India Tourist Visa
e-Tourist Visa · For Australia citizens
Planning a trip to India as an Australian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the India e-Tourist Visa: required documents, current fees starting at US$10, processing times of 3-5 days, and application tips. With a high approval rate for Australian applicants, the online process makes visiting India straightforward.
India Tourist Visa for Australian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Australia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India
Recent passport-style photograph uploaded during online application
Clear scan of your passport's photo/bio page
Details of your intended travel to India
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence of return or onward travel from India
Application Process
The India e-Visa is an entirely online process that eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate.1 Australian citizens can apply from anywhere with internet access.
1. Start Online Application
Visit the official India e-Visa portal and select “e-Tourist Visa” as your visa type.1 You will need to create an application ID that you can use to track your application status.
2. Complete Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.1 You must provide:
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Passport number and expiry date
- Intended date and port of arrival
- Address where you will stay in India
- Your Australian address and contact details
3. Upload Documents
Upload your digital photograph and passport bio page scan.1 Ensure files meet the specified format and size requirements. Poor quality uploads are a common cause of delays.
4. Pay Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee online using credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 A 2.5% bank transaction fee applies. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
5. Receive ETA
Once approved, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email within 3-5 days.1 Print the ETA and carry it when travelling. Show it at check-in and immigration.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist (July-March) | US$25 | 30 days from ETA | Double entry |
| 30-day e-Tourist (April-June) | US$10 | 30 days from ETA | Double entry |
| 1-year e-Tourist | US$40 | 1 year from ETA | Multiple entry |
| 5-year e-Tourist | US$80 | 5 years from ETA | Multiple entry |
All fees include a 2.5% bank transaction charge.2 Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is not granted or you withdraw your application.
What You Need to Prove
The India e-Visa for Australian citizens has straightforward requirements:1
- Valid Australian passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Genuine tourist purpose for visiting India
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during the stay
- Return or onward travel arrangements
- Accommodation address in India
Processing Times
Most e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours.1 However, official guidance recommends applying at least 4 days before travel to account for any delays.
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional verification is required
- Documents need clarification
- Peak travel season increases application volume
You can check your application status online using your Application ID at any time.1
Designated Entry Points
You can only enter India with an e-Visa through designated immigration checkpoints.1
Airports (28 designated): Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Gaya, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Portblair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi, Vishakhapatnam
Seaports (5 designated): Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, New Mangalore
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you receive your ETA by email:
- Print the ETA and carry it with you when travelling
- Show at airline check-in when departing Australia
- Present at Indian immigration along with your passport
- Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup
At Indian immigration, you may be asked about:
- Purpose and duration of your visit
- Accommodation arrangements
- Return flight details
- Sufficient funds for your stay
If Your Visa is Refused
If your e-Visa application is refused, you will receive notification via email with the reason. Common next steps:
- Check for errors in your original application
- Reapply online with corrected information
- Apply through embassy if e-Visa continues to be refused
The visa fee is non-refundable for refused applications. There is no formal appeal process for e-Visa refusals, but you can apply again.1
If you have a complicated travel history or special circumstances, consider applying for a traditional visa sticker through the Indian High Commission in Canberra or Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth.2
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Information
Application contains errors in passport details, names, or dates that don't match supporting documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all information against your passport before submitting. Names must match exactly, including spelling and order.
Photo or Document Issues
Uploaded photo doesn't meet specifications or passport scan is unclear or cropped incorrectly.
How to avoid: Follow the exact photo specifications. Use a scanner for passport pages. Ensure files are within size limits.
Ineligible Port of Entry
Selected arrival airport or seaport is not designated for e-Visa entry.
How to avoid: Only select from the approved list of 28 airports and 5 seaports for e-Visa arrival.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa violations, overstays, or previous refusals to India.
How to avoid: Be honest about travel history. If you've had issues before, consider applying through the embassy instead.
Invalid Travel Dates
Application submitted too early or too late, or travel dates outside visa validity.
How to avoid: Apply at least 4 days before travel. The 30-day visa must be used within 30 days of the ETA issue date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in India on an e-Tourist Visa?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa allows double entry and must be used within 30 days. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow multiple entries with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit, and total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
Can I extend my India e-Tourist Visa?
No, the e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type while in India. If you need to stay longer, you must exit and apply for a new visa.
Which airports can I enter India with an e-Visa?
You can arrive at 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, and others. You can also arrive at 5 designated seaports including Mumbai, Cochin, and Goa.
How far in advance should I apply for the India e-Visa?
Apply at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. You can apply up to 120 days in advance. Most applications are processed within 72 hours.
Is there a cheaper time to apply for India e-Visa?
Yes, the 30-day e-Tourist Visa fee is reduced from US$25 to US$10 during the off-peak season from April to June.
Can I visit restricted areas on an e-Tourist Visa?
No, the e-Tourist Visa does not permit visits to Protected, Restricted, or Cantonment areas. You need a separate permit and possibly a different visa type for these regions.
What if my e-Visa application is rejected?
You will receive notification via email. The visa fee is non-refundable. You can reapply with corrected information or apply through the Indian Embassy/Consulate for a traditional visa sticker.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for India?
Yes, if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days of arrival, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.