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India Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghanistan citizens require a visa to enter India and can apply for an e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical purposes through the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in, with fees varying by visa type and processing time typically being 72 hours.

Guide last updated July 19, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of arrival in India.
  • Photocopy of Passport: A clear scanned copy of the bio page.
  • Digital Photograph: Recent (within 6 months) digital photograph with a white background. Specifications: JPEG format, size between 10 KB and 1 MB, dimensions between 2x2 inches and 4x6 inches, face clearly visible, no shadows.
  • Financial Proof: While not always explicitly requested for e-Tourist visas, it is advisable to carry sufficient funds for your stay. There isn't a fixed amount mandated for e-visas, but demonstrating you can support yourself is crucial.
  • Accommodation Proof: Details of your first accommodation in India (hotel booking, host's address).
  • Return Ticket: A confirmed return or onward journey ticket is often required.
  • Biometrics: Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be collected upon arrival at designated airports or immigration checkpoints in India.
  • Travel Health Insurance: While not strictly mandatory for e-visas, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance to cover medical emergencies during your stay.

Visa types

  • e-Tourist Visa:
  • Official Name: Tourist Visa on Arrival (e-TV)
  • Validity: 30 days from the date of grant of ETA.
  • Max Stay: 30 days continuous stay.
  • Entry: Double Entry.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 25 (for April-June), USD 10 (for July-March).
  • e-Business Visa:
  • Official Name: Business Visa on Arrival (e-BV)
  • Validity: 180 days from the date of grant of ETA.
  • Max Stay: Continuous stay not exceeding 180 days.
  • Entry: Multiple Entry.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 80.
  • e-Medical Visa:
  • Official Name: Medical Visa on Arrival (e-Medical Visa)
  • Validity: 60 days from the date of grant of ETA.
  • Max Stay: Continuous stay not exceeding 60 days.
  • Entry: Triple Entry.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 80.

How to apply online

  • Visit the official Indian Visa Online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
  • Select 'e-Visa Application' from the menu.
  • Fill in the application form accurately. Ensure all details match your passport.
  • Upload your recent digital photograph and passport bio page scan.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • Submit the application.
  • You will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email within 72 hours (approximately).
  • Print the ETA and carry it with you. It is required for boarding and immigration in India.
  • Upon arrival, your biometric data will be collected, and the visa will be stamped in your passport.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Tourist Visa Fee: Approximately USD 10 to USD 25 (seasonal).
  • e-Business Visa Fee: Approximately USD 80.
  • e-Medical Visa Fee: Approximately USD 80.
  • These fees are subject to change and may not include any credit card processing fees.
  • Standard Processing Time: Approximately 72 hours (working days). It is advisable to apply at least 4 days in advance of your travel.
  • Express/Priority Option: There is no guaranteed express processing for e-Visas. Applications are generally processed within the stated timeframe. However, in rare cases, it might take longer.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply Well in Advance: While processing is usually quick, apply at least 1-2 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid any last-minute issues.
  • Common Rejection Reasons: Incomplete application forms, incorrect passport details, non-compliant photos, and insufficient financial proof can lead to rejection. For Afghanistan citizens, particular scrutiny may be applied to documentation and purpose of visit. It is crucial to be truthful and thorough in your application.
  • VFS/BLS vs. Direct Embassy Application: For e-Visas, you apply directly through the official government portal. There is no need to go through VFS or BLS for the e-Visa application itself. These services are for regular sticker visa applications.
  • Travel Advisories: Always check the latest travel advisories issued by your country of origin and by India regarding travel to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India.
  • Extension Options: Extensions of e-Visas are generally not permitted. If you need to stay longer, you may need to apply for a regular visa from within India through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) at the district level, subject to specific conditions and approvals.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.