Online e-Visa · Asia
India e-Visa (eTourist and eBusiness)
U.S. citizens need a visa for India. Most travelers use the online e-Visa, approved by email in three to five business days.
Short answer
Who needs the India e-Visa?
Every U.S. citizen visiting India for tourism, business, medical treatment or a conference, unless they hold an OCI card.
Key takeaways
- Government fee: about $25. $25 to $100 depending on the validity you select (30-day, one-year or five-year). Prices are seasonal.
- Typical processing: Apply at least four days before departure and no more than 30 days ahead for short-validity options.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit on the one- and five-year e-Visas.
- Passport validity: At least six months beyond arrival, with two blank pages.
- When to apply: Up to 30 days before travel for the 30-day e-Visa; earlier for longer validity.
Forms and official links
e-Visa
Official Indian government e-Visa portal
indianvisaonline.gov.in is the only official site.
Open the official form
Step by step
- 1
Pick the right e-Visa subtype
eTourist, eBusiness, eMedical and eConference each have different validity and documentation.
- 2
Apply on indianvisaonline.gov.in
Upload the photo and passport page, pay the fee and save the application ID.
- 3
Print the ETA approval
Carry a printed copy — airlines and Indian immigration commonly ask for it on paper.
- 4
Enter through an approved port
The e-Visa is valid only at designated airports and seaports. Land borders require a regular visa.
What to have ready
- Passport bio page scan
- Recent digital photo on a white background, face fully visible
- Return ticket or onward travel proof
- An Indian address for your first night
Watch out for
- The e-Visa is not valid at most land borders.
- Journalists, and anyone visiting protected or restricted areas, need a regular consular visa.