India e-Visa: how to apply and what to prepare
Planning a trip to India and wondering how the e-Visa works? For most leisure and business travellers, India's electronic visa is the simplest route in. You apply online, upload a few documents, and receive an approval by email before you fly. There is no need to post your passport anywhere or queue at an embassy.
This guide walks through who the e-Visa suits, the categories on offer, and exactly how to apply, so you can get it sorted early and spend your energy planning the trip itself. For the full entry rules for your nationality, check the India corridor page, which is kept up to date with the latest requirements.
Who needs an India e-Visa
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India, and the e-Visa covers the majority of short visits for tourism, business, and medical reasons. Whether you are eligible depends on your nationality, so confirm your specific situation on the India corridor page and the official portal before you apply.
The e-Visa is designed for travellers arriving by air or sea at designated ports. If you plan to enter overland at a land border, the e-Visa will not be valid for that crossing, and you will need a regular sticker visa instead.
We can tell you how the process works, but we cannot advise on your personal eligibility. For that, always rely on the official Indian government portal, linked below.
e-Visa categories at a glance
India's e-Visa comes in several types, each tied to the purpose of your trip:
- e-Tourist visa for sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and short recreational stays.
- e-Business visa for meetings, trade, and similar commercial activities.
- e-Medical and e-Medical attendant visas for treatment at a recognised hospital and for those accompanying a patient.
- e-Conference visa for attending conferences or seminars organised by an approved body.
Each category has its own validity and permitted activities. Pick the one that matches your actual reason for travelling, because the activities you may carry out are tied to the category you hold.
How to apply for your India e-Visa
The application is handled entirely on the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The broad steps are:
- Start your application early. Apply at least a few days before departure, and ideally a couple of weeks ahead, to leave room for any follow-up.
- Complete the online form. You will enter passport details, travel dates, and the address where you will be staying.
- Upload your documents. A recent passport-style photograph and a scan of your passport bio page are the core requirements. Some categories ask for extra supporting documents.
- Pay the application charge. This is done online during the application.
- Submit and wait for a decision. You will receive updates by email, and you can also track the status on the portal.
Take your time over the form. Spelling mistakes or a mismatch between your application and your passport are the most common reasons an application is held up.
What to prepare before you start
Having everything ready before you begin makes the form quick to complete. Gather:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, with at least two blank pages. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it first. Our guide to passport validity rules explains why this matters.
- A clear, recent digital photograph that meets the portal's format rules.
- A scan or photo of your passport's information page.
- Your travel and accommodation details, including where you will stay on the first night.
- A working email address, since your approval is delivered electronically.
If you are still deciding which type of authorisation you need, our general e-Visa explainer covers how electronic visas differ from visas on arrival and traditional embassy visas.
After you apply: approval and arrival
Once approved, your Electronic Travel Authorisation arrives by email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone, because you may be asked to show it when you check in for your flight and again on arrival.
At the Indian port of entry, you will go to the dedicated e-Visa counter, where your biometrics are captured and your passport is stamped. Carry the same passport you used in the application, as it is linked to your approval.
Your permitted length of stay and whether you can enter more than once depend on the category and validity granted. Always check the conditions printed on your approval rather than assuming, and treat the official portal as the final word.
Getting connected in India (Saily eSIM)
Sorted your e-Visa? The next thing worth arranging before you fly is mobile data, so you land already connected for maps, ride-hailing, and messaging.
An eSIM lets you set everything up at home and switch it on when you arrive, with no need to find a local shop or swap out your physical SIM. Saily offers data plans that cover India, so you can be online the moment your flight lands.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I apply for an India e-Visa?
Apply at least a few days before you travel, and ideally a week or two ahead. Starting early leaves room to respond if the authorities ask for anything further.
Can I enter India by land with an e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is valid only for arrival at designated air and sea ports. Overland border crossings require a regular visa.
What passport validity do I need for India?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Do I need to print my e-Visa?
It is sensible to carry both a printed copy and a digital version. You may be asked for it at airline check-in and at the Indian border.
Can I extend my stay on an e-Visa?
The e-Visa is intended for short visits, and the conditions on your approval set out how long you may stay. For anything beyond that, you would need to follow the official process rather than relying on the e-Visa.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application?
Small errors, particularly in your name or passport number, can delay or invalidate the application. Check every field against your passport before submitting, and if you spot an error after paying, start a fresh application rather than travelling on incorrect details.
Can I use the same e-Visa for more than one trip?
That depends on the category and validity granted. Some e-Visas allow multiple entries within their validity period, while others do not. Check the conditions printed on your own approval.
Is the e-Visa the same as a visa on arrival?
Not quite. With an e-Visa you are approved before you travel and simply complete formalities at a dedicated counter on arrival. A true visa on arrival is issued at the border with no prior application. Our e-Visa explainer sets out the differences.
Which is the official website for the India e-Visa?
The only official portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Avoid third-party sites that add charges for filling in the form on your behalf.
Who can tell me if I am eligible?
Eligibility depends on your nationality and circumstances. We can explain the process, but the official portal and the India corridor page are the right places to confirm your own situation.
Related guides
If you are weighing the e-Visa against other routes, visa on arrival compared with an e-Visa sets out the practical differences, and how to apply for a visa covers the mechanics common to every application.