Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Senior Travel & Visa Analyst
Elena has helped over 50,000 travellers navigate visa applications across 70+ countries.

How to Apply for an India eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

India's e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is available to citizens of 163+ countries and gives access to one of the world's most extraordinary destinations: the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's palaces, Kerala's backwaters, the Himalayas, and vibrant cities like Mumbai and Delhi. The application is entirely online and typically approved within 72 hours.

Comment nous avons validé ces étapes

Chaque étape de ce guide a été vérifiée en complétant une demande en direct sur le portail gouvernemental concerné ou le service tiers. Les captures d'écran sont vérifiées par rapport aux portails actuels au moment de la publication.

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    India's e-Tourist Visa is available to citizens of 163+ nationalities. Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and a small number of other countries are not eligible. Check the official Indian eVisa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) or the Indian government's eligibility list before applying.

  2. 2

    Choose your visa type and duration

    India offers e-Tourist Visas in three durations: 30-day (single entry), 1-year (multiple entry, up to 90 days per stay), and 5-year (multiple entry, up to 90 days per stay). For most tourists, the 1-year multiple-entry is the best value.

  3. 3

    Prepare your documents

    You will need: a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages), a recent digital passport photo (white background, face centred, 350x350 pixels), and the first and last page of your passport as a scan. You may also need proof of onward travel and accommodation details.

  4. 4

    Complete the online application

    Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill in the application form. This takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Double-check all passport details — errors in name, passport number, or date of birth are the most common cause of rejection.

  5. 5

    Pay the visa fee

    Pay by credit or debit card. Fees vary by nationality and visa type — typically USD$25 for most nationalities on the 1-year visa. Payment is through the official payment gateway. Save your application reference number.

  6. 6

    Wait for your eVisa approval email

    Most India eVisa applications are processed within 72 hours (3 business days). Some take up to 5 business days. Do not book non-refundable flights until your eVisa is approved. You will receive a PDF e-Visa document — print this out and carry it with you.

  7. 7

    Arrive at a designated eVisa airport

    India's e-Tourist Visa is only valid at 28 designated international airports and 5 seaports. It is NOT valid for entry at land border crossings. Plan your arrival accordingly and present your printed eVisa along with your passport on arrival.

1
India eVisa Highly Recommended
India's e-Visa programme covers tourism, business, medical visits and more. With over 160 eligible countries and online processing, it's the standard entry route for most international visitors.
★★★★½
Avantages
  • India eVisa application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Multiple validity options to suit both short trips and frequent visits.
  • Available for tourism, business, and medical purposes — three in one programme.
Inconvénients
  • India eVisa portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Processing can take 3-5 business days — apply well ahead of travel.
Traitement3-5 business days
Valide pour30 days, 1 year, or 5 years (tourist)
Type de visae-Visa
Frais gov.$25
2
Sri Lanka ETA Hidden Gem
Sri Lanka's ETA makes visiting this island paradise simple. Apply online, receive your ETA within 24 hours, and enjoy beaches, temples, and wildlife with the option to extend your stay up to 6 months.
★★★★½
Avantages
  • Sri Lanka ETA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Extendable stay up to 6 months — perfect for long-term travellers.
  • Double entry included as standard.
Inconvénients
  • Sri Lanka ETA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Extension process requires an in-person visit to the Department of Immigration.
Traitement24-48 hours
Valide pour6 months from issue
Type de visaETA
Frais gov.$35
3
Nepal eVisa Himalayan Entry
Nepal's online visa system makes it easy to arrange permits for Everest base camp treks, Kathmandu temples, and Pokhara lakeside stays. Apply digitally before arrival for a smooth border experience.
★★★★☆
Avantages
  • Nepal eVisa application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Flexible stay duration options — 15, 30, or 90 days.
  • Multiple-entry permitted on the same visa.
Inconvénients
  • Nepal eVisa portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • 90-day option costs $100 — higher than regional averages.
TraitementInstant to 3 days
Valide pour150 days from issue
Type de visaTourist
Frais gov.$30
4
Bhutan e-Permit Hidden Gem
Bhutan's policy of 'High Value, Low Impact' tourism ensures the kingdom remains pristine and uncrowded. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100/night funds conservation and local communities. The result: one of the world's most extraordinary travel experiences.
★★★★½
Avantages
  • Bhutan e-Permit application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Completely uncrowded — one of the least-visited countries on Earth.
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of Asia's most iconic sights.
Inconvénients
  • Bhutan e-Permit portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • SDF of $100/night plus $40/night agency fee makes it expensive.
Traitement3–5 business days
Valide pourDuration of approved trip
Type de visaTourism
Frais gov.$100

Questions fréquemment posées

Can I apply for an India eVisa on the same day I travel?+
No. The India eVisa requires a minimum of 4 days before your travel date. The government recommends applying at least 4–5 business days before travel. Last-minute eVisa applications have a higher risk of rejection due to incomplete review.
Can I enter India by land with an India eVisa?+
No. The India e-Tourist Visa is only valid for entry at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports. If you plan to enter India by land from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other neighbours, you need a regular tourist visa from an Indian embassy or consulate.
Can I extend my India eVisa from inside India?+
No. The India e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended from inside India. If you need more time, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in major cities can sometimes advise on exceptional circumstances.