British-Pakistan dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the  High Commission of India in London  and the  Indian Bureau of Immigration .

Arrival, registration, and extensions

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this. Check if you are required to  register your arrival .

Overstaying in India on a visa is an offence. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or ‘convert’ to a Medical Visa .

Exit requirements

You will pass through immigration as you depart India. Officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you will need to apply for special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between five and fifteen working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights. For further information see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office).

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• yellow fever

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also provides  vaccination guidance and data .

Accommodation

By law, hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register the stay of foreign guests with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) using a “C Form”.  Please ask your accommodation provider to ensure they have done so.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of India . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and listening devices

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. You can contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence .

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. You can ask the High Commission of India in London for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India.

Visitors, including tourists, must not bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. If you’re resident in India, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into the country.

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers’ cheques combined.

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6 month Tourist Visa - India Forum

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"Foreigners are normally granted tourist visa up to a period of six months, though the continuous period of stay permissible on this visa is maximum 90 days at a time."

Does this mean you can stay and travel in India for 6 months? Or do you need to leave after 90days?

I have contacted the local Indian consulate and they have told me there are 90day visas available, but I saw a travel blogger from NZ who mentioned in a video that he has a 6month travel visa.

If anyone has travelled on the 6month visa and knows the answer let me know.

Thanks so much!

"Regardless of the duration of the valid visa, the maximum duration of stay in India is limited to 6 month or 180 days"

thanks heaps are you a new zealander? Could you stay without leaving after 90days?

This is normally the case but as Beeancalulu stated the advice given by the Consulate was 90 days and on the High Commission website for New Zealand it also states .....90 days at one time. This needs to be checked out again with the High Commission.

I am a UK resident. I'm looking to apply for my 6 month indian visa using this link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/

I am leaving on the 3rd Jan 2018, however, when I get to the end of the application form it states I need to book an appointment at the Indian embassy. Is there any way to apply for an indian visa without having to go to the embassy? If so what is the link?!

I would really appreciate your help :)

Thank you in advance :)

My issue is I practically have no space in my passport. Does anyone know if I do a border run, get stamped out and back in again this would suffice??

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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India Tourist Visa for 180 Days

Yearning for a voyage to the land where ancient traditions entwine with the vibrancy of modernity? The India Tourist Visa for 180 days is your passage to the sprawling expanses of India's geographically and culturally diverse realms.

At iVisa, we've simplified the visa application process, providing a hassle-free pathway to India's diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Our advanced platform and mobile app are your companions in this adventure, ensuring a seamless transition to the land of endless discoveries.

Gone are the days of tedious, regular paper tourist visa applications. With our guidance, your exploration of India is just a click away.

What is the 180-day India Tourist Visa?

The 180-day India Tourist Visa is a feature of the 1-year and 5-year multiple entry visa/s that allows travelers, specifically from the US, UK, Canada, or Japan, to stay in India for up to 180 days (approximately six months) per visit. Learn all the details about Indian visa validity and allowed stay in this blog .

This visa is for tourism , enabling visitors to explore India's rich cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

You cannot study or work in India with this visa. Instead, you must apply for a student or employment visa to enter India for study or work purposes. If you enter India for business reasons, you need an e-business visa . Those entering the country for medical treatment can apply for a medical visa , and those entering for media-related reasons may be eligible for a journalist visa.

Eligibility for a 180-day India e-Tourist Visa

For foreign nationals to be eligible for a 180-day India Tourist e-visa, they must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: The extended stay of up to 180 days Per Entry is available only to citizens of the US, UK, Canada, or Japan. Travelers from other countries may generally be eligible for up to 90-day stays.

Passport validity: Applicants must hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India, and it should have one blank page for immigration stamping.

Residence or occupation: Eligibility extends to those who don't have a residence or occupation in India.

Purpose of visit: The visit to India should be solely for tourism purposes, and travelers should plan to exit India within 180 days of entry.

These key points encapsulate the primary eligibility criteria for the 180-day India Tourist e-Visa, ensuring a smooth application process for prospective travelers.

Application process

It couldn't be easier to apply for your Indian eVisa online than with our services. The process is straightforward and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Complete our simplified form online via our website. You'll be asked to provide general information about yourself and choose the type of visa you want to apply for.

Step 2: Verify the information you've provided and choose the processing option that best suits your needs.

Step 3: Pay the service fee using a credit or debit card. Upload any required documents (a passport photo and a photo scan of your passport).

Once you've completed all three steps, just submit your application and sit back and relax while we process your visa! Wait for your eVisa to arrive in your email inbox within your chosen timeframe.

Note: During travel, you must carry a printed and electronic copy of your Tourist eVisa to show to immigration authorities on arrival so they can see your India e-Visa status.

Pretty easy, right? Apply now!

Need more information?

If you need more info about traveling to India for tourism, medical assistance, or business purposes, don't hesitate to contact our customer support team anytime via online chat or email at [email protected]

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://boi.gov.in/boi/

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Global Gallivanting

The complete guide to applying for an indian visa (for uk citizens).

FAQs and a complete step by step guide on how to apply for an Indian visa from the UK.

2019 update, 1 year online tourist, business and medical indian evisas are now available for citizens of 161 countries hooray, so you may not need this post anymore   read this new post about how to get your 1 year india evisa online.

Nearly all visitors need to apply for a visa before traveling to India (apart from citizens of Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan) so applying for an Indian visa is an essential part of planning your trip to India.

Sadly the process can be tedious and over the recent months new developments have made it even more confusing, especially for UK passport holders. From statutory biometric testing and finger printing to visas on arrival ! What’s going on!?

I’ve just applied for my 5th Indian visa in as many years, each time the process has been slightly different but equally confusing, so I thought it was about time I guided you through the process of how to apply for a tourist visa to visit India. Despite the frustrations with the visa process it will be worth it! India is probably the most incredible place to travel in the world!

Please bear in mind this is from the point of view of a British / UK passport holder (and this is just my experience, I’m happy to answer your queries but I’m not an immigration professional and I am updating this post regularly to ensure all information is correct but guidelines and costs can change frequently and suddenly. Requirements and processes for other nationalities are different so I cannot comment on the process for other nationalities. If you’re from the USA read this post  , if you’re from Australia read this post and  if you’re from Canada read this post.   

So what’s going on and how do you get a visa to visit India?

UK  passport holders must apply for a visa before visiting India, even if you go for an E-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Some important things to note before you start is that Indian tourist visas are  valid from the date of issue not the date of your entry to India so being prepared and applying months in advance will waste the time on your visa.

Short term Indian visas – visa on arrival and e-visas.

How to get an indian visa on arrival/ e visa.

There has been a lot of talk about India introducing Visa on Arrival ! Horay! This would be a great step towards increasing tourism in India but the visa on arrival is deceptive – it is more an E-Visa / electronic travel authority. Y ou must still apply for the visa in advance before you travel but it does make the visa process quicker and easier for short visits.

Citizens from 161 countries are eligible to apply online for an E Tourist Visa to India , including UK and Ireland, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many European Countries.

At first the ETA was only valid for 30 days and was only single entry (1 month) but now you can get a 60 days (2 months). The cost of the E Visa depends on nationality.   For UK citizens the cost of the E Visa has recently increased to USD $75 (about £54) plus a small admin charge. The application process is fully online, you can apply a minimum of 4 days before you travel to India.

Update April 2017: The E-visa now has three subcategories; e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa. Double entry is permitted on E-Tourist Visa and E-Business Visa. Triple Entry will be permitted on E-Medical visa. The e-visa facility has been extended to the nationals of 161 countries for entry through 24 airports and 3 Indian seaports. The seaports are Cochin, Goa and Mangalore and the window for application under e-visa scheme has been increased from 30 days to 120 days.

How to apply for an Indian E Visa online

You can apply for an E Visa to India on the government website here , You then collect your visa on arrival at one of the major airports in India.

Sounds easy but bear in mind that there is still quite a lot of paperwork to fill out and if you make a mistake on the forms you could be rejected and have to apply again. The fee for the visa and for processing for the application is non-refundable, even if the visa is not granted.

If your parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan, sadly you not be eligible to get an E-Tourist Visa whatever your current nationality so unfortunately you will have to apply for a normal Tourist Visa.

To take the stress and hassle out of applying for your Indian visa let  iVisa  sort everything out for you. They charge a service fee but make the process simpler and easier to follow and offer a zero frustration policy.  They can process your application and send your E Visa via email in only 18 hours. They also have a window for arrival of 120 days meaning you can get your visa sorted well in advance of your trip but remember you still need a apply online no later than 4 days in advance of your arrival date to India.

The ETA is not extendable or convertible and you can only apply for 2 ETVs in 1 year. As the process is fully online (you are not required to send off your passport and wait for 2 weeks for the visa to be processed) the E Visa makes a quick holiday to India much easier.

Applying for a 6 month or 12 month Indian tourist visa with VFS Global

If you want to visit India for longer than 1 or 2  months (which I highly recommend as there is so much to see in this huge, diverse country and its not a place you can rush) then you will still need to apply for a visa by sending away your application and passport.

The Indian visa application process in the UK has been outsourced to VFS Global,   the website and instructions for applying for the visa are confusing to say the least.

If you want to make the process easier for the longer visa then you can use an agency like Visa HQ  or read on and I’ll guide you through the process of applying for an Indian tourist visa with VFS Global.

Which Indian visa should I apply for?

Basically most UK citizens travel to India on a tourist visa  valid for 3 – 6 months.  You can get single, double or multiple entry, 3, 6 or 12 months. Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. You may as well apply for a 6 month or even 12 month multiple entry tourist visa because the price and process for applying is still the same. However, even on a 12 month visa you are still not allowed to spend more than 180 days (6 months) in India but you can leave for a day and come back without having to go through the hassle of applying again!

You can also try for an upto 5 year multiple entry tourist visa. Again there is a maximum stay of 180 days per visit and they say that biometric enrollment is mandatory for the 5 year visa, although this is yet to be fully implemented. You will need to also provide a letter stating why you require a 5 year tourist visa. The duration of visa granted is at the discretion of the authorities and they do not refund the difference if the visa is rejected or given for a shorter period of time. Again there is a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.

Tourist visas are only granted to foreigners who do not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, etc. No other activity is permissible on a tourist visa. There are different visas for volunteering, studying, journalism, employment, business, research etc which require more documents and biometrics.

When you fill out the form there are many questions where your answer may cause the rejection of your visa. If you’re parents or grand parents are from Pakistan or if your occupation is linked to the armed forces or media/ journalism. Any media or journalist related occupations will likely be rejected and you would need to apply for a different Journalist visa which is only valid for 3 months and provide biometrics. If you work in the media, police or armed forces, commercial pilots/crew members, charity/social workers, researchers, and priests you will need a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your travel.

However, the duration of the visa is at the sole discretion of the Issuing Authority. The High Commission of India do not always give you the exact length and entries of visa that you have asked for so you never know what you’ve got until you receive your passport back. All visa fees  are non-refundable even if your visa is rejected or the duration granted is shorter than what you asked for. Also, the validity of the visa begins from the date of issue by the High Commission of India and not from the date of travel on your application form.

For the best chance is getting the longer visa it’s always best to apply in your home country. You can apply from places like Nepal, Sri Lanka or Bali but often they will only grant 3 month single entry visas.

How much does a tourist visa for India cost for a UK national?

A tourist visa for India costs £112 for UK passport holders.

But then after you add on other processing fees, the cost for postage and to get special passport photos taken the total cost for applying for an Indian tourist visa adds up to £119.44 in total. The 5 year visa costs £339.44

The fee is also non-refundable—even if your application is denied the fee is not refunded.

So can I apply online for an Indian visa, through the post or do I need to attend an appointment and submit biometrics or fingerprints?

The most confusing thing is that it is hard to find information that tells you how to apply by post as all the information on the website seems to say that you need to make an appointment to physically go to London and apply for the visa in person. In March 2015 it was announced that:

“All Applicants will be required to book an appointment online to submit their applications at VFS Application Centres (14). Applicants will be able to book an appointment on VFS Website www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK/  at the time of filing online application forms.  Biometric Data collection, including fingerprint data and facial imagery will be a mandatory requirement for all visa applicants soon. As a result, all visa applicants will need to first apply online and, thereafter, be physically present (mandatorily) at India Visa and Consular Services centres, by appointment, for submission of visa application and biometric data enrolment.”  And  it goes on to say that “ No applications will be accepted without appointment after 16th March 2015.” And “ No applications will be accepted by post.”

Seriously! What a way to encourage tourism! 🙁

As much as I love India I can see why people would choose to visit somewhere like Thailand or Sri Lanka to save this kind of hassle and expense.

After searching around the website and in forums a bit more I am relieved to find that actually Biometric data collection has not been introduced for tourist visas (apart from the 5 year one, but even so this is not always the case, or if you are a journalist) and applications can still be received through post/courier but need an additional processing time of at least two weeks and I successfully received my visa through the post.

So it seems like the plans to make attending an appointment and submitting fingerprints and biometric data appear to have been shelved for a while thankfully. But, it could have been made a little clearer, on the website.

How to apply for an Indian visa by post

When applying for an Indian visa, either by post or by appointment, you need to start by filling out the form on the VFS Global website.

The first mission is working out where to start the application and where to find the online application form, to save you the trouble here is the link.

Click on this and then click on the red tab that says ‘regular visa application’ –  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/info1.jsp

The first hurdle to over come is which ‘mission’ you select. All postal applications are only being accepted in Hounslow so pick UK London but if you did find it more convenient to attend an appointment there are several other offices across the UK.

Then continue to fill out the ridiculously long form – I’ve never been asked so many questions from my religion, education, any visible identification marks, occupation, place of birth of mother and father and whether my grandparents were born in Pakistan, details of previous visits to India and the previous visa number and all the countries that I have visited in the last 10 years.

References for applying for an Indian Visa

The form also asks you for a reference in India – if you don’t have any friends in India you can use a hotel or tour company as a reference . If you haven’t booked a hotel yet (because you are still figuring out how to get a damn visa!?) you could always book provisionally on Booking.com  and cancel or change the booking later. Or just pick a hotel as I doubt that they even check the reference anyway.

Next you need to provide a reference in the UK – I always just use my Mum!

Once you have answered all the questions, confirm the details. It then gives you your application number – it’s a good idea to make a note of the application number incase the website crashes because you have the application number you can log back in, if not you’ll have to start again. The website often crashes or does peculiar things! Sometimes it gets stuck at the part where you print off the form and won’t progress to make the payment or appointment. If that happens to you use this link https://www.vfsvisaservice.com/IHC_UK_ONLINE/(S(xfl0pvli34mrlyqhjyidyu2v) to get there!

Then you need to print off the application form. Make sure you sign it in the right places (on both pages) and attach the right size photos. You also need to print off and include a signed declaration form. You can find that here – http://www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK/pdf/Declaration1_240815.pdf

Photos required for the Indian Tourist Visa Application

The Indian visa application also requires 2 passport photos but they are a different sized passport photo to normal UK passport photos – 50mm x 50mm, the same size as USA passport photos so you can quite easily get these done in most photo booths for £5 for 4 or a specialised photography shop in the UK.

You can also check the specifications and take a photo yourself and upload a photo to the application for a service cost of £10 or you can get them printed out at Boots for less than £1.

It’s a good idea to get some extra ones because you will need them if you want to get a sim card for your mobile phone. See more on this (also overly complicated process) on how to get a Sim Card in India

How to submit the Indian visa application

Click on the button to ‘make appointments and payments’ and select your mode of submission – either you want to make an appointment or send by post.

Then go to the tab at the top – ‘Visa Fee and Pay Details’ and you can make the payment. The payment page looks a bit dodgy but I’ve never had any problems with it.

Money Saving Tip – Watch out for the extras. Untick the extra charges for uploading a photo and delivery. VFS will ask you for £14.95 per application to return your passport instead, when you go to the Post Office to send off your application (I always send mine special delivery)  get another special delivery, prepaid envelope and self address it – this should cost only £7.25. Half the price!

Where to send your Indian visa application

Check you have everything:

• Printed and signed application form
• Declaration form
• 2 sized passport photos
• Return signed delivery envelope

Don’t send it to the address on the top of your Indian visa application form – send it to:

Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre,

The Vista Centre,

First Floor, Part A, Block 50, Salisbury Road,

Hounslow, TW4 6JQ

How long does the Indian visa take to process?

Officially it states that the processing time for an Indian tourist visa takes a minimum of 2 weeks. I’ve had mine come back in anything from less than a week to a bit over 2 weeks, so allow enough time but remember it’s valid from the date of issue not the date of entry.

You should get an email or text saying something along the lines of ‘a decision has made on your application … your processed application is ready for collection or courier’ Once you get this your passport should be back with you in the next few days after that. You will not know until you open the post whether your visa has been granted or refused or if it has been granted for the full amount of time and number of entries you have asked for.

Do I need another permit?

Until late 2012 you were not allowed to leave and renter India within 2 months (you had to wait 2 months even if your visa was still valid!?) To enter without the gap of 2 months you had to apply for a permit to re-enter and to get this had to compile an itinerary for the whole trip. Thankfully a re entry permit is no longer required and that restriction has been lifted.

However, certain restricted areas including most of the states in the far North East, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and some border areas still require permits. Usually the easiest way to obtain these through going with a travel agency or on a tour.

Can you apply for an Indian visa outside of the UK or your country of residence?

Although it’s always better to apply for a visa in your home country or country of residence, it is possible to obtain and Indian visa in neighbouring countries, although since the introduction of the E-Visa is has become harder and travellers have reported difficulties recently in obtaining Indian visas, especially in Bangkok, Thailand and often only get single entry 3 month visas are given out when the travelers asked for multiple entry, 6 month visas. Now the E Visa is valid for 60 days and is much easier to obtain you might want to try that if applying for outside the UK.

I’ve heard that places like Cambodia , Laos and Myanmar are now good places to get an Indian visa, but this is just what I’ve heard from friends and other travelers. By getting the visa in your country of residence means you have the best chance of being accepted and getting the longer term visas, but it’s still possible to get one in Southeast Asia but its a good idea to check online forums and ask around before deciding which place to do it.

If you want to get your Indian visa in Nepal heres a good post on the subject  or read here about the process in Sri Lanka. I recently got an India visa in Bali too – here’s how to do it.

Incredible India will be worth it

As with everything in India really, the visa process requires a bit of patience and persistence but you will be richly rewarded and with proper planning your first trip to India will be memorable for all the right reasons!

Make sure you check out my  Complete Step by Step Guide to Planning for your First Trip to India and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

India is a country like no where else on earth, it will challenge, enchant, surprise, captive and transform you! It will be worth it!

Need Help with Applying for your Indian Visa?

I’m happy to try and answer your questions but bear in mind I am not an immigration professional .

If you need professional assistance contact iVisa for the E Visa or Visa HQ for 6 month visa . You can also contact VFS Global with any queries by emailing [email protected] or call +44 203 793 8629 or +44 203 788 4666 (Monday – Friday 8:30 – 15:30 (except for Consular Holiday) You can also call   09057570045 from Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:30 (except for Consular Holidays) but this number charges 95p per minute from a BT landline and more from a mobile.

Want more India travel tips and stories?

Sign up to the FREE newsletter and discover Incredible India with me!

Read more and prepare for your trip to India:

THE COMPLETE STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR FIRST TRIP TO INDIA

HOW TO GET A VISA ON ARRIVAL OR E TOURIST VISA FOR INDIA 3 MONTHS BACKPACKING INDIA – TIPS FOR 1ST TIMERS AND THE PERFECT ITINERARY 10 TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TIME TRAVELING IN INDIA 11 TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELING IN INDIA INDIA FOR BEGINNERS – WHY KERALA IS THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO TRAVELING IN INDIA TYPICAL COSTS AND BUDGET TIPS FOR BACKPACKING IN INDIA THE AVERAGE DAILY BUDGET FOR BACKPACKING IN INDIA THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA.

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Goa, India

How to teach english in south korea: an interview with lianne.

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Hi Anna, thanks for the post, it has been so much more helpful than everything else I’ve found online.

I need just one piece of help though! I’ve followed your instructions (sort of, I unfortunately found this useful blog after completing most of it)

I’ve filled in the form, paid, printed the application and got a payment receipt. I don’t recall the option of making appointment/send by post. I want to post my application.

The tab is still open and when i click on the ‘appointment’ menu it takes me to a calendar of available appointments and has no option for posting the application.

Have I gone too far now and committed to making an appointment rather than posting?

If you can help me here I would be most grateful

Thanks again for your great post.

Yes, it can be really confusing trying to apply by post rather than appointment. So when you started the application did you select London and your ‘mission’? London is the only place that accepts postal applications.

If you’ve done that then under the ‘make appointments and payments’ tab you should be able to select your mode of submission as sending by post.

Pay, print off, sign and send all the documents to Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre, The Vista Centre, First Floor, Part A, Block 50, Salisbury Road, Hounslow, TW4 6JQ.

If there is no option for that then maybe you selected the wrong ‘mission’ at the start and I’m pretty sure if you’ve made the payment you can’t get a refund or change your application.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

hey! thank you so much for this help..it has allowed me to get so far. now im just struggling to pay…cant see a ‘make appointments and payments’ tab..i have submitted the form, printed off the other pages, now feeling lost! help!

Why didn’t I find this before! I’m currently crying in my room because I leave on the 6th January yet I can’t do my own signature from my passport. Nightmare.

Oh no! I hope it all goes ok for you and you have an amazing trip to India! Let me know if you got your visa OK in the end?

Thank you so much for this! I have been scouting the internet for so long for this information. We are currently in Philippines and were hoping to get our indian visa from here or would we have to apply when we were back in the UK?

Thank you, yes the official info can be a bit confusing so I’m so glad you found it helpful. You should be able to pick up an Indian visa in neighboring countries. I’ve personally not done it but know people who have. Sri Lanka and Thailand are good options. Perhaps it is also possible in the Philippines too?

This scares me I am an elderly British national,currently visiting my daughter in Australia I shall be calling into Chennai on April 10 & Cochin on April 13 on a cruise liner & thought it would be a piece of cake getting an evisa online.No such luck.The drop down ports of entry only offered me airports.Secondly I could not apply more than 34 days before my proposed date of entry Ill try emailing the Indian visa people online for advice !! I wonder what will happen if I fail to get a visa.Perhaps they will throw me off the ship

Hi David. I haven’t any experience in entering India on a cruise – surely there must be something set up to assist cruise passengers with this – Perhaps call your cruise loine for advice or try the VSF Global (they are the ones who process visas to India for UK citizens) helpline +44 203 793 8629* +44 203 695 9849* or there is also an email address: [email protected] Good Luck! I’m sure they will be able to sort something out for you.

Hi Anna! Do you know anything about how to apply for the 6 month visa when you’re abroad? Im in new Zealand at the moment but I’m from the UK.. cant find much info!!

Cheers, Clare Xx

Hi Clare, yes it can be a bit confusing applying out of your home country. I’m not really sure about applying from NZ but I do know that you can Indian visa in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal etc in person by going to the embassy there or you could apply online but you will only get a 30 day visa and its not extendable. Good Luck 🙂

I have been trying to find out how to get my father a visa to visit Indian. He is a British subject (born in Indian) and now lives in the USA (on a green card). He is planning to come back to get a indian visa in London in July to travel there in September. He is elderly and unable to get to anywhere in the USA to sort this out, we suggested he came back and did it here with us helping him. Do you know if London will provide him with a Visa?

Hi Tracey, if he is a British passport holder then the best place to get the visa would be in the UK. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip to India 🙂

I found this post really helpful for the very confusing indian visa application – thank you! Just one question – do you know if the price quoted at the end of the application is in dollars or pounds? My application came to 110 but it does not quote a currency.

I would imagine its in pounds if you are applying as a uk citizen from the uk website. Mine normally comes to that amount after they add the other fees on.

Hi Great!I’ve been searching google for several hours looking for relevant info on this. I am very happy to comment here and thank you so much for sharing this. I am going to suggest this to my UK friend.

Thanks, I’m so glad it was useful 🙂

What a fantastically (is that even a word!?) informative blog post – definitely adding to my bookmarks. Thank you ☺️

Thanks so much, glad it was useful!

This has been really helpful. My girlfriend and I are thinking about Goa in mid August and have both quit our teaching jobs. We were thinking about doing some teaching work whilst in India, whether it is paid or volunteer work where some expenses are covered.

What would you recommend? We plan to be away for a year and doing several months in India.

Excited to hear you are planning a trip to India. To be honest Goa in August will be in the middle of monsoon so not the best time to come. Maybe have a look at this post first – http://www.global-gallivanting.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-visiting-goa-in-monsoon-season/ As English is one of the official languages in India there are not as many teaching jobs for foreigners as there are in other places in Asia although one of my friends did find a paid job and wrote about it here – http://www.global-gallivanting.com/how-to-teach-english-in-india-and-get-paid/ Of course there are many volunteer opportunities but you may need a work/ volunteer visa for them. Have you seen websites like Workaway and Helpx they have opportunities where you work in exchange for food and accommodation. Hope this helps. Good luck and hope you have a great time in India whatever you choose to do!

Hi Anna, so to be clear, if I want to visit for less than 30 days, it should be quite a simple process with the e visa option? as opposed to anything longer where the process becomes more time consuming?

Hi Paul, Yes if your visiting for less than 30 days the e visa is a much cheaper and easier way to get an Indian visa – you don’t even need to send your passport away but you do still need to fill in the paperwork online and then print off and take it to the airport with you. Getting a longer visa usually takes 2 weeks as you have to send your passport away for processing. Hope this helps and hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hi The above 6 months visa is true for All British passport holders going to India with the exception of Srilankan born British passport holder. Be aware, If you are born in Colombo but holding a British passport by naturalisation, Indian visa authority treats you differently, you only get 3 months maximum visa with single entry only. Don’t know why ? All Sri Lankan are not terrorists, past is past , India should rethink and change the rules and treat all British passport holders equally. Any comments.. Please write. Thank you. Anand, Colombo born UK citizen [email protected]

Hi Anand, I didn’t know that sorry to hear you’ve had trouble getting a visa 🙁

Thank you for this blog, it is really useful. I had a quick read of it, and couldn’t see the answer to my question.

I was wondering if you have ever applied for the Indian Tourist visa from Nepal? And if so, do you know if it is possible to apply for the 6 month visa? I am seeing mixed messages, with some people saying you can only get 3 months from visa if you apply for it in Nepal. Its a mind-field of confusion, which is why blogs like yours are so great!

Happy travels 🙂 Jess

Happy travels 🙂

Hi Jess, I haven’t applied for it in Nepal and its always best to apply in your home country if possible but my friends at Nomadic Boys have and wrote a really useful post about it that you should find helpful. 🙂 Happy Travels http://nomadicboys.com/getting-indian-visa-kathmandu/

Hello Anna,

I am so grateful for your blog! I will be travelling around India on my own starting in November, for 3 months and you’ve covered almost every question I had, so thank you! I have a particular question about the visa though.. I am applying for a postal visa application from the UK and have a UK passport (I’m Scottish) however for the past 2 years I have been living in Berlin and have been registered as living and working there. I am still currently registered there as I have a bit of work to finish but have an appointment to de register at the start of October. Do you think I should wait to send the application off after I de register from Berlin or is it enough that I have my mums address in Scotland (where the visa application will be posted from) and am on the voting register in Scotland also? In your experience would any of this affect me getting approved for the tourist visa? Also do you think this leaves me enough time to get the visa in time for travelling on the 8th of November?!

Sorry for the long winded question and thanks for your help! Nicola

Hi Nicola, excited to hear that your planning a trip to India and so glad to hear that my blog has helped. I’m not an immigration professional but, in my experience, I would say that it’s always better to apply from your home country and where your registered to vote. Applying with your Berlin address may make things more complicated, I love Berling though! 🙂 I would say if you are registered to vote in Scotland then that is your permanent address and the one you should use. Mine usually takes 2 weeks, so maybe apply 1 month before you are due to go to be one the safe side. Hope you get your visa without any worries and hope you have a great trip to India! 🙂

Hi Anna! Your blog is great – so helpful. I am currently trying to fill my visa application in but I am a little stuck on the port of entry and exit question. I haven’t booked travel yet as I was waiting for my visa to be processed so not sure where I would be entering – was going to compare prices for different cities. Does it matter if I enter and exit from different places stated on my visa application? Any help would be appreciated as I can’t seem to find any info online. Thanks!!

Hi Sam, yes I don’t book my flights until I have the visa. I don’t know if it will cause you problems if you select one place and then enter at another but maybe it’s best to check the flights and think more about your itinerary first so that you don’t write the wrong thing. I’m not sure to be honest but I don’t think it matters that much – I mean I don’t think they check the references so maybe it will be OK. Good luck and have a good trip 🙂

Hi again Anna,

Thanks for your reply, I will apply from my UK address and send it off at the start of October!

Another question, I have just completed the application form online for the tourist visa station UK London as my mission as I want to post it. When I got to the end I made the mistake of choosing save and print form rather than make appointments and payments.. So now I have my form saved to be printed out but I haven’t paid for it yet! Or stated that I want to post it.. When I tried to check my visa status using the application ID it says the information cannot be found? Is there a way I can get back into my application to finish it off or should I fill it all out again? Stress! Thank you!

Hey Nicola, glad to help. Sorry but I think if the application ID can’t be found it hasn’t done it properly and you probably have to start over – I’ve done it myself a few times sometimes the website is a bit dodgy 🙁 Hope you get your visa OK in the end and have a good trip!

Hi Anna thank you for this, I understand the e-visa application process from the uk and that is starts from the day you apply, i assume that the visa has to be valid for the whole time you are there we go on the 8th October, can we complete the application now with a company and would they hold onto it and not process it until nearer the time…..I’m worried that if I do it wrong I will run out of time to re-apply but don’t want to do it too soon either unless they hang onto it and issue it nearer the date. Thanks for your help.

Hi Alison, yes the visa starts from the date of issue and you can only apply 33 days before travel and yes it has to be valid for the whole time you are traveling in India. If you overstay your visa you could face a fine and a ban on visiting India! 🙁 I think if you use iVisa https://www.ivisa.com/india-visa-application?utm_source=global_gallivanting&country=GB they can organise the timescale for you so you can apply now through them and they will lodge it at the right time so that you don’t have to worry about your visa expiring too early or forgetting to apply later on! Hope this helps and have a great time in India! 🙂

hello, thanks so much for this informative post. id never have been able to complete our visa applications without it! i am applying for visas for myself, my partner and our children (including one from a previous relationship)

do you know what supporting documents i have to send along with the children applications?

and also, if i can post all applications together in the same envelope?

thanks again 🙂

Hi Nina, Glad it helped! It can be a bit of a tricky process. I’m not really sure to be honest as I’ve only ever applied for myself but the website says that the documents required are:

“For Minor Child (Under 16 Years of age):

A copy of the child’s birth certificate showing both the parent’s names. Consent letter addressed to the HCI, London OR its respective consulates signed by both the parents Photocopy of Parent’s passports along with the copy of their current Indian Visa, if already holding one. If parents are Indian citizens, copy of the resident status in the UK would be required. In case of Divorce, Child Custody Letter from court in respect of the child is required. In case of Single Parent, Solicitor’s Letter and Child Benefit letter will be required. In case of Minor’s Application/Declaration either of the parents can sign the application form.”

I’m not sure if you can post them together sorry, perhaps email them to ask if you have any more doubts. Their email address is – [email protected]

Hope this helps 🙂

i can’t seem to find the declaration form you link to? sorry if I’m being silly! my brain is a bit fried from this whole visa process 🙂

Hey, sorry they must have changed the link to the declaration form – here it is http://www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK/pdf/Declaration1_240815.pdf Hope this helps 🙂

Thanks so much! got it now 🙂

sorry to ask more questions… hopefully my last! do you know how long i have to submit all my documents from the date i paid online? and I’m just getting a little panicky after reading on the vfs site that “all applicants must make an appointment” and “only urgent visa applications will be accepted via the post”? really appreciate your help x

Anna I think I love you a little, this is exactly what I have spent the last few hours searching for. Thanks so much for writing it, will certainly help with my application now. Wishing you the best karma filled weekend. Namaste! X

Hi Dave! Thanks so much – so glad it’s helped 🙂 Happy Travels 🙂

Hi there, love your blog! It’s helping me final make sense of this whole process haha!

Sorry if you’ve already covered this and I’m being dim, but my partner and I are planning to go to Sri Lanka in December, we’d like to stay there for 2-3 months before flying over to India. We’d like to apply for the 6 month visa but if we do this before we go then we will only be able to actually get 2-3 months in India as the visa will begin when we get it, before we go to Sri Lanka! can we apply for a 6 month visa from Sri Lanka? Are we just as likely to be able to get a 6 month visa to India from Sri Lanka as if we were applying from the UK? We’ve already booked our flights to Sri Lanka and now we’re kinda panicking because apparently we need exit flights from Sri Lanka to get into the country but I don’t want to book flights to India until I know we will be able to get a visa…

Hi Gemma, generally it’s always best to apply from your home country as you will get the maximum visa validity from there. If you’re from the UK you could try applying for a 1 year visa – they recently introduced them and its the same price.

You can get a visa for India in Sri Lanka but I haven’t done it myself. I’ve heard they sometimes give out 1 month or 3 month or maybe 6 months. You can never be sure how long they will grant you.

Maybe try to get a 1 year visa for India while your in the UK and then you don’t have to worry so much about the timing and you know you have your visa sorted.

Hi Anna thanks for your advice, I just realised you’d replied so sorry for my late reply! We did end up applying for the 1year visas from home, just waiting on them coming through now so fingers crossed!!

Thank you so much for your post.

Please can you tell me if it is still possible to send the application by post without the need to attend an appointment in-person?

Many thanks, Chris

Yes it is possible to apply by post – all the details and the address are in this article.

Thank you for this great post. This is very helpful.  I recently heard of a 5 year tourist visa. Do you know anything about it?  I did see it mentioned somewhere on the site, with a 300 pound fee.  As I intend to visit India a few times over the next few years it seems like a good investment.. It’s not clear if additional documents are required.  How risky do you think it is? Of course I understand you’re not an immigration officer, just wondering if you’ve heard anything about it..

Hey Rfe. Yes, I have heard of it but I have also heard of people applying for it and being refused or only getting 1 or 2 years but not receiving any refund. I’ve heard that its harder to get than the shorter visas and riskier for the chance of denial but this is just what I’ve heard from friends. If your from the UK I think you can get a 1 year visa quite easily now for the same price as the 6 month visa. Hope this helps and hope you get your visa fine.

wow, am I grateful for your post, without your advice, I would never have understood the very complicated website, you explained eveything so well!! ( I am a technophobe)

I now have my application form, all ready for posting, and I cannot wait for my trip to India, and yeah I intend to take my time and soak it all up!! – months – if they send me the correct visa, of course!

keep up the good work, much appreciated,

cheers, Steve

Hi Steve! Yes its a bit complicated isn’t it! So glad that I could help – hope everything goes smoothly and hope you enjoy India! 🙂 Happy Travels

Great advice, thanks so much!! I am now slightly freaking though as I am leaving on 4th Nov and won’t be able to send my application until Thursday – eg. 15 days before I leave… Do you have any idea if I will be able to have the address on the envelope as where I am staying in London just before I leave..? Or if there is any way to contact them to go and pick up my passport from the office?? Aaaaah!!

Hey, 15 days might be enough time but it’s cutting it fine. Maybe try to make an appointment instead of doing it by post that could be quicker. I guess you could put any address on the return envelope – I’m not sure I think you need to allow more time really to be on the safe side. You can contact VFS Global to check by emailing [email protected] or call +44 203 793 8629 or +44 203 788 4666 .. Hope this helps

Thank you very much for very clear advice. I can now be more confident in making an application. I would have missed including a Declarstion Form, if I had not come across your blog. The online form does not ask for name of hotel, etc but after printing there is a blank space for it. I did not write and add on the printed form. I hope it is okay.

I am retired so have no current employer as requested in form . I cannot proceed further without filling that. I have just entered my home address. Is that okay or will I be denied a. visa because of this. Very confusing.

Your advice to each question is excellent and very clear. Most useful

Hey I’m glad that you found it the post useful. I’m really not sure what happens if you don’t add the hotel – maybe it is OK as maybe they don’t check that anyway but with all these things its always best to read the form really carefully and answer every questions otherwise they might deny the visa. I’m sure there is an option to say that you are retired or unemployed on the form.

I’ve just received the email from VFS Global saying that my email is ready for collection/Courier

Now this might be a silly question, but if i’ve attached a return signed delivery envelope when i sent my Visa off, Do i still need to pay for a courier?

Many Thanks

Hey Micheal. The email/ text from VFS Global just says the same thing every time so don’t worry if you have included the return envelope then your visa should be posted back to you like this.

Hi Anna, really useful post, thank you! Just wanted to check what you mean by declaration form?

Never mind, I found it! Thanks

Hi Anna, on the form there is one space for a photo to be pasted. Do you stick it on with glue? Also, where do you put the other photo? Thanks,

Thanks for this post, I’ve read both of them and they’ve been so helpful! I’m a UK citizen eligible for an ETV – I just had a few questions about this and I haven’t been able to get hold of anyone on the phone! Would really appreciate some advice 🙂

I’m flying in to Mumbai and getting on a connecting flight to Kochi. At what stage will they issue my ETV? If it’s in Mumbai I’m wondering if there’ll be enough time as I only have an hour or two before the next flight.

Is an ETV also valid on inbound flights? After arriving in Kochi, I’m heading to Madurai then Delhi so will the visa still be valid?

Lastly, when it’s advised to apply for a visa no less that 5 days before departure, does this include weekends or is it just working days?

On the reference and declaration form, do you have any links to any templates I could use? 🙂

Hi Charlotte, glad the post was helpful.

To be honest it depends on which carrier you take if you have to switch airports in Bombay then you will need to clear immigration and get the E Visa there or somethings you can transfer straight through without changing airports and do immigration at your final destination so I cannot say but if you ask your airline they will be able to tell you.

The visa will be valid and if your flying domestically within India you do not have to go through immigration for those flights.

I’m not sure if it’s 5 working days or all days – maybe best to ask the professionals – If you need professional assistance contact iVisa for the E Visa or Visa HQ for 6 month visa. You can also contact VFS Global with any queries by emailing [email protected] or call +44 203 793 8629 or +44 203 788 4666 (Monday – Friday 8:30 – 15:30 (except for Consular Holiday) You can also call 09057570045 from Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:30 (except for Consular Holidays) but this number charges 95p per minute from a BT landline and more from a mobile.

Happy New Year to you!

Thank you for this wonderful website- its answering so many of my questions !

I’m currently filling out my visa application form ( also seems like they have made changes very in the last week but anyway) …. and my question is..

Do you know how important it is to have the correct Port of Entry? I think I will fly into Cochin, but haven’t booked flights yet as want to make sure I get the Visa first! Should I hold off submitting it until i’m 99% sure or just go for it anyway now?

Many thanks,

Glad you’ve found my site helpful – as I say I’m not an immigration professional so I can’t say for sure but no ones ever checked my point of entry – I’m not sure oif it really matters so much but don’t quote me on this – if you want professional help the numbers to call are listed at the bottom of the post.

Hope you have a good trip – Kerala is a great place to start! —> http://www.global-gallivanting.com/india-for-beginners/ 🙂

Great post which has cleared up many of my questions. Just to confirm however, I am from the UK and will be visiting India for 3 weeks in April. Am I right in saying I simply need to apply for the E-tourist Visa online?

Also, I will be flying domestically a couple of times during my stay in India. Surely this wont affect my one entry visa as I wont actually be leaving India during these flights?

Glad that the post helped you 🙂 Yes if you visit for less than 30 days then an e visa is the easiest and quickest option and if you are flying domestically it will be fine as you won’t be leaving the country.

Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Honestly this post is such a life saver. I am planning on visiting India after Sri Lanka and SEAsia this year however I’m already travelling so it will be tough to get it by post unless I stay in the same place for a while. I’m definitely reading your other India posts! X

Hi Charlotte

Glad that you found it useful! You can get the 30 day e visa online anywhere in the world and you should also be able to get an Indian visa in Sri Lanka quite easily.

Hope you have a great trip! 🙂

Hi Anna, thank you for the post very helpful!! We are planning on travelling south east Asia , just finishing selling up our life here in Devon. We have our flights booked to Sri Lanka for June 1st for 30 days and flights booked to India at the end of June I’m still a bit confused as to what to do for the best, we want to travel through India, including Goa :), for a few months so will need the extended visa not the E-visa. But when do we apply for it, if i do it now and it is issued by say April will we have until next April to use it? or might they randomly give us only 3 months in which case it won’t be long enough. why is it so confusing and difficult? Thanks in anticipation of your help 🙂

Yes, it is a bit confusing and a bit of a risk as the visa starts as soon as it is issued and there is no guarantee the length of visa you will get. You can apply for a 6 month or 12 month multiple entry visa which should cover you for the time you want to spend in India. Btw if you are planning to go to Goa in July you may not want to spend much time there as it will be raining and most things will be shut by then. Maybe read these posts – http://www.global-gallivanting.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-visiting-goa-in-monsoon-season/ and http://www.global-gallivanting.com/where-to-travel-in-july-and-august-to-avoid-monsoon-in-india/

I think more often than not they will give the longer visa (assuming you are from the UK and all your documents are correct and you don’t have an occupation in journalism or the military or any connections to Pakistan or anything else that brings up a red flag for them.)

It’s also possible to get the visa in Sri Lanka ( but usually they only give 3 months I think but I’m not 1005 sure) however, it’s always better to apply in your home country. You could just apply before you leave, if they did give you a shorter visa you could go to Nepal or Sri Lanka and get a new one – it’s a difficult situation I’m not sure what to suggest.

Hope this helps and hope you have a good trip.

Thanks Anna, we already read about the monsoon so we are starting on the south east coast in Chennai and then across and down to Kochi and pretty much following your suggested route for travelling India 🙂 in the hopes that we will be constantly behind the rain, fingers crossed lol but we are brits so used to a bit of rain. I am going to apply for the 12 month visa in April and go with whatever happens. thanks for your help x

Thanks, sounds good, hope you have a good trip 🙂

I’m planning my first trip to India and am not even sure how I would have started to navigate the visa process without your amazingly helpful guide!

I’m completing the online form and can’t progress any further without checking a couple of things. Can I just confirm that as a British passport holder I don’t have a Citizenship/National ID No.? Also, is the place of passport issue what appears under ‘Authority’ on the photo page? Mine says HMPO. If this is correct, is HMPO enough or would I need to write HMPO UK.

I really hope you’ll be able to provide some insight, Google seems a little undecided!

Thank you so much 🙂

Hi Becca, Yes it can be confusing so I’m glad my blog has helped Your passport number is your ID so you don’t need one. Yes, Authority means the place where the passport was issued. I just write what it says, mine says IPS but if your says something different under Authority just write whatever it says there I think. Hope this helps, have a great time in India 🙂

Thanks so much for this 🙂

I just have one more question. I’m a little confused about which online form I need to fill in. I’ve nearly completed the form via the linked you provided: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html . However, I’m confused about the difference between this form and the one on the Vfs Global website. I want to book an appointment in London rather than posting the application and on Vfs Global it says ‘For Visa: Applicants are advised to follow the instruction for “Appointment & Online Payment” upon completion of online form.’ So I am assuming that I actually need to complete the form on the Vfs Global website rather than the one on the Indian Visa Online website.

Hope you can help!

Thanks again,

Hi Becca, there are two different forms and companies depending on which visa you want – the 30 day e visa/ online visa or the longer term visa. If you want to longer term visa you need to go through VFS Global and complete the form online there before printing it and either posting it or taking it to the appointment with you. Sorry if it wasn’t clear.

Ah that makes sense, no problem I’ll just copy the info over from one to the other! Thanks again for your help, it’s appreciated 🙂

Hi Anna – i am a Uk citizen resident in Italy for more than 2 yrs & plan to apply for a multiple entry one year visa for India – would this be granted (or one for 6 mths), if i go on a one way ticket, or do they require evidence of a return on arrival, if not before ? – many thanks, Steve

Hi Steve, normally they do not ask for a return ticket when applying for the visa but often the do at the airport so it’s best to have one.

I need to visit India on an urgent basis.I am facing a marital discord making me depressed to an extent where i need my familys support.

Also, both me and my husband are unemployed(even if i fill in my status as a housewife.

Will our unemployed status affect my application. Can my visa application be rejected as I am unemployed.

Also, will I be having to show my bank statements for same.

Hi Ananya, sorry to hear about your situation. If you are a UK citizen applying for an Indian visa in the UK then I don’t think you need to show bank statements – I have never been asked but as I am not an immigration professional I can’t really advise you on this. It would be better to contact VFS Global directly – the details are on the bottom of the post. Hope you can get your visa soon.

Hi Anna, influenced by “The Marigold Hotel ” film and series, a group of 8, 65+ uk wrinklies are planning 40 days in and around Jaipur leaving 19th October. As I am organising the trip I have booked flights and hotels via booking.com (Cart before the horse) and now for the visas. Your blog was terrific, very helpful and my idea, as I travel a lot and need my passport, is to complete the application online and send it in when i’m back in Uk in August which i hope will then take two weeks to process and I will have a 12 month multi entry visa. I read somewhere of a guy who took his application and everything needed to London and then collected it a week later with no agro is this also the place in Hounslow?

Hi John. Great to hear you are planning a trip to India and glad that you found my blog helpful 🙂 You have plenty of time to apply for the visa as it starts from the date of issue not the date you arrive in India so it’s better to wait. Yes you can apply online and either post your passport off (usually takes 2 weeks) or make an appointment in London – sometimes it can be done in as little as a week but I would allow at least 2 weeks to be on the safe side. You can either collect your passport or have it sent to you by post. Hope you have a great trip – I’ll be writing more about Rajasthan soon hopefully in time for your trip 🙂

Thank you so much for this useful and helpful blog! Being from London, I wandered if you had any idea as to whether it was possible, to go to the Indian embassy in London, apply and get a 30 day or more visa on the same day? All the best Candace (www.360honeymoon.com)

Hi Candace, I don’t think it’s possible to get a visa the same day, but check with VFS Global as things can always change. If you only need a 30 day visa you can apply for an evisa online. This post explains more about e -visas – http://www.global-gallivanting.com/how-to-get-a-visa-on-arrival-or-e-tourist-visa-for-india/

Thank you so much for your useful post! I visited India for two weeks and totally fell in love with the Country. Since being back (2 days) I’ve decided to go back for a long weekend next week.

Only thing is I can’t work out if I’m allowed to. My visa was the single entry visa. Am I able to apply for a new one so soon. When I’ve researched it, I’ve found different views on it and can’t work out if they will give me a visa so soon after the last one.

Thanks in advance for your help 🙂

Hi Char – you should be able to apply for a new visa as soon as you want. The gap of having to wait 2 months for re entry to India was lifted

Thanks for the detailed information @ Anna. Travelers always face problem regarding the VISA when they want to travel abroad. Each country has their own rules and regulations. So it is mandatory for the tourists to read all the instructions written on the official websites, because the information change from time to time. When you have the latest information, you will do the right thing. However, it is always best to know from a similar person who has experienced the whole lot of thing already.

We are doing a cruise next year January and February 2018 taking in Mumbai , Goa and Cochin . Having researched the internet and your blog ( great info ) It is my understanding that whilst Goa and Cochin accept e visas whilst on a cruise ship , Mumbai does not . So what sort of visa do we need and where do we get it from as I think the VFS global service only does e visas . Many thanks Julie

Hi Julie, VFS Global is for the longer term visas not the E visas. The rules on E visas were recently changed (see here – http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/foreign-tourists-visiting-india-with-e-visa-can-stay-up-to-2-months/story-PmllWUXHitBzWUHZgD9BkO.html ) You can now enter at seaports in Goa, Cochin and Mangalore but I’m not sure about Mumbai, perhaps if your first entry to India is via one of those eligible then maybe it’s OK but then how many entries are allowed and what constitutes as an entry if you are traveling between different ports in the same country. To be honest I have never taken a cruise and I’m not an immigration professional so you should seek professional advice – at the bottom of the post there are the contact details or I would check with the cruise company – they should know what to do. Hope you have a good trip 🙂

I am going to India in October. Do I get an E-Visa at the airport or should I apply for a visa before going.

Hi Shirley – you MUST apply for the E visa online before traveling to India – all the info on how to do this is in the post

I’m wondering if you can offer any advice on my visa situation for India. I have a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa which expires on 1st September. I spent two and a half months in India (April-mid June) and wish to return at the start of August and stay until mid-late October. I know you cannot change or extend existing visas, but I’m wondering how to go about it or if my travel plans are possible. Would be able to apply for a new visa even though my current one isnt up? Or do I have to wait for this one to end before getting a new one? If that is the case, would I be able to simply leave India for a few days to somewhere such as Nepal and apply for a 60 day e-visa? I hope you can help a little!

Thank you 🙂

Hi Megan – you can apply for another visa even if your old one is now finished but you cannot extend your visa. If your visa expires halfway through your trip you could go to Nepal or Sri Lanka and apply for a new one the traditional way or you could leave and apply for an e-visa from anywhere and then go back to India.

Hello Anna 🙂

I made a post yesterday but it didn’t seem to work so I will try again!

I’m hoping you can offer me a little advice. I currently have a 6 month tourist visa which expires on 1st Sept. I only spent 2 and a half months (April-mid June) in India and wish to return at the start of August and stay until mid to late October.

I obtained the visa in Bangkok as I was living in Thailand at the time. I will be returning from the UK where I am visiting family for one month.

I have spent hours doing visa research and finding your blog has helped calm my mind a little; so thank you very much!

I know that the 6 month tourist visas are non extendable, so that is clearly not an option. I can think of two other options and I am wondering if they are possible; 1. Cancel the current visa and apply for a new 6 month visa whilst in the UK (although I’m slightly worried that could backfire and mean I cannot return at all this year!) 2. Return at the start of August, stay the month to finish off the current visa and then get out of there to somewhere such as Nepal and either apply for another tourist in Kathmandu, or apply for the e visa (which is now 60 days?!)

…I’m thinking option 2 would be better…IF they would grant me an e visa so soon after my 6 month visa.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Megan – some people make spam comments so your post did work but I was travelling without access to internet so I was not able to approve it. Your right that the visas are not extendable but I think it doesn’t matter if you apply for a new visa before your old one expires. You could apply for a 6 or 12 month visa from the UK – you still have to leave every 180 days (6 months) You could also go for option 2 and get another visa in Nepal but the duration would be less and maybe only single entry than if you apply in your home country. You can also get the e visa from anywhere. I’m not an immigration professional but I’ve applied for a visa the day after my old visa expired and had not problems. Hope you sort out your visa whichever you decide to do and have a good trip 🙂

Thank for you all your advice. I just wondered if you knew. I am flying to new Delhi in a few weeks. I have already been granted an E-tourist visa. However I shall be volunteering at an orphanage for 10 days before travelling for 15 days on am organised tour. When I rang the E-visa contact number, he expressed you should be fine with that of your main purpose is travelling. I’m a little worried as I want to make sure I have the correct visa. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions ? It would be gratefully appreciated. I am leaving in 12 days time. So not too much time left. I even amended to ring the high commission in London however was on hold for 40 minutes.

Many thanks

I understand your confusion, officially you do need an employment visa for volunteering but at this late stage you are unlikely to be able to get one as it is more complicated to apply for than a tourist e visa.

However, you are also traveling on a tour and for a longer duration that you are volunteering and many people come and volunteer for short periods on a tourist visa (I think its a bit of a grey area) so my advice would just be do not mention the volunteering if they ask you your reason for visiting India – just tell them about the tour you are going on and I wouldn’t think you will have any problems.

Hope you have a great time!

Hello i need help getting a visa is your entering india via land. And can i apply for it now? I am planning to get into india the 7th of november but will be leaving the UK from september the 10th and not returning to the UK until AFTER my india trip? Please help i am very confused.

Hey Caroline. The Indian visa starts from the date of issue not the date of entry so if you apply now and are only given 3 months then your visa may run out before your trip ends and they are non extendable and you can get a fine or ban from India if you overstay. If you are going to be in India for 2 months or less then you could apply for an E Visa while you are on the road. http://www.global-gallivanting.com/how-to-get-a-visa-on-arrival-or-e-tourist-visa-for-india/ You could also apply in Sri Lanka, Nepal or Bali if you are going to be visiting those countries first. Hope this helps

hello, so i cannot apply for the e-visa because e-visa’s are only for when you fly into india which you then sort out at the airport, but i will be entering india from nepal via land so need a normal visa and i need help with appying for this one, how long it lasts, when i should apply, what the process is, can i pay to get it done quicker? thanks!

Yes e visas are for when you fly into India but you can now also enter from a sea port on an evisa so maybe it’s possible. I’m not sure maybe you can enter overland – its best to ask the professionals. I would advise you to contact http://www.iVisa.com – thats who I use for e visas and they will know if you can go overland with an evisa. For more info about getting the visa in Nepal check out this post – https://nomadicboys.com/getting-indian-visa-kathmandu/

Hey Caroline, it usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks to get the visa. You can apply for a 6 month or 12 month visa but the duration issued is up to them- you never know until you get the visa and also I’m not a visa professional so I cannot say anything is 100% guaranteed – it never is with visas they can reject the visa if you don’t sign in the right place for example. It is always better to get the visa in your home country but many people get it Nepal. Call the numbers listed in the post to seek advice from a professional visa agent and check out the post about getting the visa in Kathmandu https://nomadicboys.com/getting-indian-visa-kathmandu/

Hi thanks for this post, this is really helpful and reassuring – I’m worried I’m going to send off my passport and not get it back! I’m heading to India in October and applying for a 6 month tourist visa via post – I can’t find anywhere on the website where I can pay online – do you know if they have stopped accepting this now? I can’t find anything like you described – I have also uploaded a digital photo, so does this mean I don’t need to send physical photos too? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

If you have uploaded digital photos then you shouldn’t need to send in photos as well. The bit where you pay online is only after you’ve finished the application, it kind of takes you to another page that does look a bit dodgy but I’ve never had any problems with it. You click on the button to ‘make appointments and payments’ and select your mode of submission – either you want to make an appointment or send by post. There should be a tab at the top thats called ‘Visa Fee and Pay Details’ and thats where you can make the payment. I’m sure it will be fine – they process lots of visa applications all the time allow 2 – 3 weeks to get the visa back. I’ve haven’t personally needed to do it for a year now though but I can’t imagine they would take away the option to pay online. Hope this helps, good luck 🙂

Hello, I wondered how you go about what you need to do to live there permanently and either get residency or a business visa. I spent just a couple of weeks touring India last December and I love it there and would like to give up my life in England to live a more simple life in India. Possibly Goa. A yoga retreat on a beach resort would be great! I really can’t find much information on moving to India though. I know I would need a business partner who is Indian too though – that’s another hard thing that I can’t find information on anywhere. I have capital, I have business acumen (I work for an investment bank) and I have the desire and capability to really do this, but the starting block seems so hard. Thanks Kristy

Hi Kirsty – sounds amazing but yes its a bit complicated, buying property, starting a business or getting residency is really hard without an Indian partner. You can see info about how to get a business visa here – http://www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK/Business.html

Hi Anna. Great blog. Most helpful. We travelled to India 3 years ago and spent 8 fantastic weeks travelling in the north. We are going on a cruise in December and calling in at Mumbai and Cochin. We only stop for two days at each port and we need to apply for the full tourist visa which is a very costly four days but apparently there is no alternative unless you can advise otherwise. Since we loved India so much the first time and plan to go back to explore the south, I was thinking of going for a 6 month, multiple entry visa and planing a trip next year. Is there any way I can be guaranteed getting a 6 month visa instead of a 3 month? Also, how far in advance can I make the application. We go on the cruise in December but I need my passport for other trips in October and November.

Hi Micheal – Theres no way you can be guaranteed anything with Indian visas! The length and number of entries they issue is up to them and also the visa will start from the date of issue. But I’m pretty sure that recent changes mean that you are now allowed to enter India through these seaports with an E Visa. Check with https://www.ivisa.com/india-visa-application?utm_source=global_gallivanting&country=GB who should be able to confirm this and can give you professional help. Hope you have a great trip

Hello thanks for all this infomation. Its very helpful! Just wondering if you knew if I could apply for a visa from Cyprus. I live in the UK but am working in cyprus until late Oct and want to go visit a friend in India in Nov. Can I apply while I am here or should i wait until i am back in london?

Hi Kelly, if you are going to visit India for no more than 60 days then you could apply for an e visa online from anywhere. Otherwise you will need to send your passport off for about 2 weeks to get the visa and it’s best to do it from your home country.

Thank you for the information it’s been really helpful. I seem to have run in to a problem though .. I’ve submitted the application and now there seems no way for me to access it again; I haven’t paid any fees yet but there isn’t any way to get back in to the application to select a mode of submission or make a payment. I can however track the application using a ref number that was given but this only tells me that the application is in progress with no further options.

Do you think I should start the process again as perhaps I’ve missed something? Given how strict they seem to be I’m worried that a duplicate will affect my application. Any help would be appreciated!

Once you submit the application you go to another page to made the payment/ appointment. Do you have the temporary application number? You should be able to get back into the application if you have that. Otherwise, I’m not sure what went wrong but it sounds like if you have not made a payment or an appointment your visa application won’t be able to go any further so maybe you’ll have to start again.

Thanks Anna,

My partner just went through the same application process and again there was no payment option once the application was submitted, and no way to retrieve the application other than to reprint the pdf. I have since been emailing their helpdesk at info.inuk but the information I am getting back from them is similarly frustrating in it’s lack of clarity and despite asking them for confirmation of what I should do next they only seem to want me to refer back to the vfs site for help. I have asked to send a postal order instead but even getting confirmation that this is acceptable has been a struggle! Anyway thank you for your help, I am sure that this hassle will be worth it in the long run!

I think there is a problem with their site as I’ve heard this has been happening to alot of people this last week or so where it doesn’t take you to the payment and appointment screen and the only thing you can do is reprint the application form.

Make sure you note down your application number and try going to this link for the payment and make appointment screens – https://www.vfsvisaservice.com/IHC_UK_ONLINE/(S(xfl0pvli34mrlyqhjyidyu2v) )/Index.aspx

There you should be able to type in your application number and passport number and make the payment or appointment.

If it doesn’t work one day you can try the next day and sometimes it will work then.

The link has worked first time – what a relief!

Thank you for all your help Anna we really appreciate it, I’ll certainly be coming back to the sit for more tips.

All the best, Andy

Glad it worked for you 🙂 Sometimes the site can be a bit dodgy! :s

I just like the caring information you provide to your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here frequently. Thanks for sharing this so valuable post!

Hi Anna Thank you for your useful blog. It’s a long story but in essences I want to take my 13yo son to Goa for at least 3 months this winter. He’s dyslexic and would greatly benefit from one to one intensive English and maths lessons. Our schools have failed him. I would appreciate any links or advice. Thanks in advance Chris

Hi Chris. Sorry I’ve only just received your message. I don’t have kids myself but have heard good things about the yellow school in Anjuna. https://www.greenprophet.com/2018/03/re-schooling-in-goa-at-the-holistic-yellow-school/ Hope this helps

Hi Anna, thanks for your advice and tips on how to complete this dreaded visa application for India. Ive been on my PC for nearly 4 hours now and after finding your page just by accident , I have moved a bit forward with the visa application for India that I need, however I am kind of stuck again. Here are my problems and inquiry, I hope you can help or point me to someone who can help. Im a UK citizen as is my mum who is elderly and frail. Her brother in India is quite ill and so I am taking her over to see him just for 8 days, so we dont require long period visas. We are travelling mid October. Im not very good with a computer so thought Id go for the print and post option and chose LONDON as my mission. I have got as far as printing my visa application . I have been able to print it out and also printed the declaration form via link you provided. My questions now are as follows .

1. I cant seem to be able to pay for the visa. I followed your instructions and went onto the pay visa processing fee screen option ( on indiavisaonline.gov site), however, after I entered the details required, I got a a messege in red saying “Please fill a new e-Visa application as the application format is changed” . HELP!!! Do I have to do this all over again and does it mean I cant do this application by post? Im not entirely sure how to upload photos to the format they want and hence wanted to do this by post or in person. 2. Do I not need to scan my passport somewhere, is giving them passport details on the form enough? 3. If I am successful with getting my visa done,( god help me!!!) I will have to do my mums visa too. Just wondered, can I use the same email address I used for my visa to apply for hers as she isnt on email? Mind you the application i submitted is logged as submitted and being processed despite me not paying yet AND weirdly, I havent got any email acknowledgement to say its even been submitted!!!! what do i do!!!

Sorry for a million questions.. hope you can throw some light my way! thanks a bunch!

thank you so much for the help! I have completed my application form and paid for it but i cant seem to work out where to print the application form off! Can you help?

Thanks so much

never mind! it was a fault on my computer!

Hi Anna, I’ll be calling the helpline tomorrow to clarify a few points of uncertainty on the 6-month tourist visa application form; however, in case you can answer me before they can: In the section asking about “visible identification marks,” what are they referring to? To physical marks of identification on my body/face, or what? I have a protuberant nose and quite sharp features generally, with medium-length blonde hair and a mole just below the left side of my collarbone – but do I say any of this, or just enter “none,” which is what I have temporarily entered? Thank you in advance for potentially answering my question.

And one other thing that I forgot to ask: When it comes to the passport photos, do I have to upload them onto the application in digital format, or can I send in two loose paper pictures taking at a photo-booth – if I can do it the latter way, can they be loose or do I need to glue them to the application? Thank you again, and great post.

Hi Anna, I’ve just received approval of my Indian evisa but I was surprised to see that the ETC has a place to fix a physical photo, just across the page from where it shows the electronic version of the photo. Do I need to put a physical picture there or can I get away without it? Thanks, Ben.

Hi Ben – I would always carry several passport photos with you when travelling in India. When you arrive at the airport they can confirm what they want you to do

Hey, so it looks like I have cut it too fine to send off my passport for a visa longer than 60 days! If I want to spend more time in India could I leave to say Sri Lanka, apply for another e-visa and then return in a couple of weeks? Thanks!

You cant extend the visa and you can only get 2 in one year but you could also apply for another regular visa in Sri Lanka or Nepal

The article is really captivating to me especially the information you providing in applying for visa to UK citizen. I do have a lot of UK friend that wants to travel in India.

Glad its helpful

Hi Anna I see on the visa application form for. 6 month visa they ask have you ever visited India before and if so when and what was your visa number I was there 9 years ago but now have a new passport and no record of the number Is it important or not and will it affect my being granted a new visa

If you have it I think it’s best but I’m not sure what happens if you don’t. Maybe you can comment back and let me know? It may help other travellers with the same question

Hey, Really helpful article thanks! Was just wondering, with the 6/12 month visas, after the date of issue, is there a date you have to be in India by? Like do you have to get into the country say, a month after it is issued or anything like that? I will probably get a 12 month visa as I will be travelling in SE Asia for about 4 months before I get to India and then be in India for about 6/7 months. Would it still be sensible to get the visa before I go? Because I do have enough time with my plan but is it still easier doing it in England than somewhere else while I’m away already? Thanks

Hi Ciara – the visa starts from the date of issue not the date you enter India. You can go anytime after its been issued but you need this into account when you apply so that you get enough time on your visa for your India trip. It’s always better to apply from your home country but you can get a 60 day e visa online if you are already traveling.

Site is so useful!

I’m flying on Jan 4th and I’m hoping to finish my application by tomorrow.

With this Xmas holidays coming up I’m getting slightly worried that I’ve not left myself enough time :/

Is dropping the application form off at a centre quicker than posting it?

And if I do this what do I select when I select my mode of submission?

It’s quicker to make an appointment to submit the visa than posting it. You select this after you’ve done the form

Site is so useful! But when I’ve tried to post a question it’s saying it’s a duplicate and won’t let me post!

Sorry – its because I have to moderate the comments before they show

Hi Anna, I completed the online visa application and then went on to ‘visa fee and pay details’ section. I unticked the ‘photo upload service’ and went to payment. It was £135.24. When I looked at the breakdown of the payment though it says £12.33 is for “courier charges” I was planning to send a SAE as you suggest in the blog but am I right to say I’ll be wasting my money now as it will be sent by courier on their part?

Thank you for writing this blog. We followed your advice and our 6 month Indian tourist visas came back in under a week. My Mum has recently passed away so we are coming to Goa, as a family, in January to heal, relax and reconnect. We are going to try and rent somewhere and will take your advice (again) and wait until we arrive. Thank you, the Astall family

Hi Kate, sorry to hear about your Mum passing but glad to hear that you found my blog useful. Hope you have a good trip! 🙂

Thanks for writing this, it made using the websites heaps easier. Got my 6 month visa back in like a week. Thanks again! Jess

Great! Glad to help Jess. Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hi there, can you tell me if we can use the E-visa service please? we have 2 sons and in the past we have had to send in marriage cert and birth cert before getting their visa’s…I want to use the E-visa service but it does not say anything about this on the website

Hi I’m sure children can get the e Visa but I’m not an immigration professional. If you need professional assistance contact iVisa for the E Visa or Visa HQ for 6 month visa. You can also contact VFS Global with any queries by emailing [email protected] or call +44 203 793 8629 or +44 203 788 4666 (Monday – Friday 8:30 – 15:30 (except for Consular Holiday) You can also call 09057570045 from Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:30 (except for Consular Holidays) but this number charges 95p per minute from a BT landline and more from a mobile.

Hi Anna Thankyou for this, so helpful! I’m probrably going to come across stupid but I am worried that my visa will get rejected most likely like everyone esle! I’m applying for a 12 month multiple entry visa mainly so I have the option to leave and come back maybe go elsewhere in Asia and back but I have no itinerary let’s just say I never think ahead or organise anything and I don’t like making set plans. I have seen on other forums that when applying for multiple entry they want full details of your itinerary, flights to and from and back to India, train tickets and the places you are staying!! I dont know any of that, is that something I would have to make up? Will they really want proof of all those plain tickets that all sounds like it would cost so much for an itinerary you don’t want to stick to! I’m probrably over reacting but would love to know your thoughts on this. Thankyou Lids xx

Hi, a few years ago they were asking for itineraries but I haven’t heard of them asking recently so you should be OK. Have a great trip 🙂

Hello Anna. My wife and I are on a cruise in April and we are moored in Cochin for just 6 hours. I understand that if we wish to go ashore we will require a visa each; the process you outline seems very long-winded for such a short visit. Do you know if there are any concessions for very short visits by cruise passengers? We have also been told that Cochin is not geared up to process the volume of eVisas that a cruise might deliver all at one time and that we should apply for a passport visa / stamp. Do you know if this is correct (sorry, I know you are not an immigration official). Many thanks.

I haven’t personally been on a cruise so can’t really comment but you def do need a visa to enter India and its a little different when entering from sea. I would advise you to check with VFS Global or iVisa – the details are in the post. Sorry I can’t help more but hope you have a great trip

Hi Anna Hope you can advise me please. We are visiting Goa on 10th Nov 2018 for two weeks and then going on a cruise in March 2019 which visits Goa, Kerala, Mangalore and Mumbai returning on April q0th 2019. If I apply for a multiple entry visa in October 1018 will I be able to apply for a 12 month visa. Is there an option to put details of our second cruise holiday itinerary on the application form? I don’t really want to pay for two visas. Thanks Susan.

Hi susan. Yes a 12 month visa is the same price as a 6 month one so if I was you I would apply for a 12 month visa but I don’t think there is anywhere on the application form where you could write it but you could include a note with your application.

such a helpful blogpost thanks so much, you’ve made the application process way easier for me! i have realised i have missed out a few bits of info on my printed application 1) i visited morocco a few years a go and have a stamp in my passport 2) in the box where you should fill out all the places in india you expect to visit i just put delhi and goa, although my reference is in Kasauli. Should I begin the process again? Is it possible to edit and print again? Thanks for your help!

Glad its useful. Yes it should be possible to start again if you made a mistake. Good luck 🙂

ihave client who allready has got 6 month multiple visa but he wants to stay on india for 2 more years what should i do plz help

Tourist visas cannot be extended

Hi so if I get thiis online evisa for 2 months (60 days)…. Could I leve the country for a few weeks, and apply again, then come back into India again for another 2 months afterwards…. Is this possible…. Or its only 60 days and there’s nothing you can do about it?

Hi Tom, you can extend the visa and you can only have 2 e visas in 1 year. I’m not sure if you can apply for a new visa while you old visa is valid and by leaving the country the time on your visa would still be running and you would not be able to get it back. Probably better to spend the 60 days in India before moving onto a different country.

i also struggle from that situation Glad you share it. Good luck everyone.

Hi, I am a little concerned about my Indian visa application. I think I have filled everything out correctly on the forms, but when it came to ‘Expected date of Arrival’, the calender opens up but would only allow me to select dates up to January 2019. I am cruising to India on March 20th 2019, so I tried to enter the date manually, the site allowed this and I carried on, finished and paid £270 for two applications. From what I have read on this page, I fear that the 3 month visa I requested will start and finish before I even get to India next March! Shall I try to cancel, or will they just keep the money anyway?

Yes, the visa is valid from the date of issue so if they only give you a 3 month visa it may expire. I don’t think you can get your money back after you’ve submitted sadly. Maybe try contacting the embassy? Good luck!

I found your blog really useful, thank you! However, I have a few questions as below:

– if I apply for a regular visa, ie by post, do I still have to visit one of their offices for an interview? – is an interview not required for an e-visa? – is there an additional bank charge, as it states (2.5%) in the instructions for e-visa? – from your own experience, is one method better than the other?

Many thanks, Lynn

Hi Lynn. The e Visa is the easiest but only for 60 days. I normally just get my visa by post as I find that easiest and no you don’t need an interview for e visa or regular tourist visa.

Hi Anna. I am planning a trip to Bhutan via India in October. I visited India last year and managed to obtain an e-visa on that occasion. This time I am travelling via Mumbai and Delhi. I have a stop over of some 4hours in Mumbai and then an onward flight to Delhi. Both incoming and outgoing from the same terminal (2). When I land at Delhi I arrive at terminal 3 and the ongoing flight to Bhutan (with a different Airline) leaves from that same terminal. However, I need to transfer my luggage from one airline to another. Do I need an Indian Visa to do so? Presumably I need to go through immigration to claim my baggage and transfer it to another flight even though I am in transit. I would really appreciate your guidance on this. Thank you. Chris.

Hi Chris – It’s a difficult one. if you are staying in the same terminal then you don’t need to leave so you don’t need an Indian visa but if you need to clear immigration in order to collect your luggage then maybe you will need one. You should ask the airline what the procedure will be – maybe they can help you so you collect it before immigration. Sometimes in Mumbai you have to change airport – in which case you would need one a visa. Have a great time in Bhutan! I’ve also been fascinated by the country!

Thanks very much, Anna. All things considered, I think the best way of avoiding a whole load of grief is to get a visitor’s Visa. We are really looking forward to visiting Bhutan, which looks to be an amazing civilised Country. Thanks again and best wishes, Chris.

Hi Hopefully you can help we are cruising from dubai and visiting 4 ports in india (first port Mumbai) so we will arrive 4 times in india in 6 days by sea will an e visa suffice regards john

Hi John, I’m not an immigration professional so I can’t give you a definitive answer You will need a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa and you need to check which seaports you are entering. Unless they have changed it again I think you can only enter by e visa at 3 Indian seaports – Cochin, Goa and Mangalore – not Mumbai. So maybe you need to send your passport away and apply for the normal visa. You should check with your cruise line for the information or an immigration/ visa professional

Hi Anna this blog is amazing. I’m just a bit worried though as I am a British citizen living and working in Malaysia. Will I be eligible for an e visa? I read somewhere you can’t have one if you are British citizen working oveseas. im only going there for one week in November. Do you think I will be ok to apply?

Thanks, glad you like the blog! 🙂 I haven’t heard of not being able to apply for an Indian visa if your working overseas. I wouldn’t think you should have any problems applying for an e visa for India.

Good luck and hope you have a good time in India 🙂

Hi there Great blog! Thank you. I can’t remember or find a previous visa number from 2004. Do you think I can just put unknown and write a note to say I no longer have the passport? Many thanks

I’m not sure as I’ve never tried applying without a previous visa number.

I guess if you can’t find it you’ll just have to do that but I can’t give you a definitive answer of what they will do as I’m not an immigration professional.

Good luck and hope you get your visa ok and have a good time in India 🙂

Thanks for all of this useful info! Going to be a great help when we head over to Anjuna next year. Our worry is, we want to do a full 9/12 month stint over there, so the worry of leaving after 180 days has me concerned, as we won’t be planning on going back to the UK. Any ideas? Can we go airside at the airport and sit there for 24 hours? or do we have to leave the country entirely and then come back? Also, do we have to go to London? or can we do it all by post? As we live in the ever cold Newcastle and it will be a pain in the butt to have to travel to the big smoke (I HATE IT)

TBH Your gonna get a lot of messages from us over the next 9 months before we go, as you’ve done exactly what we want to do, and your blog has been our main source of inspiration and information thus far. Thanks so much in advance.

Ted & Sarah x

Hi Ted and Sarah.

Exciting that you are moving to Anjuna and glad that my blog has helped.

You can apply for your visa by post – info is in this article. Everyone has to leave every 180 days but you can just go to Sri Lanka or Nepal and Dubai for 1 day and come straight back as long as your visa is still valid – you don’t need to go to UK. You can’t just sit in the airport – they won’t even let you into the airport without a flight ticket.

A lot of questions you get. Thanks a lot for giving feedback and support. I did wrote to you before regarding a visa.

Normally I do only book a one way ticket to visit a country.

India wants a return – or onwards ticket to issue the visa.

Now I am looking for a short flight ticket to get out of India. From where to where is not important. Just a good price is needed. And with this ticket I can apply the visa. I am not going to use this ticket anyway.

I will leave India before my Visa will expire anyway. But I do not know yet where I will go too. So I do have more time to think about my ongoing travel plans.

Any recommendations or ideas ?

Muchas gracias Silvio Hostal Capurgana, Capurgana, Kolumbien

Hello Anna.

I’m planning on visiting India around October 2019. I’ve been reading through all the useful information and links about applying for a 6 month tourist visa.

What confuses me is the point you make about validity. I quote, “Also, the validity of the visa begins from the date of issue by the High Commission of India and not from the date of travel on your application form.”

I take this to mean that on receipt of my visa it will display the “date of issue”. If I travel 3 months after the “date of issue” does it mean that I’m only able to visit India for 3 months?

I would be most grateful if you could clarify this point for me.

Thank you very much.

Hi Daniel, yes the visa starts on the day it’s issued. So if you get a 6 month visa but don’t enter India until 3 months after you got it then it will only have 3 months left on it. You can’t extend visas while in India either and overstaying results in a fine and ban on visiting India again so don’t risk it.

very helpful…

I am going to Mumbai for 8 days, then goa for 4 days, then back to mumbai for 3…then returning back to the UK.

Do i need to get a multiple entry or a single?

If you are only entering India once (in Mumbai I guess) and not leaving India then you only need a single entry visa

I’ve just been through the whole arduous process of applying for an Indian visa. For your purposes simple apply for an e-visa. It will suffice. It last for 60 days. Good luck with the visa and I hope you have a great time. Daniel

Yes, its quite an undertaking isn’t it just getting the visa. Glad you got your ok and hope you have a good trip to India! 🙂

Hi Anna, My partner (Uk resident), will be travelling to Australia and then wanted to join me in India for 10 days. Should he get an E-visa for india? He was told by the quantas air that he would have to come back to Uk and travel to india from Uk to go to india. Is that correct? A bit silly I feel

Hi Kay, Yes you can now get an e visa for India from anywhere in the world – no need to go back to your home country to apply. He should be fine applying for an e visa for India from Australia. Hope you have a good trip together 🙂

Thank you so much for this! I have been scouting the internet for so long for this information

Great! Hope it helps! I know how confusing applying for an Indian visa can be!

Hi Anna, Thank you for this blog post – I think this should be linked directly from the Indian Govt website! My girlfriend and I are coming to India for a 2 week adventure and I think I understand everything on the eVisa application form – except the bit where it asks for my National ID number. Do you know if that would be my National Insurance number? Or is that an “NA” answer? If you have any advice on that, I’d be really grateful. And thanks again for your great blog!

Hi Tom – thanks, glad it’s useful. No its your national identification number for example your passport number not national insurance. 🙂

[…] for a 6 or 12 month Indian Tourist Visa (here’s my step by step guide to help you) , make that decision, take the leap of faith and book a flight to India – and that’s the […]

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Passport Validity for Travel to India [2024 & Beyond]

It’s all set—you’re going to India. You’ve packed your things, prepared the itinerary, you’ve even looked up a few new words to surprise the locals.

And yet, one question is still bugging you—

What’s the minimum passport validity to enter India?

Worry not! This article will discuss all the essentials of traveling to India with a US passport. We’ll also mention different instances to address the holders of other documents.

Here’s what we’ll talk about:

• All you need to know before traveling to India

US passport validity for travel to India

Passport validity for travel to india with oci, travel to india with an indian passport that’s valid for less than 6 months.

Passport near the expiration date? Secure your travel and apply for a new passport today. With our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android , you’ll create a 100% compliant picture within minutes and receive it immediately in your email or directly to your door in 3 days!

We’ve discussed more passport-related issues for travelers! Check them out:

• Emergency Travel with an Expired Passport
• Where Can You Travel Without a Visa as a Green Card Holder?
• Can You Travel with a Green Card and an Expired Passport?

Passport validity: All you need to know before traveling to India

Let’s take a look at the general requirements first:

Every tourist, regardless of nationality, must carry a valid passport and visa to enter India. The purpose of their visit and the length of stay is determined by the type of Indian visa they apply for.

Generally, your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival to India. Also, it’s recommended that your passport is valid for at least three months when leaving the country.

Now, as you already know—your passport is not the only document necessary for traveling to India. Below, we’ll discuss these cases in more detail.

To answer shortly—your US passport must be valid for at least six months to enter India without any issues.

However, as a US passport holder, you must also apply for an eVisa before traveling to India.

US citizens can choose between three types of tourist visa, depending on their desired stay. These visas can be valid for:

Important : You must apply for an eVisa with a valid passport. If your passport is valid for less than six months before your trip to India, you must apply for a new passport and redo the process of acquiring a tourist visa. See different options to renew a US passport . 

Also, regardless of the time left on your visa—say, it’s still valid for three years—if your passport expires, so does your visa.

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards are issued to Indian nationals and their spouses who have or have obtained a different nationality. Since Indian authorities don’t allow dual citizenship, the OCI card permits foreign nationals of Indian origin to live and work in India.

OCI cardholders must also obtain visas before traveling to India—in that case, a 5-year visa is automatically issued.

However, your passport must still be valid for at least six months upon visiting India. Otherwise, you must apply for a new passport.

Technically, an OCI card is a life-long visa. There are some instances, though, in which you’ll have to renew your card . If that’s your case, see how you can prepare and resize your OCI photo effortlessly.

If you’re an Indian passport holder, you can visit India without applying for a visa.

However, even for Indian citizens, the country has a 6-month passport validity rule. That means if your passport is valid for less than six months, you’ll be denied entry to India.

Need a new passport? See how you can renew your expired Indian passport in the US .

Pro tip : Ensure your passport has two blank pages for the Immigration Officer to stamp.

Travel stress-free and always prepared! Get your passport or visa photo quickly with our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android , and worry not about your document expiring.

Can I travel to India with less than 6 months on my passport?

Unfortunately, no. Local authorities require every foreigner entering India to carry a passport that’s valid for at least six months at the time of arrival.

Can you travel to India if your passport expires in 3 months?

Unfortunately, no. You must carry a passport that’s valid for at least six months. In any other case, you should apply for a new passport before traveling to India.

How many months of passport validity is required to travel to India?

The minimum passport validity to travel to India is six months. Moreover, it’s recommended that your passport is valid for at least three months when leaving India.

Can I travel to India with a US passport expiring in 3 months with OCI?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival to India, even though you carry an OCI card.

Key takeaway

Now you know—

In every case, your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entering India.

If you aren’t an Indian passport holder, additionally you’ll have to apply for eVisa—and for that, your passport must also be valid for six months. Renew it early enough before your travel to ensure a stress-free trip.

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Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has long been considered the tourist hub of South East Asia. People will arrive in the country, enjoy their time, and then head out to explore neighboring countries. Because of its welcoming locals, rich culture, exquisite food, beach, and mountain getaways, people know they will return. Many foreigners stay in Thailand for months and barely scratch the surface of discovering this beautiful country. This is why a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is the perfect travel solution.

Foreigners can enter Thailand for a holiday in many ways. If they are limited in time and are from a Visa Exempt country, they can visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa through Thailand’s Visa Exemption scheme . This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for a visa exemption, they can organize a 15-day Visa on Arrival when they arrive in Thailand.

These are good if you are short on time or only intend to visit once, but to truly experience Thailand, you need time. If you plan to visit multiple countries during your stay in Asia, the Multiple Entry Visa is the quickest and cheapest way to plan your holiday.

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

A Multi-Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. It is issued to people who visit the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. 

A multi-entry visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. A person could visit the islands in the south of Thailand, relax on the beach and learn to scuba dive for two months; fly to Vietnam and enjoy the sights of Saigon for a week or two; and then return to Thailand’s northern mountains to experience animal sanctuaries, Lan Na culture, and cook northern Thai food.

With a multi-entry visa, people can enter either by air, land, or sea. Many people arrive by plane and then leave by train or boat.

The visa is valid for 6 months after it is approved. This means that people have 6 months to use the visa and enter Thailand as often as they like from the date their visa is approved. It is easy to confuse visa validity with time spent in the country. Validity is how long you have to utilize or use the visa before needing to apply for a new one. Time in the country is the 60-day permission of stay. A stamp is placed in your passport for 60 days when you arrive, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their visa validity and still get a full 60 days to stay in Thailand.

How to apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Multi-Entry Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . This system was updated during Covid and is often the simplest way to obtain a visa.

When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted  (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Certain countries are not eligible to apply for an E-Visa because additional documents are needed for approval. 

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months (after the intended date of departure from Thailand) validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Visa application form completed and signed
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 200,000 Thai Baht)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a multi-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $150 – $250 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like help confirming documents are correct before lodging your application or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a Visa Assistance Agent . These agents are aware of current immigration requirements and will confirm documents are correct to avoid delays. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents will charge a fee for their service but often save you time and money in the long run. They streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through E-Visa secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Multiple Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you wish to take part in any of the above activities, you will need to look at long-term visa options. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa .

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country no later than 60 days
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Current financial or bank statement showing funds available (200,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

If you decide you would like to stay for longer than 60 days before visiting somewhere else, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Visitors with a Multi-Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.

You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.

It is important to note that Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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5 visa updates for 2024 that Indian travellers will benefit from

Panchali Dey , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD Updated : Apr 6, 2024, 12:53 IST

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start mapping out your travel plans. And as you do, it's also essential to stay updated on the latest visa regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Also, staying updated will help you choose your options more wisely, and make the most out of it. In short, knowing the visa requirements and updates can make all the difference.

Here are some noteworthy visa updates for 2024 that every Indian traveller should be aware of.

Japan's introduction of eVisas for Indian travellers

Japan has launched eVisa applications for Indian travellers. Administered by Japan Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global, this streamlined process retains the familiar steps of submitting documents and applications to VFS. Designed for short-term tourism, the eVisa will be offering a single-entry option allowing stays of up to 90 days. Both Indian nationals and foreigners residing in India are eligible to submit their applications.

Notably, visas will now be issued electronically rather than as physical stickers in passports. Upon approval, travellers must present a visa issuance notice on their mobile device at the airport, necessitating internet access. Do note that alternative formats such as PDFs or printed copies of the eVisa will not be accepted.

Dubai's introduces five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa

Dubai has recently introduced a new visa program tailored for Indian tourists in response to a significant increase in the number of Indian visitors. This visa program offers a five-year, multiple-entry permit, enabling travelers to spend up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend once, and a yearly cap of 180 days.

This visa will cater to both business and leisure trips, and will allow unlimited entries and exits within the five-year period. Requirements will include a passport photo, six months' worth of bank statements showing a balance of at least $4,000 (INR 3,33,447), a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, health insurance, and round-trip flight tickets. The application process will typically take 2-5 days, with submissions accepted through the GDRFA website or app, or the official ICP website.

Thailand's visa-free option for Indian travellers

The Thai Government recently announced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. During this period, Indian travellers can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without requiring a tourist visa, enjoying a 30-day stay.

Kenya's eliminates visa requirements

Effective January 1, Kenya eliminated visa requirements for not only Indian citizens, but also for all global visitors, in a move aimed at bolstering the nation's vital tourism sector. This visa-free initiative will facilitate seamless travel experiences for visitors keen on wildlife safaris and beach vacations.

Romania and Bulgaria's access to Schengen Visas

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, permitting stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, do note that visas issued before April 1 by these two countries won't grant access to the entire Schengen area. Travellers from non-Schengen countries may still undergo passport checks when travelling between different Schengen destinations. Visa issuance for Bulgaria and Romania can be processed on their respective official websites.

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With the summer holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start mapping out your travel plans. And as you do, it's also essential to stay updated on the latest visa regulations to ensure a smooth ...

Thailand Leads Push for Six-Nation Visa to Lure Moneyed Tourists

(Bloomberg) -- Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers. 

Srettha — who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub — has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months. The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

READ: Srettha Unveils Plans to Revive Thai Tourism, Build EV Hub

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six Southeast Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data . Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy. Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying “a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said. 

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China — Thailand’s largest market for tourists — and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan. It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa, which allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe, may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

“Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. “Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations unlike the European Union can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty. Asean, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

“All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said.“Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

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From Japan’s e-visa to Dubai’s 5-year tourist visa, here are the latest visa updates for Indian travellers

Latest visa news for indians: check out the latest visa updates for indian travellers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience this summer vacations..

Latest Visa Updates for Indian Tourists:  As the summer holiday season is just around the corner, it’s crucial to start planning one’s travel itinerary to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 , India is ranked 80th. Indians get visa-free access to 62 countries.

From eVisas introduced by Japan to Dubai’s multiple entry five-year visa, in recent months, there have been new visa regulations in various countries across the globe for India, and being well-versed in the latest visa requirements will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience and making informed decisions.

Here is a complete list of the latest visa updates every Indian traveller should know.

1. japan’s e-visa:.

Japan has introduced an eVisa system for Indian travellers, making it easier and more convenient to visit the country. Starting in April, eligible Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an eVisa for short-term tourism purposes through the application process operated by VFS Global. Now, instead of physical stickers in passports, visas will be issued electronically and would offer a single-entry option, allowing stays up to 90 days.

2. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia’s Schengen visa:

Becoming the recent EU nations to join Europe’s Schengen travel area, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa  to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means that Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

3. Dubai’s five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa:

Dubai introduced a new visa program tailored to Indian travellers in February, which offers a five-year, multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to 90 days in the country, with the possibility of a single extension not exceeding 180 days annually, for both business and leisure trips, with unlimited entries and exits within five years.

4. Thailand’s visa-free entry:

The Thai Government has introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders, enabling them to enter Thailand without a tourist visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with an exemption granting a 30-day stay for tourism purposes.

5. Kenya to eliminate visa requirements:

Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Indian citizens and all international tourists, to boost its tourism industry. This decision aims to provide easier access to Kenya’s rich wildlife and beautiful beaches, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s unique attractions.

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The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Planning your next international holiday vfs global addresses your biggest visa worries.

When planning travels, consider visa timeline. Most countries accept applications 90 days before travel. Revised Schengen Visa Code allows applying 6 months before with VFS Global assistance during peak tourist season.

Japan begins issuing eVisas for Indian tourists; Here's how to apply and use the eVisa

Europe travel: EU agrees on stricter rules for visiting Schengen area

Dubai announces five-year multiple-entry visa for tourists from top source market India amid record visitor numbers

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