India e-Visa: Quick and Easy
India's e-Visa system has made visiting much simpler. Citizens of 160+ countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations) can apply for an e-Tourist Visa online. The entire process is done at indianvisaonline.gov.in — no embassy visit needed.
Types of e-Visa
30-day e-Tourist Visa: single or double entry, valid from date of arrival. 1-year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entry, stay up to 90 days per visit (most popular). 5-year e-Tourist Visa: multiple entry, stay up to 90 days per visit. All three types are available for tourism, visiting friends/family, yoga retreats, and medical treatment.
How to Apply
Application is online-only. You'll need: a passport valid for 6+ months, a recent passport-style photo (white background, specific dimensions), a scanned copy of your passport bio page, and a credit/debit card for payment. Costs: $25 for 30-day, $40 for 1-year, $80 for 5-year (US citizens pay a premium due to reciprocity). Apply at least 4 days before travel; approval usually comes within 72 hours.
Common Mistakes
The official website is indianvisaonline.gov.in — avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees. Photo requirements are strict (2x2 inches, white background, face 50–60% of frame). Name must match passport exactly. Don't apply too early — the 30-day visa must be used within 30 days of the specified arrival date.
Entry Points
e-Visas are accepted at 28 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa) and 5 seaports. Land border crossings do NOT accept e-Visas — you'd need a traditional sticker visa from an embassy if entering overland from Nepal, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.