The India e-Visa is an online travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit India for various purposes without the need to visit an Indian consulate or embassy. Introduced in 2014, the e-Visa system has been continuously expanded and refined to accommodating growing number of countries and travel purposes.
Understandably India attracts a lot of travelers and in the calendar year of 2023, India had approximately 9,236,108 foreign arrivals. For a country that’s so vast with its rich history and abundance of opportunities, that figure is only likely to rise.
India attracts visitors from all over the world as you can see from the chart showing foreign arrivals in the country in 2023. After its neighbor Bangladesh, the next 4 top visiting countries were the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. It’s obvious India holds strong ties with these nations but it’s also a testament to the country how far it’s reach extends.
It’s obvious the Indian e-visa has been helpful to those travelling to India and is the most convenient option for would be travelers. No waiting in queues or visiting embassy’s like with the paper visa, with the electronic travel authorization India has never been so accessible and travelers can now apply for Indian e-Visa online.
Before we delve into the Indian e-visa application and requirements, let’s get a better idea
about the figures to understand main reasons people are travelling to India:
India has such a magnificent history and naturally the largest share of foreign visitors are tourists, but it’s also home to a vast network of private hospitals offering world class healthcare care at affordable prices, attracting many medical tourists from around the world. It’s also one of world’s fastest growing economies and as a country that is developing fast, added to its envious demographics, India has become a land of opportunity attracting many business travelers from around the world too.
As you can see from the chart there are a lot of reasons people travel to India aside from tourism, and India has accommodated their e-Visa system accordingly.
Travelling for business or medical purposes has now become even easier with the India e-business Visa and the India e-medical visa.
Also, those who have to attend conferences or travel with their friends or loved ones seeking medical treatment have also been given the opportunity to apply for an electronic visa, with the India e-conference visa and the India e-medical attendant visa.
Now let’s look at the specifics of the application and see who is eligible to apply for an Indian e visa online.
Which Countries are eligible for an Indian e-Visa?
Country | e-Tourist Visa | e-Business Visa | e-Medical Visa | e-Medical Attendant Visa | e-Conference Visa |
United States | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
United Kingdom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Canada | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Australia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Germany | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
France | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Japan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
South Korea | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Brazil | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
As you can see in the table showing a list of some of the nation’s whose citizens make trips to India frequently, they are all eligible to apply for any category of e-visa. For an updated list of all 172 nations eligible please see below.
General requirements and eligibilty for an Indian e-visa
Visa Type | Eligibility | General Requirements |
e-Tourist | Foreign | Scanned copy of passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photo (can be taken by phone) |
e-Business | Foreign | Scanned copy of passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photo (can be taken by phone), business card and invitation letter from Indian company. |
e-Medical | Patients seeking medical treatment. | Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photo, hospital letter |
e-Medical | Attendants of e-Medical Visa holders | Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photo, proof of relationship with patient |
e-Conference | Attendees of conferences/seminars | Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photo, invitation from organizer, clearance from MEA & MHA |
Please note that these requirements are mandatory. (For business visa applicants: if you don’t have a business card to hand, we can help you with this if using our service)
How long does the Indian e-Visa application take?
· Our Indian e-visa service is a more streamlined application and can be done in 15-20 mins for the Indian e-tourist visa, the Indian e-business visa and medical visas can take a bit longer as more information is usually required. We offer an online application and handwritten application. (please note Handwritten applications can be written in any language as part of our service, but we do charge an extra fee for this translation service as we have to submit the application in English language on your behalf)
· The strict rules regarding accuracy and discrepancies means you should thoroughly check and make sure you understand each question correctly to avoid mistakes and the possibility of a visa rejection.
· Our e-visa service does streamline the process and we pride ourselves on our accuracy. You can apply online using our service if you need help with your visa application.
· Complex applications that require more information can take longer and can even be refused, in this case its best to make an appointment with an agent at VFS if more information is required as sometimes a paper visa is the only viable option.
Which Visa to apply for?
· This is fairly straightforward, the purpose of your visit determines which visa to apply for, so if you are travelling to India for tourism purposes, like meeting friends or family, sightseeing or to attend short term yoga programs you would need to apply for an Indian e-tourist Visa.
· If your purpose for visiting India included business related activities such as attending meetings, sales, recruitment or to attend trade fairs you would need to apply for an Indian e-business Visa.
· If you decided to travel to India for the purpose of seeking medical treatment, to attend a clinic or to carry out a medical procedure in a treatment center or hospital you would have to apply for an Indian e-medical visa.
· If your purpose for visiting India included attending conferences or seminars then you would need to apply for an Indian e-conference visa
· If you are travelling with someone who is visiting India on an e-medical visa, you would need to apply for an Indian e-medical attendant visa (please note only 2 attendees can travel with the person on a medical visa)
30 Day indian e-Tourist Visa
| 30 Day Indian eTourist Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibilty |
Available to citizens of eligible countries |
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Purpose |
For tourism, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, sightseeing, short term yoga programs. |
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Validity |
30 days from the date of arrival in India. |
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Entry Information |
Double entry is permitted on the 30-day e-Tourist Visa. |
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Permitted Stay |
Permitted Stay is 30 days and the visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. |
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Processing Time |
Usually 3-4 days if using our express service |
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Our fee |
$99 (standard 7-10 days) $119 (express 3-4 days) |
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Application Process |
For clients using our e-visa service, an online application can be made on our website. |
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Document checklist |
Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photograph. (can be taken by phone) |
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Entry points |
Click here to see the full list of entry points |
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Conditions |
Diplomatic and official passport holders cannot apply for this visa as well as those endorsed on a spouse or parent’s passport. |
1 Year Indian e-Tourist Visa
| 1 Year Indian e-Tourist Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibility |
Available to citizens of eligible countries, including the UK. |
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Purpose |
For tourism, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short term yoga programs |
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Validity |
365 days from the date of granted e-visa |
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Entry Information |
Multiple entries are permitted |
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Permitted Stay |
180 days per calendar year for entire visa duration |
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ProcessingTime |
Usually 3-4 days if using our express service |
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Our fee |
$99 (standard7-10 days) $119 (express 3-4 days) Price includes government fee and our expert assistance |
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Application |
For clients using our e-visa service, an online application can be made on our website |
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Document Checklist |
Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photograph (can be taken by phone) |
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Entry Points |
Click here to see a full list of entry points |
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Conditions |
Diplomatic and official passport holders cannot apply for this visa as well as those endorsed on a spouse or parent’s passport. |
5 Year Indian e-Tourist Visa
| 5 Year Indian e-Tourist visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibility |
Available to citizens of eligible countries |
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Purpose |
For tourism, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, to attend yoga programs |
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Validity |
5 years from the date the visa is granted. |
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Entry Information |
Multiple entries are permitted. |
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Permitted Stay |
180 Days per calendar year for entire visa duration |
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Processing |
5-7 days |
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Our fee |
$189 (price includes government fees and our expert assistance) |
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Application |
Online application through our Indian e-Visa portal. |
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Documents |
Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photograph (can be taken by phone) |
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Entry |
Click here for full list of entry points. |
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Conditions |
Diplomatic and official passport holders cannot apply for this visa as well as those endorsed on a spouse or parent’s passport. |
Find out more about our Indian e-tourist visa service
Indian e-Business Visa
The Indian e-Business Visa is a more convenient option for business travellers. Here are some keypoints to note.
| Indian e-Business Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibility |
Available to citizens of eligible countries |
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Purpose |
For engaging in business activities such as meetings, sales, recruitment, or trade fairs |
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Validity |
1 year from the date of the granted ETA |
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Entry Information |
Multiple entries are permitted |
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Permitted Stay |
Maximum continuous stay is 180 day per calendar year |
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Processing Time |
Our processing times are usually around 3-4 days |
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Our fee |
$239 |
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Application Process |
Online application through our Indian e-Visa portal |
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Documents Requires |
Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, recent photograph, business card, and invitation letter from Indian company |
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Entry points |
See our list of entry points |
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Conditions |
Cannot apply if you are diplomatic or official passport holder |
Please Note: If you do not have a business card to hand, we can help you with this if using our e-visa service
Find out more about our Indian e-business visa service
Indian e-Medical Visa
The Indian e-medical visa is another convenient option for those seeking medical treatment in India. Here are some key points to note about the visa.
| Indian e-Medical Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibility |
Available to foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India. |
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Purpose |
For medical treatment and consultation in recognized hospitals or treatment centers. |
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Validity |
60 days from the date of arrival in India. |
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Entry Information |
Multiple entries are permitted |
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Processing Time |
Usuallt 3-4 days |
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Our Fee |
$239 |
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Application Process |
Register and apply online through our Indian e-visa portal |
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Documents Required |
Passport with 6 months validity, recent photograph, and a letter from the Indian hospital or treatment center. |
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Entry Points |
See our list of valid entry points. |
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Conditions |
Not available for diplomatic or official passport holders. |
Find Out more about our Indian e-medical visa service
Indian e-Conference Visa
| Indian e-Conference Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
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Eligibilty |
Available to foreign nationals attending conferences or seminars in India. |
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Purpose |
For attending government or UN/International agency organized conferences. |
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Validity |
30 days from the date of arrival in India. |
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Entry Information |
Single entry. |
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Processing Time |
Usually 3-4 days |
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Our fee |
$239 |
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Application Process |
Register and apply online through our Indian e-visa portal |
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Documents Required |
Passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages, photo (can be taken with phone), invitation from the organizer |
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Entry Points |
See our list of valid entry points |
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Conditions |
Not available for diplomatic or official passport holders. |
Find out more about our e-conference visa service
Indian e-Medical Attendant Visa
| Indian e-Medical attendant Visa | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Eligibility |
Available to family members accompanying e-Medical Visa holders. |
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Purpose |
For accompanying patients traveling to India for medical treatment. |
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Validity |
60 days from the date of arrival in India. |
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Processing Time |
Usually 3-4 days |
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Our fee |
$189 |
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Application Process |
Register and apply online through our Indian e-visa portal |
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Documents Required |
Passport with 6 months validity, recent photograph, and proof of relationship with the patient. |
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Entry Points |
See list of entry points |
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Entry Information |
Triple entry is permitted |
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Conditions |
Not available for diplomatic or official passport holders. |
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Find out more about our Indian e-medical attendant visa service.