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India Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens can apply for an Indian e-Visa (Tourist, Business, or Medical) online via the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in; typical processing is 3–5 days; e-Visa fees start at about USD 25 for a 30‑day Tourist visa and go up to USD 500 for a 5‑year multi‑entry visa.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of arrival in India and have at least 2 blank pages. Carry the same passport used for the online e-Visa application.
  • Specific forms: No separate form such as DS-160; complete the online e-Visa application on the Indian Visa Online portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
  • Financial proof: No fixed financial proof is required for the e-Visa application. You may be asked for evidence of funds by immigration authorities; keep optional bank statements handy if asked.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: An itinerary is not strictly required for the e-Visa, but having hotel bookings or an Indian address and a return/onward ticket is recommended and you may be asked for these at entry.
  • Photo spec: A passport-style photo meeting these guidelines: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), white background, taken within the last 3 months, JPEG format, file size between 10 KB and 1 MB.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not required to be submitted with the online e-Visa application; immigration authorities at entry may capture biometrics if applicable.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required for e-Visa; having travel medical insurance is recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa (official name: Tourist e-Visa, eTV): Validity options 30 days (single entry), 1 year (multiple entry), 5 years (multiple entry). Max stay per visit: 30 days for the 30-day option; longer stays permitted under 1-year and 5-year options (per-visit limits vary by category). Approximate fees: USD 25 for 30-day, USD 100 for 1-year, USD 500 for 5-year.
  • Business e-Visa (official name: Business e-Visa, eBV): Validity options 1 year (multiple entry), 5 years (multiple entry). Approximate fees: USD 100 for 1-year, USD 500 for 5-year. Max stay per visit commonly around up to 180 days depending on duration chosen.
  • Medical e-Visa (official name: Medical e-Visa, eMV): Validity options 1 year (multiple entry), 5 years (multiple entry). Approximate fees: USD 80 for short-term medical visits, USD 200 for 1-year, USD 400 for 5-year. Max stay per visit typically around 60 days for the short-term option; longer durations allow longer per-visit stays per category.

How to apply online

  • How to apply: Go to the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and choose e-Visa for the appropriate category.
  • Steps: Create an applicant profile → fill the online e-Visa form → upload photo and passport bio page → pay the e-Visa fee online → receive the e-Visa grant by email (attach the e-Visa to your passport and print a copy).
  • Fee and payment: Pay the applicable e-Visa fee online by credit or debit card. There is no separate VFS/BLS application fee for the e-Visa option.
  • Processing time and approval: Typical processing time is 3–5 working days. You will receive an approved e-Visa by email; print a copy to carry to India.
  • Upon arrival: Present your passport with the printed e-Visa page and the e-Visa approval number at immigration. The e-Visa is not stamped in your passport at a mission; it is verified electronically.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa fees (approximate): Tourist 30 days USD 25; Tourist 1 year USD 100; Tourist 5 years USD 500; Business 1 year USD 100; Business 5 years USD 500; Medical around USD 80–200 for short/long durations and USD 400–500 for 5-year options.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for the online e-Visa; all payments are made through the Indian e-Visa portal.
  • Total cost estimate: Range from about USD 25 to USD 500 depending on visa type and duration chosen.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days; in peak periods, processing can take longer.
  • Express/priority option: Not typically offered for e-Visa; plan ahead to avoid delays.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply well in advance: It is recommended to apply at least 4–7 days before travel; allow extra time during peak travel seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months at time of travel, insufficient blank pages, inconsistencies between application data and passport, photo not meeting requirements, travel purpose not clearly stated, prior visa violations or overstays.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For the e-Visa, use the official online portal; there is no separate VFS/BLS process for e-Visa. A sticker visa via a mission is a different process.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Always check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories and MEA guidance before travel for the latest bilingual/visa updates and country conditions.
  • Extension options inside India: e-Visa extensions are not generally available. If you need a longer stay, you typically must exit India and re‑enter under a new e-Visa or apply for a different visa (e.g., from an Indian Mission) before travel.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.