Group

India, a land of vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, draws millions of tourists each year.¹ From the majestic Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the bustling streets of Delhi to the tranquil beaches of Goa, India offers an unparalleled travel experience. For most international travelers, including those seeking leisure and sightseeing, obtaining an Indian Tourist Visa is a mandatory prerequisite for entry. Thankfully, the process has become significantly more accessible with the advent of online applications. This article will detail the essential Indian Tourist Visa Requirements and provide a step-by-step guide on how to Apply Indian Visa Online.

Do You Need an Indian Tourist Visa?

With very few exceptions (primarily citizens of Nepal and Bhutan under specific circumstances), all foreign nationals require a valid visa to enter India, irrespective of their mode of travel (air, sea, or land). This includes those traveling purely for tourism, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family. The Indian Tourist Visa is specifically designed for these purposes, explicitly prohibiting any form of employment, business activities, or long-term educational pursuits.

The Preferred Route: The e-Tourist Visa (e-TV)

For the vast majority of tourists, the most convenient and recommended way to obtain an Indian Tourist Visa is through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system.² This online platform eliminates the need for physical visits to Indian embassies or consulates, streamlining the application process significantly.

The e-Tourist Visa comes with different validity options, catering to various travel plans:

• 30-day e-Tourist Visa (Double Entry): Ideal for short trips, valid for 30 days from your date of arrival in India.³ It permits two entries within this period.

  
  

• 1-year e-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): For those planning multiple visits within a year. It's valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for most nationalities (180 days for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Japan). The total stay within a calendar year is generally capped at 180 days.

• 5-year e-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): Offers the greatest flexibility, valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Similar to the 1-year visa, it allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (180 days for US, UK, Canada, and Japan citizens), with a total maximum stay of 180 days within any calendar year.

Essential Indian Tourist Visa Requirements

Before you apply Indian Visa online, ensure you meet the following general requirements:

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in India. It should also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

2. Recent Digital Photograph: A recent, colored passport-sized photograph is crucial. It must be in JPEG format, between 10 KB and 1 MB in size, with dimensions of 350x350 pixels. The photo should show your full face, front view, with eyes open, against a plain white or light-colored background, and without glasses or shadows.

3. Scanned Passport Bio Page: A clear scanned copy of your passport's biographical page (the page with your photo and personal details) in PDF format, between 10 KB and 300 KB.⁴

   
   

4. Email Address: A functional email address is mandatory, as your approved e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA) will be sent to this address.

5. Credit/Debit Card: For paying the non-refundable e-Visa application fee online.

6. Return/Onward Ticket: While not always required at the initial application stage, it's highly advisable to have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Immigration officers at the port of entry may ask for this as proof of your intent to leave India.

7. Proof of Sufficient Funds: You should be able to demonstrate that you have adequate funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India. This might be in the form of bank statements or credit card access.

Important Note: The Indian Tourist Visa is strictly for recreational purposes. You cannot engage in any form of employment, long-term education, or missionary activities on this visa. If your purpose of visit is different, you must apply for the appropriate visa category (e.g., Business Visa, Student Visa, Medical Visa).

How to Apply Indian Visa Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process to apply Indian Visa Online through the e-Visa portal is user-friendly and can be completed from anywhere in the world:

1. Access the Official e-Visa Portal: Go to the official Government of India e-Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Be cautious of fraudulent websites that mimic the official one.

2. Start Your Application: Click on the "Apply here for e-Visa" or similar link. You will be prompted to select your nationality, passport type, and the e-Visa category (e.g., e-Tourist Visa).

3. Fill Out the Application Form: Carefully and accurately fill in all the required personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary. Ensure that all information matches your passport exactly to avoid rejection. You will also need to provide details of your intended port of arrival and departure.

4. Upload Documents: Upload your recent passport-sized digital photograph and the scanned copy of your passport's biographical page according to the specified format and size requirements.

5. Review and Verify: Before final submission, thoroughly review all the information you have entered. Any errors can lead to delays or refusal of your visa.⁵

   
   

6. Pay the Visa Fee: Proceed to pay the non-refundable e-Visa application fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on your nationality and the chosen e-Visa validity.

7. Receive Application ID: After successful submission and payment, you will receive an Application ID. Make a note of this ID, as it will be essential for checking your application status.

8. Receive Your e-Visa (ETA): Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. This is your e-Visa. It is highly recommended to print a copy of this ETA and carry it with you along with your physical passport when traveling to India.

Processing Time and Arrival in India

The processing time for an Indian Tourist Visa through the e-Visa system typically ranges from 3 to 5 business days. However, it is always advisable to apply Indian Visa Online well in advance of your planned travel date, ideally at least 7-10 days, to account for any potential delays or requests for additional information. There are no "fast-track" or "emergency" e-Visa services that come at an additional charge; all e-Visas are processed through the standard online system.⁶

Upon arrival at a designated Indian port of entry (major international airports and seaports are typically covered), you will present your printed ETA and passport to the immigration officer. Your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be collected, and your passport will be stamped.

By understanding the Indian Tourist Visa Requirements and following the clear steps to Apply Indian Visa Online, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into India, setting the stage for an enriching and memorable journey through this incredible country.