India e-Visa: what you need to know before travelling
Most nationalities need an e-Visa before entering India. This page explains the categories, eligibility, required documents and the application process with the Bureau of Immigration — a process separate from the e-Arrival Card.
You can apply directly, with no service fee, on the official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. Once this is sorted, also remember your e-Arrival Card, a separate mandatory process.
Which India e-Visa fits your trip?
The Bureau of Immigration offers several categories depending on the purpose of your stay.
e-Tourist Visa
For tourism, family or friend visits. Available for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years, multiple entries, continuous stay up to 90 days per visit (180 days for some nationalities).
e-Business Visa
For business trips and meetings. Multiple entries, stays of up to 180 days depending on the purpose.
e-Medical Visa
For medical treatment at a recognised Indian institution. Triple entry, default validity of 6 months, extendable to 1 year. An e-Medical Attendant Visa exists for an accompanying relative.
e-Conference Visa
To attend a conference, seminar or event organised by an entity recognised by the Indian government.
e-AYUSH Visa
Dedicated to traditional medicine treatment (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, homeopathy) at an approved centre. Valid up to 1 year, with possible attendants.
Other categories
Research, film, mountaineering (via the Indian Mountaineering Foundation) or transit visas also exist, subject to conditions specific to each traveller profile.
Who can apply?
This authorisation is open to the vast majority of nationalities, subject to certain exclusions.
Generally eligible
Over 170 nationalities can apply, with a passport valid at least 6 months after the arrival date and 2 blank pages for stamps.
Not eligible
Pakistani passport holders or of Pakistani origin (regular embassy visa required), diplomatic/official passport holders, military/security/police profiles, people endorsed on someone else's passport.
Special case
Afghan nationals must go through the dedicated AFGHAN portal rather than the standard process.
Documents required for the e-Visa
- Valid passport, colour scan of the bio page
- Recent passport photo, white or light background
- Flight and accommodation details in India
- Payment method (credit card or PayPal)
- Category-specific supporting documents (invitation, medical file number...)
- One application per traveller — each person needs their own passport
Everything about the India e-Visa
What is the India e-Visa?
It is an electronic visa issued by the Indian Bureau of Immigration, allowing most nationalities to apply for entry authorisation to India entirely online, without going through an embassy or consulate.
Does it replace the e-Arrival Card?
No. These are two separate, cumulative processes: this is your entry authorisation, the e-Arrival Card is a mandatory arrival declaration, to be filled in separately within 72 hours before the flight.
What types are available?
The main ones are the e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Conference Visa and e-AYUSH Visa for traditional medicine treatment.
Who is not eligible?
Holders of a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani origin, holders of diplomatic or official passports, military/security profiles, and people endorsed on someone else's passport are not eligible.
Which airports can I enter through with this document?
It is only valid at designated airports and ports (notably Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa); land border crossings are not allowed with it.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on nationality, category and chosen validity period. Payment is made by credit card or PayPal on the official portal.
Is India eArrival Card an official Indian government website?
No. India eArrival Card is an independent assistance service, not affiliated with the Indian government. This application can also be made directly on the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa.
This page is provided for informational purposes by India eArrival Card, an independent service not affiliated with the Indian government. This application is made directly and solely on the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. For the mandatory arrival declaration, separate from this process, see our e-Arrival Card.
3 steps of the application
The application is entirely online, directly with the Bureau of Immigration.
Choose the category and fill in the form
Tourism, business, medical... the online form asks for passport, travel details and purpose of stay.
Submit documents and pay the fee
Passport scan, photo, and online payment by card or PayPal depending on the category chosen.
Receive your authorisation by email
Once approved, it is sent by email — to present with your passport on arrival in India.