Tourist Visa

The online tourist visa to visit India is a system of electronic travel authorization that lets people from eligible countries come to India. With the Indian tourist visa, or what is known as the e-Tourist visa, the holder can visit India for several tourism-related reasons.

Initially launched in October of 2014, the Indian tourist eVisa to visit India was supposed to simplify the hectic process of obtaining a visa, and thus attract more visitors from foreign countries to the country.

The Indian government has issued an electronic travel authorization or e-Visa system, wherein citizens from a list of 170 plus countries can visit India, without the need to get a physical stamp on their passports.

With the Indian tourist visa, or what is known as the e-Tourist visa, the holder can visit India for several tourism-related reasons. Some of the reasons for which you can come to India with this type of visa include the following:

• Taking part in tourism activities.
• Visiting friends and family.
• Attending a yoga retreat.

From 2014 onwards, international visitors who wish to travel to India will no longer need to apply for an Indian visa, the traditional way, on paper. This has been greatly beneficial for international tourists since it took away the hassle that came with the Indian Visa Application procedure. The Indian Tourist Visa can be obtained online with the help of an electronic format, instead of having to visit the Indian Embassy or consulate. Other than making the whole process easier, the Indian Tourist eVisa system is also the quickest way to visit India.

What are the countries eligible for the Indian Tourist eVisa?

As of 2024, there are over 171 nationalities eligible for Online Indian Tourist Visa. Some of the countries eligible for the Indian Tourist eVisa are:

Austria	Denmark
Netherlands	New Zealand
Spain	Thailand
Brazil	Finland
Spain	UAE
United Kingdom	United States

How to Apply for an India Tourist Visa?

Now that you understand the types of visas let’s delve into the application process. Whether you’re applying for an e-Tourist Visa or a Regular Tourist Visa, the steps are relatively straightforward.

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form

Start by filling out the online application form accurately. Provide all the required information, including personal details, passport information, and travel plans.

Step 2: Upload Documents

Once you’ve completed the application form, you’ll need to upload scanned copies of supporting documents, such as your passport bio-page, passport-sized photograph, and travel itinerary.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee using a secure payment gateway. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application and paying the fee, you’ll need to wait for the visa processing. The processing time varies, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

Documents Required

To ensure a smooth visa application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
• Passport-sized Photograph: Recent color photograph with a white background.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight tickets and hotel reservations.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating your ability to cover the expenses of your trip.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed application form with accurate information.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Indian Tourist eVisa, applicants must meet certain criteria:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Minors traveling with their parents or guardians must have their own eVisa.
• Nationality Eligibility: The eVisa is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many others. However, citizens of certain countries are not eligible for the eVisa and must apply for a traditional visa through the Indian embassy or consulate.
• Passport Requirements: Applicants must possess a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival in India. The passport must have at least two blank pages for stamping by the immigration officer.
• Intended Purpose of Visit: The eVisa is specifically for tourism, recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends or relatives, and short medical treatment. Business, employment, and conference-related activities are not covered under the tourist eVisa.

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for an India Tourist Visa varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality. Generally, e-Tourist Visas are processed faster than Regular Tourist Visas. As for the fees, they range from reasonable to moderate, depending on the visa type and duration of stay.

What are the different types of Indian Tourist eVisa?

There are three different kinds of eTourist Visas to Visit India –

• The 30 days India Tourist eVisa – With the help of the 30 days India Tourist eVisa, visitors can stay in the country for a maximum span of 30 days, from the day of entry. It is a double-entry visa, thus with this visa, you can enter the country a maximum of 2 times, within the visa’s validity period. Keep in mind that it will come with a date of expiry, which is the day before which you must have entered the country.
• The 1 year India Tourist eVisa – The 1 year India Tourist eVisa is valid for a year from the date of the issue. Since it is a multiple entry visa, using it, you can enter the country multiple times, but it has to be within the span of the Indian eVisa’s validity.
• The 5 Year India Tourist Visa – The 5 Year India Tourist Visa is valid for 5 years from the date of the issue. Since it is a multiple entry visa, using it, you can enter the country multiple times, but it has to be within the span of the Indian eVisa’s validity.

Key Facts about the Indian eTourist Visa

• Non-convertible and Non-extendable: The Indian eTourist Visa cannot be converted or extended once issued.
• Maximum Applications per Year: Individuals can apply for a maximum of 2 eTourist Visas within 1 calendar year.
• Financial Requirements: Applicants must have sufficient funds in their bank accounts to support their stay in the country.
• Mandatory Documentation: Tourists must carry a copy of their approved Indian eTourist Visa during their stay in India.
• Passport Requirement: Regardless of age, applicants must possess a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages.
• Exclusion of Children: Parents are not required to include their children in the eVisa application for India.
• Eligibility for International Travel Document Holders: Holders of International Travel Documents or Diplomatic Passports are not eligible for the e-Tourist visa for India.

How long can I stay with the e-Tourist visa for India?

You can stay in India if your type of eVisa permits:

• 1 – month tourist eVisa — for a maximum of 30 days per stay.
• 1 – year tourist eVisa — for a maximum of 90 days per stay.

How long does it take to acquire my e-Tourist visa for India?

If you wish to get your tourist visa to visit India in the quickest way possible, you should opt for the eVisa system. Although it is advised to apply at least 4 business days before your visit day, you can get your visa approved in 24 hours. 

If the applicant provides all the required information and documents along with the application form, they can complete the whole process within a span of a few minutes. As soon as you have completed your eVisa application process, you will receive the eVisa by email. The whole process will be carried out completely online, and at no point in the process will you be required to visit the Indian consulate or embassy – the e-Tourist visa for India is the quickest and easiest way to gain access to India for tourism purposes. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)