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India Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghan passport holders traveling to India can apply for an e-Visa online (e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical) via the official portal; approval is electronic and printed e-Visa is required on arrival.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages.
  • Specific forms: no separate form; apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/; complete the online e-Visa application and upload photo and passport data; no DS-160 or VAF1A.
  • Financial proof: no fixed minimum bank statement is required for e-Visa; you should have sufficient funds to cover your stay and onward travel.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: provide your intended address in India during stay; a return/onward ticket is recommended, but not always mandatory at application.
  • Photo spec: recent passport-style color photo, white background, size approximately 51x51 mm (2x2 inches), taken within last 3 months.
  • Biometrics: not required for online e-Visa; carry printed e-Visa and passport; immigration may check your documents on arrival.
  • Travel health insurance: not required by the e-Visa rules but recommended to have coverage for your trip.

Visa types

  • e-Tourist visa (e-Visa): Official name: e-Tourist Visa; Validity options: 1 year or 5 years; Max stay per visit and number of entries depend on the selected option; Approximate fee: USD 25–100 depending on duration and nationality (check the portal for the exact amount).
  • e-Business visa (e-Visa): Official name: e-Business Visa; Validity options: 1 year or 5 years; Typically multiple entries; Max duration per visit varies; Approximate fee: USD 25–100 depending on duration.
  • e-Medical visa (e-Visa): Official name: e-Medical Visa; Validity options: 1 year or 5 years; Typically multiple entries; Max duration per visit varies; Approximate fee: USD 25–100 depending on duration.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and select the e-Visa application.
  • Steps: submit applicant details, upload a photo and passport scan, review information for accuracy, pay the visa fee online, and submit the application.
  • Fee: pay the e-Visa fee online via card or net banking (amount shown in USD/INR on the portal).
  • Processing time: typical processing is 3–5 working days; emergency processing is not generally advertised.
  • How approval arrives: you will receive an electronic e-Visa approval (ETA) through the portal and by email; print the e-Visa and carry it with your passport on arrival.
  • Entry points: e-Visa allows entry through designated airports and seaports in India; verify current list on the portal before travel.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: shown on the official portal in USD/INR; amounts vary by visa type and duration.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for e-Visa applications (they handle sticker visas); for e-Visa there is no separate VFS payment.
  • Total cost estimate: depends on category and duration; add online processing and any card charges.
  • Standard processing time: typically 3–5 working days; check portal for current times.
  • Express/priority option: not usually advertised for e-Visa; any expedited timelines would be listed on the portal.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start the application at least 7–14 days before travel; plan for potential delays during peak travel periods.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants: inconsistencies between passport and application data (name, DOB), passport validity not meeting 6-month rule, photos not meeting requirements, incomplete travel details or funds evidence, or prior visa refusals or security concerns.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: e-Visa is applied entirely online through the official portal; if e-Visa is refused, you may contact the Indian Mission for guidance; direct in-person visa services are separate from the e-Visa system.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the MEA travel advisories and the official Indian Missions page for any current restrictions or requirements (https://www.mea.gov.in/Indian-Missions.htm).
  • Extension options inside India: e-Visa extensions are generally not allowed; if you need to stay longer, you must exit and re-enter with a new e-Visa from outside India.

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.