In 2026, all categories of tourists will need a visa to India, regardless of the purpose of their stay. However, obtaining one is straightforward and can be done online; you simply need to follow the instructions carefully, as we’ll explain below.
Important note: In addition to obtaining a visa to India, you must also fill out an e-Arrival Card before traveling to the country. This must be done no earlier than five days before departure. The link to the page for e-Arrival Card: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival.
- Brief information
- Who needs a visa
- Types of visas for India
- How much does it cost
- How long does it take
- How to apply
- Useful links
- FAQ
Brief information about visas to India
| Tourist Visa | Issued for 30 days with two entries, as well as for one year or five years with multiple entries. Processed within 3 business days. |
| Business Visa | Issued for one year, but you may stay for no more than 180 consecutive days; multiple entries. Processed within 4 business days. |
| Medical Visa | For medical treatment at accredited clinics; valid for 60 days with three entries. Processed within three business days. |
| Conference Visa | Requires confirmation of conference participation via a special website (link below); valid for 30 days with a single entry. Processed within 3 to 5 business days. |
| Student Visa | Confirmation of enrollment in an accredited educational institution is required; it is issued for 365 days with four entries. It is processed within 3 to 5 business days. |
| Transit Visa | Issued for 30 days with two entries. It is processed within 3 business days. |
These are the main types of visas that can be applied for both online and at the consulate. However, for both traditional paper visas and e-visas, there are other, less common categories – for example, visas for interns, film shoots, mountaineering, missionary work, and others. For more details, see: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/visa-category.htm.
Who needs a visa to India?
There is no visa-free entry into the country for citizens of most countries, including the European Union and the United States of America; a visa to India is required regardless of the purpose of the visit. There is also no visa-on-arrival.
If you find yourself without the necessary documents, contact your country’s nearest consulate immediately. It is also not possible to change your visa type while in India. However, in emergency situations requiring an extension of your stay in the country (such as illness), this may be possible.
Types of visas for India
Major types of Indian visas and conditions to obtain them.
Tourist visa
You can apply either through the website (e-Tourist Visa) or at the consulate; for the latter, you’ll also need to submit an online application, but on a different platform: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/Registration.
There are three types of tourist visas for India: a 30-day visa with two entries, as well as multiple-entry visas valid for one year and five years. However, the one-year and five-year visas allow for a continuous stay in the country of no more than 90 days at a time and no more than 180 days in total per year.
Processing takes three business days whether applied for online or at the consulate, but it’s best to allow a week. You can submit your application no earlier than 120 days in advance.
Business visa
This visa category is for business meetings and participation in trade shows; it can be applied for both online and at the consulate. The list of required documents must include an invitation from an Indian partner company.
A business visa to India is issued for one year, but you may stay for no more than 180 consecutive days; multiple entries are permitted. Applications can be submitted no earlier than 120 days before the trip and no later than 7 days before. The application processing time is 4 business days; in rare cases, it may take longer.
Medical visa
A visa for receiving medical treatment at accredited clinics in India. It can be applied for either electronically or at the consulate. You must provide a contract with the clinic specifying that medical procedures will be performed for the applicant.
Up to two accompanying persons may apply along with the patient, but they must select a different visa type when applying: “e-Medical Attendant Visa” for online applications or “Medical Attendant Visa” when applying in person at the consulate.
This visa is valid for 60 days and allows for three entries into India.
Conference visa
Required for participants in conferences, presentations, seminars, and other official events. The official status of the event must be confirmed on the website conference.mha.gov.in; otherwise, you should apply for a business visa.
This visa category can be applied for both online and through the consulate within 3 to 5 business days; it is issued for 30 days with a single-entry permit.
Student visa
Issued to applicants admitted to an Indian university or college, students enrolled in long-term language courses, participants in academic exchange programs, graduate students, and researchers.
It is valid for one year and can be extended within India based on continued enrollment. Holders are permitted to enter the country no more than four times during the year. Applications can be submitted both online and through the consulate, with processing taking 3 to 5 business days.
Transit visa
Intended for layovers in India. You must obtain this visa if you are flying through India and your layover involves changing terminals, a transit time of more than 24 hours, the need to leave the airport and retrieve your luggage, or a change of airline.
It is issued for 30 days with two entries permitted. Applications can be submitted online or through the consulate, with processing taking 3 to 5 business days.
How much does an Indian visa cost
As of November 2026, the cost of an Indian visa depends on the duration for which it is issued.
- 30-day visa: free
- One-year visa: $40
- Five-year visa: $120
How long does it take to process an Indian visa
Depending on the type of visa, processing can take up to 5 business days. Often, the result is ready within a day or two.
It’s best to apply no later than one week before your trip, but no earlier than 120 days in advance – these are the requirements of the Indian immigration authorities.
How to apply for an Indian visa
You can apply for an Indian visa either at the consulate (in person, through an accredited travel agency, or via a notarized power of attorney) or online. The second option is more convenient, especially considering that you must also fill out an application form on the website to submit your application to the consulate: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/Registration.
Documents required for an Indian E-Visa
- International passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into India, and it must have at least two blank pages for stamps.
- A scan or photo of the main spread of the passport (photo and personal information). PDF format, size: 10 KB to 300 KB.
- Accomodation. The visa application form includes a field where you must specify your place of stay in India. Supporting documents are not required; you will need to provide the hotel’s name and contact information.
- Digital photo. Square, taken within the last six months, with a solid light-colored background and no shadows, including on the face. Glasses and other accessories are not permitted. JPEG format, size: 10 KB to 1 MB.
Important: A return ticket is not required when applying online; simply indicate your departure date. However, you may be asked to present one upon entry into India.
Filling out the application form
Before filling out the application form, you must register on the website for submitting documents: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. After entering your personal information, the system will prompt you to fill out the application form in English and upload the required documents.
Important: In the section regarding relatives in Pakistan, the default option is often “Yes” – be sure to correct this.
Paying the fee
You’ll need a bank card to pay the fee. The fee amount depends on the type and duration of the visa you’re applying for. This does not apply to the 30-day visa for short trips; that visa is currently free.
Wait for your visa
You’ll receive an email confirming receipt of your documents; you don’t need to reply to it. Then, within three or four days (often within 24–48 hours), you’ll receive a decision via email. If your visa is approved, you should print it out.
Biometrics
When obtaining an e-visa, you’ll provide your biometric data (fingerprints) directly at the border.
Useful links
- Indian e-Visa sample form (PDF): indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/SampleForm.pdf
- Visa Categories: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/visa-category.html
- Applying for an e-Visa: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- Applying for a Paper Visa: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/Registration
- e-Arrival Card Form: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
- Website for confirming conference attendance: conference.mha.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Indian visa cost?
The cost of a visa varies depending on the type and duration. The most popular 30-day tourist visa is free starting January 1, 2026. A one-year visa costs $40, and a five-year visa costs $120.
How long does it take to process an Indian visa?
The standard processing time for visa applications is 72 hours. In some cases, it may take slightly longer, but most often, a response is received within 48 hours.
Is it possible to visit India without a visa?
No, a visa is required for any type of trip to India. Although the visa fee has been waived for short-term stays of up to 30 days, you still need to obtain an entry permit.
Do tourists need a visa to visit India?
Yes, a visa is required for citizens of all countries not covered by a special exemption, regardless of the purpose of the trip. There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.
How many days before your trip can you apply?
No earlier than 120 days before your trip. For business visas, there is an additional restriction on the minimum application period.
How long is an Indian visa valid?
Tourist visas are available for 30 days with two entries, for 1 year, and for 5 years with multiple entries. For one-year and five-year visas, continuous stay is limited to three months, with a total stay of six months per year.
What documents are required for an e-visa?
A passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages, a scanned copy of the passport, a digital photo, and details of your place of residence in India.
Is a return ticket required to apply for a visa?
It is not required when applying online; simply providing your departure date is sufficient. However, you may be asked to present one at the border.
What is the e-Arrival Card, and is it mandatory?
It is an electronic arrival card that must be completed before your trip. Link to the form on the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival.
Do they take fingerprints for an e-visa?
Yes, biometric data is collected at the border upon entry.
What should I do if there’s an error in my visa or if it was denied?
Check the reason in the letter, correct the application form, and resubmit your application. Do not use paid intermediaries who promise a “guarantee.”