e-Tourist Visa — India

The India e-Tourist Visa lets you visit India for tourism and recreation through a fully online process.

You select a validity period, apply in advance, and receive authorization electronically before travel.

Purpose and scope

The e-Tourist Visa is an official electronic visa issued by India’s Bureau of Immigration (BOI).

It’s designed to make short-term travel for tourism and leisure simpler and faster through an Form Online Visa Application system.

You use this visa for sightseeing, casual visits, and other recreational travel.

It doesn’t replace other e‑Visa categories created for specific purposes.

India issues several electronic visa types, each with a defined purpose:

• e-Tourist Visa – tourism and recreation
• e-Business Visa – business travel
• e-Medical Visa – medical treatment
• e-Medical Attendant Visa – accompanying a medical patient
• e-Conference Visa – attending conferences

You must apply online at least four days before your travel date.

The application is submitted electronically through the official e‑Visa Application portal.

If you need registration or visa-related services while inside India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles those matters.

The BOI manages entry and exit at Indian ports of entry.

Who it permits

The e-Tourist Visa is available to most nationalities.

You must apply through the Online Visa Application system, submit your application at least four days before arrival, and select the correct visa category for your travel purpose.

This visa is for foreign nationals traveling for tourism.

If your purpose involves business meetings, medical treatment, conference participation, or accompanying a patient, you must choose the corresponding e‑Visa category.

Selecting the wrong category can affect your ability to enter India.

For eligibility details and any nationality-specific conditions, refer to guidance from the Bureau of Immigration.

Duration options

There are three validity periods under the e-Tourist Visa, each with its own entry type and per-visit stay limit.

Each option serves different travel needs.

If you plan a single short trip, the 30-day option may fit — it permits one exit and re-entry but caps your total stay at 30 days. For repeated visits, the 1-year or 5-year options offer longer validity and multiple entries, with each individual visit capped at 90 days (180 days for nationals of the US, UK, Canada, and Japan).

None of the three e-Tourist Visa options can be extended or converted to another visa type from inside India.

Choose your duration during the e‑Visa Application process.

Review government sources for current terms, conditions, and any restrictions tied to each validity period before applying.

Most travelers complete the Form Online Visa Application without assistance.

Professional guidance may help when your situation involves multiple visa categories, tight travel dates, or coordination with Indian authorities such as the FRRO.

When standard self-preparation is enough

You can usually handle the Form e-Visa Application on your own if your travel purpose fits within the Tourist Visa category and your plans are straightforward.

Standard cases:

• Single entry purpose limited to tourism
• No need to change to an e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, or e-Conference Visa
• Flexible travel dates allowing for processing time
• No registration or follow-up with the FRRO

Processing is generally 3–5 business days, depending on category and processing location.

Confirm the latest timeframe with the issuing authority before booking non-refundable travel.

If your situation matches these points, careful self-review is typically enough.

Situations that benefit from expert help

Consult a professional if your travel purpose doesn’t fit neatly into the Tourist Visa category.

Examples include:

• You may qualify for both an e-Business Visa and a Tourist Visa
• You need an e-Medical Visa and a related e-Medical Attendant Visa
• You plan to attend a formal event that may require an e-Conference Visa
• You anticipate interaction with the FRRO after arrival

Category errors can delay processing or require a new application.

BLS or VFS centers may accept submissions, but they don’t make visa decisions.

The issuing authority determines approval.

If your activities overlap categories, professional review reduces risk.

Confirming complex processing timelines

Processing times vary by visa category and where the application is processed.

Standard e-tourist processing is 3–5 business days, but verify current timelines with the issuing authority before travel.

Seek guidance if:

1. Your travel date is within one week.

2. You’re coordinating multiple travelers with different visa categories.

3. You need clarity on post-arrival procedures involving the FRRO.

When your schedule is tight, professional advice helps you plan around confirmed processing windows.

You must pay government-set charges through the Form Online Visa Application portal before your e‑Visa is processed.

Costs vary by visa type. Standard processing for the e‑Tourist Visa usually takes a few business days.

Government and statutory fees

The e-Tourist Visa fee depends on the tier you select (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year) and your nationality.

As of July 2026, the standard fee structure for most eligible nationalities (including the United States) is:

A bank charge of approximately 3% is added to the applicable e-Visa fee.

Fees for e‑Business Visa, e‑Medical Visa, e‑Medical Attendant Visa, and e‑Conference Visa may differ.

Confirm the exact amount for your nationality and visa category on the official country/territory-wise fee schedule before payment.

All payments are made online in USD during the application process.

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) controls entry and exit at the border. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles registration or extensions inside India.

Additional service/payment charges

Beyond the government e-Visa fee and bank charge, you should not need to pay separate line-item charges directly on the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in.

The portal calculates the final payable amount (fee plus bank charge) before you authorize payment.

If you apply through a visa facilitation center such as BLS or VFS, or through a third-party agent, that provider may collect its own separate service fee — those centers transmit applications but do not decide outcomes, and their fees are not part of the official government charge.

Review the full payment breakdown before confirming your transaction.

Processing does not begin until payment is complete.

Processing time expectations

Under the Standard processing option, the e‑Tourist Visa typically takes 3 to 5 days to process as of March 2026.

This timeframe starts after you submit your completed e‑Visa Application and payment is confirmed.

Incomplete applications or payment failures delay processing.

processing times for other categories—such as the e‑Business Visa, e‑Medical Visa, e‑Medical Attendant Visa, and e‑Conference Visa—may differ.

You must check for current timelines before making travel plans.

Approval is issued electronically.

You receive your status update through the online system, and you must carry the required authorization when you travel.

If you need registration or visa‑related services after arrival in India, the FRRO manages those matters.

Small errors in your Form Online Visa Application can delay approval or cause rejection.

Careful review and accurate documentation help protect your travel plans and reduce follow-up with the FRRO.

Expert tips before submission

Complete every field in your Form e-Visa Application exactly as it appears in your passport.

Your name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality must match character for character.

Review your answers before you submit.

Check spelling, dates, and visa category selection, especially if you are choosing between a Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, or e-Conference Visa.

Use this quick review table before final submission:

If you plan to extend your stay or complete formalities inside India, you will deal with the FRRO.

Submit accurate information from the start to avoid complications.

Common documentation errors

Applicants often upload unclear or cropped documents.

Make sure your passport image shows all required details and that no edges are cut off.

Don’t submit inconsistent information across forms and documents.

Your purpose of visit must align with the visa type selected in your Online Visa Application.

Common avoidable mistakes include:

• Selecting Tourist Visa while describing business meetings
• Applying for an e-Medical Attendant Visa without matching medical travel details
• Entering incorrect passport numbers
• Leaving mandatory fields blank

If you are unsure about current requirements or fees in INR (₹), confirm them through official Government of India sources before submitting.

BLS or VFS centers may assist with submission, but they do not decide your application.

You must meet nationality and passport rules before submitting an Form Online Visa Application.

Your passport and travel details must match the e‑Visa category you select.

Nationality and eligibility lists

You can apply for an India e‑Tourist Visa only if your nationality appears on the official eligible countries list.

If your country is not listed, you must apply for a regular Tourist Visa.

Eligibility depends strictly on your passport nationality, not your country of residence.

You must use the same passport for your e‑Visa Application and for travel.

India offers several e‑Visa categories.

Make sure you choose the correct one:

Selecting the wrong category can lead to refusal or issues at the immigration checkpost.

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) makes entry decisions at authorized ports of entry.

If you need to extend or register your stay inside India, the FRRO handles those matters.

Passport validity

You must hold a passport valid for at least six months at the time you submit your e‑Visa Application.

If your passport expires sooner, the system may reject your application.

Even if approved, you can face boarding denial or entry refusal if your passport validity doesn’t meet this requirement at travel.

Your passport must:

• Be valid for a minimum of six months when you apply
• Match the passport you present at arrival
• Remain valid throughout your approved stay

If you renew your passport after receiving your e‑Visa, you must travel with both the old and new passports, unless instructed otherwise by the issuing authority.

Check the passport number carefully before final submission.

Errors can invalidate your approved e‑Visa.

Check eligibility instructions

Before starting your Online Visa Application, review the eligibility instructions for your nationality and travel purpose.

Take these steps:

1. Confirm your country is on the eligible nationality list.

2. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

3. Select the appropriate visa category: e‑Tourist, e‑Business, e‑Medical, e‑Medical Attendant, or e‑Conference.

4. Gather all required documents for your nationality.

You must also check the list of authorized immigration checkposts for e‑Visa holders. Entering through a non‑authorized port can result in refusal by the BOI.

If you have eligibility concerns or need help after arrival, contact the FRRO for guidance on compliance, registration, or permitted stay.

Your length of stay and registration requirements depend on your e‑Visa type and how long you remain in India.

You need to keep track of your days, since overstaying or missing registration deadlines can create compliance issues with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Maximum stay periods

The e‑Tourist Visa (30-day) allows a maximum stay of 30 days from your date of arrival, with double entry, and cannot be extended.

The e‑Tourist Visa (1-year) and e‑Tourist Visa (5-year) tiers, issued through the Form Online Visa Application, allow multiple entries with a maximum of 90 days per visit for most nationalities — extended to 180 days per visit for nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.

The per-visit stay period starts from your arrival date, as recorded by immigration at entry.

The separate, traditional Tourist Visa (issued through embassies/consulates rather than the e-Visa system) follows its own stay and registration rules.

If you hold an e‑Business Visa, e‑Medical Visa, e‑Medical Attendant Visa, or e‑Conference Visa, follow the specific conditions issued with your visa. Review your approval notice for the exact stay limit granted.

Count your stay based on the actual days you’re physically in India, not the overall visa validity.

Registration requirements (FRRO/FRO)

You must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) if your stay exceeds 180 days.

Registration is required:

1. Within 180 days of arrival in India, and

2. If you cross 180 days, within two weeks after the 180th day.

The FRRO manages registration and compliance inside India. Border authorities only handle entry and exit.

You’re responsible for your deadline. Missing the two‑week window after 180 days can complicate future visa applications or departures.

Start the registration process before your 180th day to avoid delays.

When registration is not required

You do not need to register with the FRRO or FRO if:

• Your total stay is less than 180 days, and
• You leave before reaching 180 consecutive days.

On the e-Tourist Visa, this rarely applies in practice since per-visit stays are already capped at 90 days (or 180 days for US, UK, Canadian, and Japanese nationals) — well within the FRRO registration threshold.

For multiple visits under the 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa, each individual stay must remain within its per-visit cap (90 or 180 days) regardless of registration rules.

Even if registration isn’t needed, you must still comply with all other conditions in your e‑Visa approval and keep lawful status.

Apply for the India e-Tourist Visa through the Form Online Visa Application system.

You’ll need to follow the instructions, fill every field, sign the form, upload your evidence, and pay before your application moves forward.

Before you start

Download the current e-Tourist Visa instructions from the Bureau of Immigration.

Read the guidance for your eligibility category before you begin the Form e-Visa Application.

Make sure you’re applying under the correct visa type. The online system includes these categories:

Select the right category at the start. Picking the wrong visa type can delay processing or force you to reapply.

Prepare all supporting documents before logging in. All mandatory sections and evidence are required at submission.

If you plan to extend or register your stay inside India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles those matters. The Bureau of Immigration manages border entry and exit.

Filling, signing and submission

Access the Online Visa Application portal and complete the e-Visa Application form. Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport.

Don’t leave required fields blank. The system won’t let you submit until all mandatory sections are filled.

Follow these steps:

1. Complete all required sections.

2. Upload supporting evidence.

3. Review the application carefully.

4. Sign where needed.

5. Submit the form and pay the fee in INR (₹) as shown.

Before submitting, read through the form again. Mistakes in passport details, visa category, or personal info can cause delays.

After payment, the system confirms your application was submitted.

Confirmation and follow-up

Once you submit and pay, you’ll get a confirmation at the email address you entered.

If you don’t see the message, check your spam or junk folder. The confirmation proves your e-Visa Application was received.

The Bureau of Immigration processes the application. Border officials make entry decisions when you arrive.

If you need registration or visa services inside India, contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Upload clear copies of your identity and civil documents with your Form Online Visa Application. The documents required depend on your personal history, including whether you previously held an Indian passport.

Passport and identity documents

A valid passport is your primary identity document for any e-Visa category.

If you previously held an Indian passport and surrendered it in or after 2010, you also need:

• A copy of your cancelled or surrendered Indian passport
• A copy of your Surrender Certificate

These documents show you renounced Indian citizenship. Authorities review them during processing, and the FRRO may request them again after arrival.

Use clear, legible scans. All personal details, passport numbers, and cancellation markings must be fully visible.

Supporting civil documents

Submit civil documents if they support your identity, background, or status.

Common examples:

• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate

These are especially relevant for Persons of Indian Origin or if your application relies on family relationships.

Names, dates, and places must match your passport details. Inconsistent information can delay processing or trigger extra review by the FRRO.

Provide complete copies—don’t crop seals, signatures, or registration numbers.

Consular officers review your Form e-Visa Application for accuracy, consistency, and whether your travel purpose matches your documents.

They compare your entries with your supporting documents and look for grounds of refusal under the Tourist Visa framework.

Completeness and consistency

Complete every required field in the Form Online Visa Application exactly as it appears in your passport and supporting documents.

Officers check names, passport numbers, dates of birth, and issue/expiry dates for matches.

Even small differences can trigger refusal, such as:

• Spelling variations in your name
• Transposed passport digits
• Different travel dates across sections
• Conflicting answers about prior visas

Review every page before submitting. Make sure your answers stay consistent, especially if you’ve previously applied for a different e-Visa type.

Incomplete forms or conflicting responses often lead to rejection.

Application vs. supporting evidence

Officers compare your selected purpose—such as Tourist Visa—with your documents.

If you select tourism, your documents should reflect that. If your activities resemble business, medical treatment, conference attendance, or assisting a patient, officers may expect a different e-Visa category.

They look for consistency between:

• Declared travel purpose
• Supporting documentation
• Information in the e-Visa Application

A mismatch raises concerns about eligibility.

Inside India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) manages registration and extensions. At entry and exit, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) checks your visa type against your travel purpose.

Grounds for refusal

Approval isn’t automatic. Officers refuse applications with incomplete information, inconsistent answers, or details that conflict with your documents.

Common refusal triggers:

• Missing required information
• Contradictory responses
• Passport details that don’t match
• Travel purpose inconsistent with visa type

Reduce risk by reviewing your entire Online Visa Application before submitting. Confirm all answers are accurate, complete, and in line with your selected Tourist Visa category.

If you have questions about eligibility, consult official guidance from the relevant Indian government source.