This is for visitors from abroad. Indian citizens do not need it.
If you are a visitor from abroad, you may need an India e-Visa before you travel. Apply only on the official government site, indianvisaonline.gov.in. It is the one and only official place. Many other websites look official and charge extra as a middle agent. The government has said plainly that it does not authorise any agent to charge a fee for an e-Visa. Indian citizens do not need this. It is only for foreign nationals.
Who needs it
- Foreign nationals from the many countries that India allows for the e-Visa. If your country is on the list, you can apply online instead of visiting an embassy.
- People from a few countries are not on the e-Visa list and must use a regular visa from an Indian mission.
- Indian passport holders do not need it. Overseas citizens with an OCI card also do not need it.
The types of e-Visa
- e-Tourist Visa: for holidays, sightseeing, meeting friends and family, or a short yoga programme.
- e-Business Visa: for business meetings and trade.
- e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa: for treatment in India and for the person who comes along.
- e-Conference Visa: for attending a conference or seminar.
[The exact list of eligible countries and the visa types can change. Check the live list on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
The tourist validity choices
The e-Tourist Visa usually comes in three lengths:
- A short stay of about thirty days, often with double entry.
- A one year visa with multiple entries.
- A five year visa with multiple entries.
Each choice has its own rules on how long you can stay on a single visit. Check the current choices and stay limits on the official site.
How to apply, step by step
- Go to the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in and start an e-Visa application. Apply a few days before you travel, not at the last minute.
- Fill in your passport details, upload a photo and your passport page as asked, and choose the visa type and length.
- Pay the fee online, on the official site only.
- You receive an electronic travel authorisation by email. Print it and carry it. On arrival, your visa is stamped at the airport.
What it costs
The fee depends on your nationality and, for the short tourist visa, on the season. So there is no single price for everyone. The official site shows your exact fee once you choose your country and visa type. [Fees vary by nationality and season. See the live fee on the official site. Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fee that changes by person. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Be careful. If a site quotes one flat price for all countries and adds a large "service charge", it is a private agent, not the government.
Documents you need
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- A recent passport style photo, and a scan of your passport page, as the form asks.
- For some visa types, extra papers, such as a hospital letter for a medical visa.
- A card to pay the fee on the official site.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying on a look alike site. Only indianvisaonline.gov.in is official. Many agents charge extra and some are scams.
- Leaving it to the last day. Allow a few working days for the visa to come through.
- A passport with less than six months left, or no blank pages.
- Choosing the wrong visa type for your trip.
- Not carrying a printout of the approval to the airport.
Questions people ask
Do I need an India e-Visa?
If you are a foreign national from an eligible country, yes, unless you already hold a valid visa or an OCI card. Indian citizens do not need it.
What is the only official site?
indianvisaonline.gov.in. The government does not authorise agents to charge a fee for an e-Visa.
How long is the tourist e-Visa valid?
Usually thirty days, one year, or five years, each with its own stay limit. Check the live choices on the official site.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your nationality and the season, so the official site shows your exact fee. Beware of agents adding large charges.
Can Indian citizens or OCI holders apply?
No, they do not need an e-Visa.