How to get a visa to India A Complete Guide
Table of Contents
✈️ Types of Visas for India
Before applying, it’s important to determine which type of visa suits your purpose:
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (e-Tourist Visa / Regular Tourist Visa) | For leisure travel, sightseeing, short visits to family/friends |
| e-Business Visa | For attending meetings, conferences, trade expos |
| Medical Visa & e-Medical Visa | For availing medical treatment in India |
| Student Visa | For studying at an Indian university or institution |
| Employment Visa | For those taking up employment in India |
| Entry Visa | For visiting family or friends (longer duration) |
| Conference Visa | For attending academic or scientific conferences |
| Missionary Visa | For religious missionary work |
| Journalist Visa | For foreign journalists reporting from India |
For most tourists, the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) or Regular Tourist Visa is sufficient.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for an Indian Visa
1. Check Eligibility
The Indian government offers e-Visas to citizens of over 170 countries. Before applying, verify if your country is eligible via the official website:
🔗 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
💡 Note: Some nationalities may not be eligible for e-Visas and must apply through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
2. Choose Between e-Visa and Regular Visa
A. e-Tourist Visa (Recommended for Most Travelers)
- Available online
- Easier and faster processing (usually within 4–5 working days)
- Valid for tourism, short-term medical visits, or casual business meetings
- Multiple entries allowed depending on the plan chosen
B. Regular Tourist Visa
- Required for longer stays, special circumstances, or non-e-Visa eligible countries
- Applied in person at an Indian embassy/consulate
- Longer processing time (up to 2 weeks or more)
3. Apply Online (e-Visa Process)
Here’s how to apply for an Indian e-Visa :
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the official portal:
🔗 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Create a new account using your email address.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Provide:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, gender)
- Passport details (number, issue/expiry dates)
- Arrival and departure information (airport/city, date/time)
- Accommodation details in India (hotel name/address or host info)
- Upload scanned passport page and recent photo
Step 3: Review and Submit
Double-check all the information before submitting the form.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Payment is made online via:
- Credit/debit card
- PayPal
- Net banking (varies by country)
💵 e-Visa Fees (as of 2024):
Duration Single Entry Double Entry Multiple Entry 30 Days $25 N/A N/A 1 Year $40 $60 $80 5 Years $80 – –
🌍 Fees may vary slightly based on nationality.
Step 5: Get the e-Visa
Once approved (usually within 72 hours), download and print your e-Visa. You’ll need to present this along with your passport at immigration upon arrival in India.
4. Apply for a Regular Visa (In-Person)
If you’re ineligible for an e-Visa or require a different visa type:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the Indian Embassy/Consulate
Find your nearest Indian mission:
🔗 https://www.mea.gov.in/embassies-consulates.htm
Step 2: Download and Fill the Visa Application Form
Print and complete the form carefully.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Typically includes:
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond stay)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2)
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Return flight tickets
- Financial proof (bank statements, credit cards)
- Supporting documents (invitation letter, admission letter, etc.)
Step 4: Book an Appointment
Most embassies allow online booking. Some may require walk-ins or phone bookings.
Step 5: Attend Interview (if required)
Some applicants may need to attend a personal interview.
Step 6: Submit Biometrics
Some missions collect fingerprints and facial scans during the process.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Processing can take 5–15 working days , depending on the mission and visa type.
Step 8: Collect Your Passport
You can usually track your application status online or via SMS.
⚠️ Important Tips for Applying for an Indian Visa
- Apply early : Especially during peak travel seasons like winter (October–March).
- Check passport validity : Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
- Avoid overstaying : Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or future visa bans.
- Keep printed copy : Always carry a printed copy of your e-Visa or regular visa while traveling.
- Use only official websites : Avoid third-party agencies unless certified. Many charge extra fees unnecessarily.
- Verify airport entry points : e-Visas are only valid for specific airports and seaports in India.
🛂 What to Do Upon Arrival in India
At the immigration counter:
- Present your passport and printed e-Visa or visa stamp
- Answer any questions about your stay
- You may be asked to provide:
- Return ticket
- Hotel confirmation
- Sufficient funds
After clearance, proceed to baggage claim and customs.
🧾 Sample Checklist: Documents Required for Indian Visa
| Document | e-Visa | Regular Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months validity) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Completed application form | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport-size photo(s) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Return flight ticket | ✅ | ✅ |
| Proof of accommodation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank statement or financial proof | ❌ | ✅ |
| Invitation letter (if applicable) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Printout of e-Visa | ✅ | ❌ |
📞 Need Help?
For assistance, contact:
- e-Visa support : +91-11-24190555 (24×7)
- Email: helpdesk@boi.gov.in
- Indian Embassies/Consulates worldwide
