Last verified: April 2026
India is one of the most paperwork-heavy countries for American travelers, but the introduction of the Indian eVisa has made the process for short visits genuinely simple — if you apply on the right site. This guide walks through the eVisa types, current fees, required documents, and the specific mistakes that cause American applications to be rejected.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for India?
Yes. All US passport holders need a visa to enter India. There is no visa-free arrival, visa-on-arrival for tourism, or reciprocity arrangement — every American visitor, including infants and children, must secure a visa before travel. For most tourists and short-term business travelers, the eVisa is the easiest route.
India eVisa at a Glance
- eVisa types: eTourist (1-year multiple entry, 5-year multiple entry), eBusiness (1-year multiple entry), eMedical, eMedical Attendant, eConference.
- Fee: Varies by type and duration. The 1-year eTourist for US citizens is typically around $40 USD; the 5-year eTourist is around $80 USD (plus a bank processing charge). Always check the current fee on the official site before paying.
- Validity: 1 year or 5 years depending on type, from the date of issue.
- Stay per visit: Up to 90 days for the 1-year eTourist; up to 180 days for the 5-year eTourist.
- Entries: Multiple entries in both cases.
- Processing time: 3–5 business days is standard. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel.
- Where to apply: The official Government of India portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. Nothing else.
How to Apply for the India eVisa
- Choose the correct eVisa type. Tourism = eTourist. Attending a conference in India = eConference. Short business visit = eBusiness. Do not apply for the wrong type — the visa stamp names your authorized purpose and immigration officers check.
- Go to the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. Do NOT use search ads — India’s eVisa is targeted by scam sites and overcharging resellers more than most countries.
- Fill out the application. Personal details, passport details, father’s and mother’s names (India requires these), permanent address, and visa purpose details. The form is long — budget 30–45 minutes.
- Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport’s bio page. Photo requirements: 2 x 2 inches, white background, square. Scans must be clear and readable.
- Pay the fee online. USD or INR, by card.
- Wait for the ETA email. You’ll receive an email with your Electronic Travel Authorization. Print two copies and carry them to the airport — at Indian immigration, you present the printed ETA along with your passport.
Required Documents
- A US passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival, with at least two blank pages.
- A recent 2 x 2 inch passport-style photo on a white background.
- A scanned copy of the passport’s bio page.
- For eBusiness: a business card or invitation letter from the Indian host company.
- For eMedical/eMedical Attendant: a letter from the Indian hospital confirming treatment.
- Working credit/debit card for the fee.
Processing Time
Standard processing is 3–5 business days. Sometimes it’s faster — many Americans receive their eVisa within 24 hours. Sometimes it’s slower — applications that need manual review can take 7–10 days. Rule of thumb: apply no later than 7 days before departure, and apply no earlier than 30 days if you want to maximize your 1-year window.
Common Mistakes Americans Make
- Applying on a reseller site. Scam sites often appear above the government site in search results. They charge $100–$200 on top of the real fee and some never deliver a visa at all. Bookmark indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa.
- Photo rejection. India’s photo requirements are stricter than most — square, not rectangular; white background, not off-white. Use a proper passport photo service or check the requirements carefully.
- Wrong visa type for the trip. A tourist traveling on an eBusiness visa, or vice versa, can be refused entry. Match the type to what you’re actually doing.
- Leaving it to the last minute. If your application needs manual review and you’ve left only 48 hours, you may miss your flight.
- Not printing the ETA. India’s immigration officers expect a printed copy. Don’t rely on the PDF on your phone.
When You Need a Different Visa
eVisa covers most American visitors. You need a traditional sticker visa through the Indian consulate or the authorized visa-processing agency (currently VFS Global in the US) if you plan to: stay longer than 180 days per trip, work for an Indian employer, study in India, hold a journalist visa, or enter on an X (entry) visa based on Indian ancestry. You also need a separate OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card if you are of Indian origin planning frequent or long-term trips.
Tips for US Travelers to India
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov before travel — US embassies in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad can help in an emergency.
- Print the eVisa ETA twice and keep one copy separate from your passport.
- Double-check your flight’s arrival airport. The eVisa is valid at specified airports and seaports only. The list changes — confirm it on the government portal before booking.
- India’s currency rules prohibit carrying more than INR 25,000 in cash into or out of the country. Exchange on arrival at an authorized counter or ATM.
- Keep your hotel registration receipts. If immigration asks where you stayed, having them saves time.
FAQ
Can I extend my eVisa inside India?
No — the eVisa cannot be extended or converted inside India. If you need to stay longer or change purpose, you must leave and apply for the appropriate visa from outside.
Does the eVisa work at all Indian entry points?
Only at designated airports and seaports. The list is published on the official portal and updated periodically. Always confirm before booking a flight into a smaller airport.
Do dual US-Indian citizens need a visa?
India does not permit dual citizenship for adults. Indian-born Americans often need an OCI card rather than a visa — a long-term arrangement that allows multiple entries and extended stays. Different rules, same advice: research before you book.
What if my eVisa is refused?
You will receive a refusal email with a reason. You can reapply addressing the issue, or apply through VFS Global for a traditional sticker visa at a consulate.
Bottom line
The India eVisa is a 30-minute application on the official government portal, a $40–$80 fee, and a 3–5 day wait. The only real risks are using the wrong website and mis-matching the visa type to your trip. Go straight to indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa, pick the right eVisa category, print the approval email, and you’re set.