VISA Requirements for Tourist Travelling to India

If you're planning a trip to India, one of the first things you'll need to sort out is your visa. There are two main types of visas available for tourists: e-Visas and regular visas.

E-Visas

E-Visas are electronic visas that can be applied for online. They're available for citizens of over 150 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

To apply for an E-Visa, you'll need to provide your passport information, a digital photo of yourself, and a payment of $25. The application process is usually very quick and easy, and you'll typically receive your visa within 3-4 days.

E-Visas are valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India. They can be used for multiple entries, so you can travel in and out of India as many times as you like during the 30-day period.

Regular Visas

Regular visas are issued by Indian embassies and consulates around the world. They're available for citizens of all countries, but the application process is more complex and time-consuming than for E-Visas.

To apply for a regular visa, you'll need to submit your passport, a visa application form, a digital photo of yourself, and a payment of $100. The application process can take several weeks, so it's important to start the process well in advance of your trip.

Regular visas are valid for up to 10 years, but they can only be used for single entries. This means that if you want to travel in and out of India multiple times, you'll need to apply for a new visa each time.

Which type of visa is right for you?

The type of visa that's right for you will depend on your individual circumstances. If you're a citizen of one of the countries that's eligible for E-Visas, and you're only planning on staying in India for 30 days or less, then an E-Visa is the most convenient and affordable option.

If you're not eligible for an E-Visa, or you're planning on staying in India for longer than 30 days, then you'll need to apply for a regular visa.

Additional Tips

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from India.
• Have a few digital photos of yourself on hand to use for your visa application.
• Be prepared to pay the visa fee in USD.
• Start the visa application process well in advance of your trip, especially if you're applying for a regular visa.
• If you have any questions about the visa application process, contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country.