Application Process

The India e-Tourist Visa application is entirely online through the official government portal.1 French citizens can complete the process in about 15-20 minutes without visiting an embassy or visa centre.

1. Complete Online Application

Visit the official e-visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly, as even minor discrepancies can cause rejection.1

2. Upload Required Documents

Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 The passport scan must be 10KB-300KB in PDF or JPEG format. The photograph must be square (minimum 350x350 pixels), 10KB-1MB in JPEG format, with a white background.1

3. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card.1 Fees range from $10 to $80 depending on visa duration and travel season. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies to all payments.3

4. Receive Your ETA

Within 72 hours to 5 working days, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.12 Print the ETA and carry it when travelling to India. Present it at immigration upon arrival along with your passport, where the e-visa will be stamped.1

Fees

All fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.3 Fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.

Designated Entry Points

The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through specific ports only.15

Designated Airports (28): Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Kannur, Madurai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, and Visakhapatnam.1

Designated Seaports (5): Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.1

You can exit India from any authorised Immigration Check Post.1

What You Need to Prove

The e-Tourist Visa is intended for:2

• Recreation and sightseeing
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Short-term yoga programmes
• Short-duration medical treatment (separate e-Medical Visa also available)
• Casual business visits

The visa is non-extendable and non-convertible to other visa types.2 You cannot work or study on a tourist visa.

Processing Times

E-visa applications are typically processed within 72 hours.12 You must apply at least 4 days before your intended arrival date, but no more than 120 days in advance.1

Processing may take longer if:1

• Additional verification is required
• Documents need clarification
• Application volume is high during peak travel season

Recent reports indicate processing times have extended to 8-10 working days in some cases due to increased application volumes.1 Apply well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.

After Your Visa is Approved

Once approved, you will receive your ETA via email.1 Before travelling:

1. Print the ETA and carry it with your passport
2. Verify all details on the ETA are correct
3. Check the validity period and ensure your travel dates fall within it
4. Carry proof of return travel (recommended but not mandatory)

At Indian immigration, you will provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and receive an entry stamp.1 The process is straightforward and efficient at designated entry points.

If Your Visa is Refused

E-visa refusals are uncommon for French applicants given the high approval rate of 96%.1 If refused:

1. Check the rejection reason provided in the email notification
2. Correct any errors and reapply if it was a documentation issue
3. Apply for regular visa through VFS Global if e-visa is not suitable for your situation4

For regular visa applications, French citizens can apply through VFS Global visa application centres located in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux.4 Regular visas offer more flexibility and can be issued for longer durations.

Alternative: Regular Tourist Visa

If you prefer or need a regular visa, you can apply through VFS Global in France.4 This may be necessary if you hold a diplomatic or official passport, or need longer stays.

Best Time to Visit India

India’s diverse geography means different regions have different ideal seasons:

October to March: Best for most of India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Southern India. Pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. This is peak tourist season with the highest number of French visitors.

April to June: Hot across the plains, but ideal for Himalayan destinations like Ladakh, Dharamsala, and hill stations. Lower visa fees apply during this period.

July to September: Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to most regions but creates stunning landscapes in Kerala and the Western Ghats.