India eVisa: The Complete Guide for International Travellers

Traveling to India once meant a mountain of paperwork, repeated trips to the Indian embassy, and plenty of waiting. But today, the Government of India has transformed the system. With the India eVisa facility, the process is completely online, fast, and accessible for millions of international travellers.

The India eVisa has opened doors for tourism, business, conferences, and even medical treatment. You don’t need to mail documents, stand in long queues, or rely on uncertain visa agents. Everything can be managed on the official India portal with just a few clicks.

This guide breaks down every detail you need to know: how to apply, fees, timelines, special cases, and what happens when you finally enter India. If you’re wondering Which is the best website for Indian e-Visa? or How much time does it take to get an e-Visa for India? you’ll find those answers right here.

What is the India eVisa?

The India eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Government of India to allow foreign nationals to visit the country for a specific purpose. Instead of a sticker on your passport, it’s a digital approval linked to your travel documents.

The e visa involves submitting a visa application form through the official e visa portal, paying the applicable e visa fees, and receiving an approval electronically. Once approved, travelers carry a printed copy of the authorization, which is verified by an immigration officer upon arrival.

Unlike a regular visa, which requires visits to consulates, the e visa services being provided are far more convenient. The entire process is handled online, which is why more than 170 eligible countries can now take advantage of it.

Government of India and the Digital Shift

The push for an e visa portal reflects India’s wider digitalization efforts. Through the India website and India portal, travelers can now handle their applications without going through middlemen. This protects visa applicants from fraud by other website operators pretending to offer services.

When people ask Which is the best website for Indian e-Visa?, the answer is simple: the official Government of India portal. Any other website offering shortcuts should be avoided. The legitimate portal ensures that applicants residing abroad get access to authentic and updated visa services.

Eligibility and Requirements

Not everyone can apply for an India eVisa it’s available only for eligible countries. Travelers must hold a separate passport, valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages for stamps when they enter India.

For some travelers, such as those with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani origin, the rules are stricter. They require prior permission and cannot use the e visa facility. Instead, they must go through consular services and the Indian embassy.

Additional requirements include:

• A confirmed onward journey ticket.
• Proof of sufficient money to support your stay.
• If traveling from yellow fever affected countries, a valid yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory.

For children, the rules state that they cannot be included in a parent's spouse's passport i.e. a shared passport. Every child must have their own separate passport.

Types of India eVisa

The India eVisa comes in multiple categories, each designed for different travel purposes. Choosing the right one is crucial because each e visa type has its own requirements, validity, and permitted activities.

Applying for the wrong category could mean rejection at the application stage — or worse, issues at the airport when you try to enter India.

E Tourist Visa

The e tourist visa is the most common choice. It’s designed for leisure travel, sightseeing, or cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the Taj Mahal, trekking in the Himalayas, or spending time with family in Delhi, this category covers it all.

• Validity: Usually offered as 30 days (double entry), 1 year, or even 5 years (multiple entry) depending on nationality.
• Who should apply: International travellers on vacation, spiritual seekers attending yoga retreats, or family members visiting relatives.
• Requirements: Applicants need proof of hotel bookings or an onward journey ticket, a separate passport with blank pages, and sufficient funds.
• Tips: Double-check your arrival date when applying — the visa starts from the expected date of travel, not from the approval date.

E Business Visa

The e business visa is ideal for professionals attending trade fairs, exhibitions, or meetings with Indian companies. With India becoming a hub for IT, manufacturing, and startups, this category is seeing more use every year.

• Validity: Generally valid for 1 year with multiple entries. Each stay cannot exceed 180 days.
• Who should apply: Entrepreneurs exploring partnerships, corporate executives attending board meetings, or academics invited for industry events.
• Requirements: Invitation letters from the Indian company or organization, plus business cards or proof of your company abroad.
• Tips: Keep copies of correspondence (emails, signed agreements) to show the immigration officer if asked.

E Medical Visa

India is one of the world’s top destinations for medical treatment thanks to its advanced hospitals and affordable costs. The e medical visa allows patients to travel for procedures ranging from heart surgery to alternative therapies like Ayurveda.

• Validity: 60 days from the arrival date, with triple entry permitted.
• Who should apply: Patients scheduled for treatment in Indian hospitals.
• Requirements: Hospital-issued letters confirming treatment, along with personal details and medical reports. Each e medical visa holder must submit these during the e visa application.
• Tips: Apply early, as additional verification may be required. Carry copies of all medical documents when entering India.

E Medical Attendant Visa

No patient should travel alone, and that’s why the e medical attendant visa exists. This visa supports patients traveling under the e medical visa by allowing caregivers to join them.

• Validity: Matches the medical visa validity, typically 60 days, with triple entry.
• Who should apply: Family members, friends, or nurses accompanying patients. Each patient can bring a maximum of two attendants.
• Requirements: Applicants must show proof of relationship to the patient (marriage/birth certificates if applicable) or authorization from the hospital.
• Tips: Always apply alongside the patient’s medical visa to avoid delays. If applying separately, mention the patient’s application ID.

E Conference Visa

For scholars, professionals, or participants in government-approved events, the e conference visa is the right choice. India hosts numerous global summits, from environmental forums to technology conferences.

• Validity: Typically 30 days, single entry only.
• Who should apply: Academics presenting research, delegates attending UN-backed events, or professionals invited by Indian institutions.
• Requirements: Additionally one more document is required beyond the standard passport scan and photo — an official invitation letter from the event organizers and clearance from the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Tips: Apply at least three weeks in advance, since conferences often involve tighter verification.

Special Cases and Restrictions

Some travelers fall into exceptions:

• Diplomatic official passport holders and official passport holders often use separate channels and may not need an e visa. They should confirm through consular services.
• Travelers of Indian origin with an old passport must sometimes provide additional proof, especially if holding a new passport with no visa history.
• Those with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani origin must require prior permission to enter India. This applies even if they live in another country.

The Application Process e visas

Many applicants requiring extra documentation, like those applying for medical visas, must provide hospital confirmation letters.

The beauty of the India eVisa lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional consular applications, it’s a completely online application, meaning you can complete it from your phone or laptop without visiting the Indian embassy. Still, attention to detail is critical because small mistakes can lead to delays or even rejection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an India eVisa

Step 1- Visit the Official India Website

Always begin at the official India portal for eVisa applications. Avoid other website operators that claim faster approvals or “guaranteed visas.” These are often scams. The legitimate Government of India e visa portal is the only secure option.

Step 2-Fill in the Visa Application Form

Enter your personal details carefully:

• Full name (as it appears in your passport).
• Date of birth and nationality.
• Passport number, issue date, and expiry date.
• Expected date of arrival and port of entry.
• Contact information, including current address and email.
• Be accurate even a single spelling error or mismatch between your application and passport can cause rejection.

Step 3-Upload Required Documents

You’ll be asked to upload all these documents:

• A scanned copy of your separate passport (must be valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages).
• A recent passport-style photograph with a white background.
• Proof of hotel bookings or an onward journey ticket.
• For specific categories:
  • E business visa: Invitation letters from the Indian company.
  • E conference visa: Event confirmation and organizer approval.
  • E medical visa holder: Hospital letters confirming medical treatment.
  • E medical attendant visa: Proof of relationship to the patient (if required).

Step 4- Attach Supporting Files

In many cases, applicants requiring additional documentation (like for medical visas) must include hospital reports or invitation letters. Double-check what’s expected for your chosen e visa type before submission.

Step 5- Review Carefully Before Submitting

Before hitting submit, review the application thoroughly:

• Is your arrival date correct?
• Do your personal details exactly match your passport?
• Are all attachments clear and legible?
• A mismatch — like using your old passport number instead of your new passport — is one of the most common reasons for rejection.

Important Tips for Applicants

• Don’t leave it last minute: Apply at least 7–10 days before travel, even though many visas are processed in 3–5 days.
• Save your application ID: This lets you track status and manage payment status updating.
• Check for confirmation emails: Sometimes they land in spam folders. Without the confirmation, your application may not be processed.
• Applicants residing in countries with stricter screening (like those of Pakistani origin) should allow extra time since prior permission may be required.

Payment Process

Once the form is filled, it’s time to pay the e visa fee. The applicable e visa fees vary by nationality and e visa type. Payments are handled directly through the India portal, where you:

• Use the secure link verify payment system.
• Cover any bank transaction charges that apply.
• Check payment status updating in real time.

For travelers asking How to pay for an Indian e-Visa from the USA? the answer is straightforward: payments can be made online with international credit or debit cards. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient money in their account, as failed payments may delay the application.

Processing & Approval

So, how much time does it take to get an e-Visa for India? Generally, it takes 3–5 business days for most visa applicants. However, processing may vary depending on nationality, category, or workload.

Once approved, the document will list the arrival date and expiry date. Always print a copy, because the immigration officer at the airport will request it along with your separate passport.

If your travel is urgent, the emergency visa service can sometimes fast-track approvals, though it’s not guaranteed for every category.

At the Border: Entering India

After all the planning and paperwork, the final step is your arrival at the Indian airport. This is where your e visa application turns into reality. Upon landing, you’ll go through immigration, where an immigration officer verifies your documents.

Unlike traditional visas, the electronic travel authorization is already linked to your passport number, making the process noticeably smoother.

Documents You Must Carry

Make sure you have the following in hand (not buried in your luggage):

• Your new passport (or old passport if your eVisa was linked to it). Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• The printed copy of your e visa application approval email. Though it’s digital, officers usually request a physical copy.
• A confirmed onward journey ticket — this proves you don’t intend to overstay your visa.
• A valid yellow fever vaccination card if you’re coming from yellow fever affected countries. Without it, you may be denied entry or placed under medical observation.

Possible Additional Checks

• Proof of sufficient money: Travelers are sometimes asked to show bank statements, credit cards, or cash to prove they can support themselves during their stay.
• Accommodation details: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in India may be requested.
• Health and family welfare checks: In rare cases, especially after global health concerns, medical screening may be required.

Comparing eVisa vs Regular Visa

While both options allow travelers to enter India, the choice depends on nationality, purpose of travel, and personal circumstances. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Tips for First-Time Applicants

Applying for the India eVisa isn’t complicated, but if it’s your first time, the process can feel intimidating. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes and make sure your trip starts smoothly

1. Use Only the Official India Website

The Government of India runs the secure e visa portal through the official India website. Avoid other website operators that claim to process faster or cheaper many of them are scams or middlemen charging hidden fees. Bookmark the official portal and check the India portal regularly for updates.

2. Double-Check the Visa Application Form

Before you hit submit, review every detail on your visa application form:

• Name, date of birth, and personal details must exactly match your passport.
• Ensure you’ve chosen the right e visa type (tourist, business, medical, etc.).
• Verify that your arrival date and expected date of travel are correct.
• Even small errors like mixing up letters in your name can lead to rejection or delays.

3. Watch Your Passport Validity and Expiry Date

Your separate passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India and must have at least two blank pages.

If you have an old passport and a new passport, carry both when traveling, since your eVisa may be linked to the old one. Always check the expiry date carefully before applying.

4. Apply Early, Not Last Minute

While the process e visas is usually quick (3–5 business days), don’t leave it until the last minute. Apply at least two weeks in advance to allow time for issues like failed payments, document re-uploads, or extra checks.

If you’re from a country requiring additional screening (such as Pakistani origin applicants who may need prior permission), apply even earlier.

5. Each Traveler Needs Their Own Passport

Families often assume children can be added under a parent’s spouse’s passport i.e. a shared document, but that’s not allowed.

Every traveler including infants must apply separately using their own separate passport. Skipping this detail is one of the most common mistakes first-time applicants make.

6. Keep Payment Proof Handy

After paying the e visa fee, always check your payment status updating online. Save screenshots of the link verify payment page or the confirmation email.

This avoids stress if your bank transaction charges or international card processing causes delays.

7. Prepare Extra Supporting Documents

Sometimes immigration officials ask for additional proof beyond the standard requirements:

• Proof of sufficient money (bank statement, cash, or credit card).
• Hotel bookings or an onward journey ticket.
• Invitation letters if traveling on a business or conference visa.

Having these ready means fewer surprises when you finally enter India.

Conclusion: Easier Access to India Than Ever

The India eVisa has revolutionized how the world visits India. Thanks to the Government of India and its secure e visa portal, millions of foreign nationals can now apply for their travel documents in minutes.

From the e tourist visa for exploring the Taj Mahal to the e medical visa for affordable healthcare, the system is designed for convenience. By knowing the requirements, fees, and timelines — and sticking to the official India portal you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or healing, the India eVisa ensures your journey starts on the right foot. Pack your bags, check your documents, and get ready to experience the incredible culture, food, and landscapes that only India can offer.