India Tourist Visa
e-Tourist Visa (eTV) · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to India as an American citizen? You can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa in just minutes. Fees start from $25 for a 30-day visa, with processing typically taking 3-5 business days. With a 97% approval rate, the India e-Visa is straightforward for US passport holders. This guide covers everything you need: documents required, fee options, and how to avoid common application mistakes.
India Tourist Visa for American Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your US passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India
Recent digital photograph meeting India e-Visa specifications
Clear digital scan of your passport's bio-data page
Expected arrival date, port of entry, and travel itinerary
Contact details of a reference person or hotel in India
Contact details of a reference in the US
Application Process
The India e-Tourist Visa is fully online, with no embassy visit or biometrics required.1 US citizens can complete the entire application in about 15-20 minutes.
1. Visit the Official e-Visa Portal
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa.1 This is the only official website for India e-Visa applications. Avoid third-party websites that charge additional fees.
2. Select Your Visa Type and Duration
Choose “e-Tourist Visa” and select your preferred duration:1
- 30-day visa: Double entry, ideal for short trips
- 1-year visa: Multiple entry, for frequent visitors
- 5-year visa: Multiple entry, best value for regular travelers
3. Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.1 Key fields include:
- Personal information (exactly as on passport)
- Passport details
- Expected arrival date and port of entry
- Address in India (hotel name is acceptable)
- References in India and the US
4. Upload Required Documents
Upload your passport photo (JPEG, square format) and passport bio page scan (PDF).1 Ensure both meet the exact specifications to avoid rejection.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay using credit card, debit card, or payment wallet.1 A 2.5% bank transaction fee applies. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is rejected.
6. Receive Your ETA
Once approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.1 Print a copy to present at immigration. The e-Visa is electronically linked to your passport.
Fees
India offers seasonal pricing and multiple duration options for e-Tourist Visas.23
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist (Peak) | 30 days | $25 | July to March, double entry |
| 30-day e-Tourist (Off-Peak) | 30 days | $10 | April to June, double entry |
| 1-year e-Tourist | 1 year | $40 | Multiple entry, 180 days max per visit |
| 5-year e-Tourist | 5 years | $80 | Multiple entry, 180 days max per visit |
| Regular Tourist Visa | Up to 10 years | $160 | Via embassy/VFS, multiple entry |
All fees are in US dollars.2 An additional 2.5% bank transaction charge applies to e-Visa payments. Traditional visa applications through VFS Global incur additional service center fees of approximately $17-20.
What You Need to Prove
The India e-Visa system is largely automated, but your application should demonstrate:1
- Valid travel documents: Passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
- Genuine tourist purpose: Travel dates, accommodation, and basic itinerary
- Accurate information: All details matching your passport exactly
Unlike many visa applications, India e-Visa does not require proof of finances, employment letters, or detailed travel itineraries for US citizens.1 The focus is on accurate documentation rather than proving ties or intent.
Processing Times
Processing times vary based on volume and completeness of application:13
| Scenario | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 3-5 business days |
| Peak season (Dec-Feb, Oct) | 5-10 business days |
| Application with errors | May be returned for correction |
Apply at least 4 days before your travel date, as this is the minimum required by the system.1 Applying 1-2 weeks in advance provides buffer for any delays or resubmissions.
The e-Visa system does not offer express or rush processing.1 If you need urgent travel, consider applying for a regular visa at an Indian consulate, which may offer expedited appointments.
Designated Entry Points
E-Visa holders can enter India only through designated immigration checkpoints.1
28 Designated Airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa (Dabolim), Goa (Mopa), Kochi, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Tiruchirappalli, Calicut, Mangalore, Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Port Blair, and Kannur.
5 Designated Seaports: Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, and Kochi.
Exit can be from any authorized immigration checkpoint in India.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be emailed to you:1
- Print your ETA: Carry a printed copy (color or black and white)
- Verify your details: Ensure your name and passport number are correct
- Check validity dates: Note the valid from/to dates on your ETA
At Indian immigration:1
- Present your printed ETA and passport
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) on arrival
- Answer any questions about your travel plans
- Receive entry stamp in your passport
Keep your ETA safe throughout your trip as you may need to show it at hotels.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your e-Visa is rejected, you will receive notification via email.1 Common next steps:
- Review the rejection reason: The email may indicate what was wrong
- Correct the issue: Fix photo format, recheck information, or rescan documents
- Reapply immediately: There is no waiting period between applications
- Pay the fee again: Application fees are non-refundable
If rejected multiple times, consider applying for a regular visa through the Indian embassy or a VFS Global center.4 Staff can review your documents in person and advise on corrections.
For urgent travel after rejection, contact the nearest Indian consulate about emergency visa options.2
Traditional Visa Alternative
If the e-Visa does not meet your needs, US citizens can apply for a traditional tourist visa through VFS Global or directly at an Indian consulate.24
When to consider traditional visa:
- You need a visa valid for more than 5 years
- You are entering through non-designated ports
- You need flexibility to extend your stay
- Multiple e-Visa rejections
Traditional visa process:
- Apply online at the Indian mission website
- Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global center
- Submit documents in person (no biometrics required for US citizens)
- Pay $160 visa fee plus VFS service charges
- Collect passport with visa stamp (typically 4-5 business days)
Traditional visas offer up to 10 years validity with multiple entries, making them cost-effective for frequent travelers.2
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect Photo Specifications
Photo does not meet the exact specifications: wrong size, format, background color, or quality. The photo must be square, in JPEG format, with a plain white or light background.
How to avoid: Take a new photo specifically for this application. Use a white wall as background, natural lighting, and ensure the image is square (equal width and height). Do not submit your passport photo.
Mismatched Personal Information
Name, date of birth, passport number, or other details entered do not exactly match your passport. Even minor typos or format differences cause rejection.
How to avoid: Copy your passport details exactly as they appear. Use capital letters if your passport uses them. Double-check every field before submitting.
Passport Scan Issues
Bio page scan is unclear, cropped incorrectly, wrong format (not PDF), or file size exceeds limits. Glare, shadows, or missing edges are common issues.
How to avoid: Scan your passport in PDF format. Include the full page with all edges visible. Check the file size is between 10KB and 300KB. Avoid glare from lamination.
Passport Validity Problems
Passport expires within 6 months of arrival date, does not have 2 blank pages, or is damaged.
How to avoid: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel. Ensure you have at least 2 completely blank pages (not just spaces).
Wrong Visa Type Selected
Applying for tourist visa when travel purpose is business, medical treatment, conference attendance, or other category requiring different visa type.
How to avoid: Select the visa type matching your actual purpose. India offers e-Business, e-Medical, and e-Conference visas. Using wrong visa type can cause problems at immigration even if approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit India. The easiest option is the e-Tourist Visa, which you can apply for online. Processing takes 3-5 business days, and you can apply from $10-80 depending on duration.
How long does India e-Visa take for US citizens?
India e-Visa processing typically takes 3-5 business days for US citizens. During peak travel seasons, it may take up to 8-10 days. Apply at least 4 days before your intended travel date, though applying 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended.
What is the India e-Visa fee for US citizens?
Fees for US citizens are: $10 for 30-day visa (April-June), $25 for 30-day visa (July-March), $40 for 1-year multiple entry, and $80 for 5-year multiple entry. A 2.5% bank transaction fee applies to all payments.
How long can I stay in India with a tourist visa?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa allows continuous stay up to 30 days. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow a maximum continuous stay of 180 days per visit. You cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year with these longer visas.
Can I extend my India tourist visa?
The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa. For extended stays, consider applying for a regular tourist visa through the embassy, which offers more flexibility.
Which airports can I enter India with e-Visa?
E-Visa holders can enter through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, and others. You can also enter through 5 seaports: Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, and Kochi.
What documents do I need for India e-Visa application?
You need: a valid US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a digital passport photo (square format, JPEG), and a PDF scan of your passport bio page. You will also provide travel details and references in both India and the US.
What is the India tourist visa approval rate for Americans?
The approval rate for India e-Tourist Visa applications from US citizens is approximately 97%. Most rejections are due to technical errors like incorrect photo format or mismatched information, not substantive issues.
Can I apply for India visa on arrival as a US citizen?
No, India does not offer visa on arrival for US citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before travel or obtain a regular visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. Apply well in advance of your trip.
What happens if my India e-Visa is rejected?
If rejected, you will receive notification via email. You can reapply immediately after correcting the issues. There is no waiting period. Most rejections are due to fixable errors like photo format or typos. The application fee is non-refundable.
Is travel insurance required for India e-Visa?
Travel insurance is not required for the India e-Visa application. However, it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering your entire trip, as healthcare costs can be significant for foreigners.
How early can I apply for India e-Visa?
You can apply for an India e-Visa up to 120 days (4 months) before your intended arrival date. The e-Visa is valid from the date of arrival, not the date of issue. Apply at least 4 days before travel, ideally 1-2 weeks in advance.