India Tourist Visa
e-Tourist Visa · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to India as an American citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the e-Tourist Visa application: required documents, current fees starting at $25, processing times of 2-5 business days, and tips for a smooth application. With a near-perfect approval rate for US applicants, India's e-Visa system makes travel planning straightforward.
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 6 months from your arrival date in India
Recent passport-style photograph in digital format
Clear scan or photo of your passport's information page
Active email address to receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Credit or debit card for online fee payment
Basic details about your planned trip to India
Application Process
The India e-Tourist Visa is applied for entirely online through the official government portal.1 The process is straightforward and typically completed in under 30 minutes.
1. Complete Online Application
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Upload your photo and passport scan.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the applicable fee online using a credit card, debit card, or payment wallet.1 Fees vary by visa duration: $25-40 for 30-day visa, $40 for 1-year visa, or $80 for 5-year visa.
3. Receive ETA via Email
Within 2-5 business days, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.1 Print this document; you will need to present it at Indian immigration.
4. Travel to India
Present your printed ETA and passport at the immigration counter upon arrival.1 Entry is permitted at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports across India.
Fees
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist (Apr-Jun) | 30 days | US$25 | Double entry |
| e-Tourist (Jul-Mar) | 30 days | US$40 | Double entry |
| e-Tourist 1-Year | 1 year | US$40 | Multiple entry |
| e-Tourist 5-Year | 5 years | US$80 | Multiple entry |
| Regular Tourist (Embassy) | Up to 10 years | US$160 | Multiple entry |
Note: An additional 2.5% bank charge applies to all e-Visa fees.1
What You Need to Prove
The India e-Visa process for American citizens is straightforward.1 You need to demonstrate:
- Valid travel document: US passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages1
- Legitimate purpose: Tourism, visiting family, short-term yoga programs, or medical treatment1
- Onward travel: While not strictly required, having a return ticket can smooth entry2
Unlike many visa applications, India does not require extensive financial documentation for American e-Tourist Visa applicants.
Processing Times
The e-Tourist Visa is typically processed within 2-5 business days.1 However, processing can take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is needed.
| Scenario | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 2-5 business days |
| Peak season (Oct-Mar) | 3-7 business days |
| Additional verification | Up to 2 weeks |
Apply at least 4 days before travel to allow for processing. The e-Visa must be obtained before boarding your flight to India.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you receive your ETA:
- Print the ETA: Carry a printed copy to present at immigration
- Verify details: Check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct
- Book travel: Now is the time to finalize flight and accommodation bookings
- Pack documentation: Bring passport, printed ETA, and hotel reservation details
At the Indian immigration counter, you will:
- Present your passport and printed ETA
- Have biometrics (fingerprints and photo) captured
- Answer brief questions about your visit purpose and duration
If Your Visa is Refused
Refusals for American e-Visa applicants are uncommon, but if it happens:
- Check the reason: The rejection email will explain why
- Fix the issue: Most rejections are due to photo problems or data entry errors
- Reapply: You can submit a new application immediately after correction
- Embassy option: For complex cases, apply for a regular visa through the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. or consulates2
For traditional visa applications, VFS Global handles submissions on behalf of the Indian Embassy at centers across the United States.4
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Photo Mismatch
The uploaded photo does not meet requirements or differs significantly from the passport photo.
How to avoid: Use a recent photo with white background. Ensure face occupies 50-60% of the frame. Do not wear glasses or headwear (unless religious).
Incomplete Information
Missing or incorrect details in the application form, such as incorrect passport number or travel dates.
How to avoid: Double-check all entries against your passport. Verify dates are in the correct format. Save your application and review before submitting.
Invalid Passport
Passport has less than 6 months validity or insufficient blank pages.
How to avoid: Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages.
Payment Issues
Payment failed or was incomplete due to card issues.
How to avoid: Enable international transactions on your card. Keep sufficient funds available. Try a different card if payment fails.
Previously Overstayed
History of overstaying previous Indian visas or immigration violations.
How to avoid: If you have previous immigration issues, consider applying through the embassy instead of e-Visa for better support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do American citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. The e-Tourist Visa is the most convenient option for tourism, allowing you to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy.
How long does India e-Visa processing take?
Most e-Tourist Visa applications are processed within 2-5 business days. It's recommended to apply at least 4 days before your planned travel date. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed.
What is the India tourist visa fee for Americans in 2025?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa costs $25 (April-June) or $40 (July-March). The 1-year multiple entry e-Tourist Visa is $40, and the 5-year multiple entry visa is $80. Traditional visas through the embassy cost $160 for 10-year validity.
How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?
The e-Tourist Visa allows continuous stays of up to 90 days (for US citizens) per visit. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year. Each entry must be through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports.
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.
What airports can I enter India with an e-Visa?
US citizens with an e-Tourist Visa can enter through 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Cochin. Entry is also permitted at 5 designated seaports.
Do I need to print my India e-Visa?
Yes, you must print the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) received via email and present it at immigration upon arrival. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
What is the approval rate for India e-Visas?
The approval rate for US citizens applying for India e-Tourist Visas is approximately 98%. Refusals are rare and typically due to incomplete applications or documentation errors.