India Tourist Visa
e-Tourist Visa (eTV) · For UAE citizens
Planning a trip to India from the UAE? This guide covers everything you need for the e-Tourist Visa application: required documents, current fees starting from $10, processing times of 72 hours, and what to expect. With an approval rate exceeding 95% for UAE applicants, the India e-visa process is streamlined and straightforward.
India Tourist Visa for UAE Residents (2025) - Document Checklist
For UAE citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India
Clear scanned image of your passport's biographical page
Recent passport-style photograph with white background
Active email address to receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Credit or debit card for online fee payment
Details about your planned trip to India
Contact details of a reference person or hotel in India
Recommended (Optional)
Proof of legal residence in the UAE for non-UAE nationals
Application Process
The India e-Tourist Visa application is entirely online through the official government portal.1 The process is straightforward and can be completed in about 15-20 minutes.
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.1
2. Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 Both documents must meet the specified format and size requirements. Poor quality uploads are a common cause of rejection.3
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 season. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies.1
4. Receive Your ETA
Within 72 hours, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.12 Print the ETA and carry it when traveling to India. Present it at immigration upon arrival along with your passport.1
Fees
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (July-March) | Fee (April-June) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day e-Tourist Visa | 30 days, double entry | $25 | $10 |
| 1-Year e-Tourist Visa | 365 days, multiple entry | $40 | $40 |
| 5-Year e-Tourist Visa | 5 years, multiple entry | $80 | $80 |
All fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.1 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 (16): Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi.1
Designated Seaports (5): Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.1
You can exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Post.1
What You Need to Prove
The e-Tourist Visa is intended for:3
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Short-term yoga programs
- 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.3
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 season
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, you will receive your ETA via email.1 Before traveling:
- Print the ETA and carry it with your passport
- Verify all details on the ETA are correct
- Check the validity period and ensure your travel dates fall within it
- 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
If Your Visa is Refused
E-visa refusals are uncommon for UAE applicants given the high approval rate.1 If refused:
- Check the rejection reason provided in the email notification
- Correct any errors and reapply if it was a documentation issue
- Apply for regular visa through BLS International if e-visa is not suitable for your situation4
For regular visa applications, visit the BLS International visa application centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.4 Regular visas offer more flexibility and can be issued for up to 12 months.
Alternative: Regular Tourist Visa
If you prefer or need a regular visa, you can apply through BLS International in the UAE.4
| Aspect | e-Tourist Visa | Regular Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online only | Through BLS International |
| Processing | 72 hours | 5-6 working days |
| Duration | Up to 5 years | Up to 12 months |
| Entry | 16 airports, 5 seaports | Any port |
| Cost | $10-$80 | Higher (varies) |
| Extendable | No | Case-by-case |
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Application contains errors in personal details, passport information, or travel dates that do not match supporting documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Ensure names, dates, and passport numbers are entered correctly without typos.
Poor Quality Document Uploads
Scanned passport page or photograph is blurry, too dark, has glare, or does not meet the specified file format and size requirements.
How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure the file meets size requirements (10KB-300KB for passport scan, 10KB-1MB for photo). Test readability before uploading.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport has less than 6 months validity from arrival date, insufficient blank pages, or is damaged.
How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages.
Ineligible Passport Type
Application submitted with diplomatic, official, or special passport. Only ordinary passports are eligible for e-visa.
How to avoid: If you hold a non-ordinary passport, apply for a regular visa through the Indian Embassy or BLS International instead of the e-visa.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying previous Indian visas or violations of Indian immigration rules.
How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consider applying for a regular visa through the embassy where you can explain circumstances and provide additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does India e-visa processing take from the UAE?
The India e-visa is typically processed within 72 hours. Applications should be submitted at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. In rare cases, processing may take up to 5 working days.
What is the India e-visa fee for UAE residents in 2025?
The fee varies by visa duration: $10 for 30-day visa (April-June), $25 for 30-day visa (July-March), $40 for 1-year visa, and $80 for 5-year visa. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies.
Can I apply for India visa on arrival from the UAE?
No, there is no visa on arrival for UAE residents traveling to India. You must apply for an e-visa online before travel. The e-visa process is straightforward and takes only 72 hours.
How long can I stay in India with a tourist e-visa?
The 30-day e-visa allows stays up to 30 days with double entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-visas allow multiple entries with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit for most nationalities, and up to 180 days total in a calendar year.
Which airports in India accept e-visa entry?
You can enter through 16 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi. Five seaports also accept e-visa entry.
Do UAE nationals need a visa for India?
Yes, UAE nationals require a visa to visit India. The e-Tourist Visa is the most convenient option, available online with a high approval rate of over 95% for UAE applicants.
Can I extend my India e-visa?
No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa.
What if my India e-visa application is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues. Common rejection reasons include incorrect information, poor quality documents, or incomplete applications. Alternatively, you can apply for a regular visa through BLS International in the UAE.