How to Get India Tourist Visa
- A Complete Guide

Yes, all foreign nationals need to obtain a visa before travelling to India. Citizens from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and every country in Europe must apply for a visa before entering India.
The easiest and most convenient option for tourists is the India e-Visa, which allows foreign tourists to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate. The e-Visa system is managed by the Government of India and is available for tourism, business, and medical visits.
Once approved, the e-Visa is sent via email and must be printed and presented upon arrival at the immigration counter in India. Travelers should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and has two blank pages for immigration stamps.

India offers three main types of Tourist e-Visas for international travellers. These visas are available for visitors from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and many countries in Europe etc.

1. One Month Tourist Visa
Duration: 30 days from the date of arrival
Entries: Double entry
Extension: Non-extendable and non-convertible
The 30-day tourist visa must be applied for at least 4 days before travel through the online e-Visa system.

2.One Year Tourist Visa
Duration: 1 year from the date the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is granted
Entries: Multiple entries allowed
Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days per visit
Travellers can apply for the 1-year tourist visa up to 120 days before their intended travel date.

3.Five Years Tourist Visa
Duration: 5 years from the date the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is granted
Entries: Multiple entries allowed
Maximum Stay per Visit:
Up to 90 days per visit for most nationalities
Up to 180 days per visit for citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, & Japan.
The 5-year tourist visa can also be applied for up to 120 days before the planned travel date.

Foreign travellers planning to visit India can conveniently apply for an India e-Visa online through the official portal managed by the Government of India. The e-Visa system allows tourists from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and many countries in Europe to apply for a visa without visiting an embassy or consulate.

Step 1 – Complete the Online Application
Fill and submit your e-Visa application through the official portal of the Bureau of Immigration India i.e., https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. This application form is specifically for foreign tourists applying for an e-Visa from outside India.

Step 2 – Submit a Separate Application for Each Traveler
Each traveller must complete a separate application form, as every form is valid for one individual only, including children.

Step 3 – Enter Accurate Personal Information
Ensure that all details such as full name, date of birth, nationality, and address are entered exactly as they appear in your passport. It is strongly recommended to review and double-check all information before submitting the application, as changes are not allowed once the form has been submitted. If you are unable to complete the form at once, you can select “Save and Temporarily Exit” and continue later using “Complete Partially Filled Application Form.”

Step 4 – Note Your Application ID
After starting the application, the system will automatically generate an Application ID. This number should be kept for future reference and communication regarding your visa application.

Photo Upload Requirements
Applicants must upload a recent digital photograph that meets the following requirements:
Format: JPEG
File Size: Minimum 10 KB and maximum 1 MB
Dimensions: Minimum 350 x 350 pixels
Photograph must be recent, front-facing, and with a plain white background
The full face must be clearly visible with eyes open and no shadows
The head should be centred in the frame, showing from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin
Note: Do not crop the passport image to use it as a photograph.

Step 5 – Pay the e-Visa Fee
Once the photograph is uploaded successfully, click “Confirm” and proceed to pay the e-Visa fee. Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, or online payment wallets.

Step 6 – Receive Confirmation and Wait for Processing
After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging the submission of your application.

Important Note
The India e-Visa processing time is usually around 72 hours or more, after which you will receive an email informing you whether your visa has been granted or rejected.
Travelers should print a copy of the approved e-Visa and carry it when arriving in India to present to immigration authorities.
Travelers who are not eligible for the e-Visa or who plan to stay longer in India may apply for a regular visa through the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.

After submitting your e-Visa application for India, you can easily check the status of your application online.
To track your visa status, visit the official e-Visa portal of the Government of India and select the “Check Your Visa Status” option.

Steps to Check Your India e-Visa Status
1. Go to the official India e-Visa website - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
2. Click on “Check Your Visa Status.”
3. Enter your Application ID and passport details.
4. Submit the information to view the status of your e-Visa application.

Once your visa has been processed, you will also receive an email notification confirming whether your e-Visa has been granted or rejected.
It is recommended to print a copy of the approved e-Visa and carry it with you when travelling to India, as you will need to present it at the immigration counter upon arrival.

The processing time for a Tourist e-Visa for India is usually around 72 hours (3 days) after the application is submitted and payment is completed. Once the visa is processed, applicants will receive an email notification confirming whether the visa has been granted or rejected. 
In many cases, travellers receive their e-Visa within 2–4 business days, although the exact time may vary depending on the accuracy of the application and the volume of visa requests.

It is recommended to apply at least 4 days before your travel date. 
During peak travel seasons or public holidays, processing may take slightly longer than usual. 
Ensure that all documents and photographs meet the required specifications to avoid delays in processing.
Once approved, travellers should print a copy of the e-Visa approval and carry it with them when arriving in India for immigration verification.

The cost of a tourist visa for visiting India depends on the type and duration of the e-Visa you choose. The official visa fee is determined by the Government of India and may vary slightly depending on nationality and travel season.

30-Day Tourist e-Visa
US$25 (July–March)
Entries: Double entry
1-Year Tourist e-Visa
US$40
Entries: Multiple
5-Year Tourist e-Visa
US$80
Entries: Multiple
These visa options are commonly used by travelers from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and countries across Europe who are visiting India for tourism.

Important Notes
Visa fees must be paid online when submitting the e-Visa application.
Payment can usually be made using credit or debit cards.
The visa fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
Fees may change without prior notice according to Indian immigration regulations.