India e-Visa: What It Is and How to Obtain It

Apply for your visa for India completely online with HandleVisa

The India e-Visa is a fast and convenient option for entering India. With HandleVisa’s streamlined application process, you can apply in minutes.

Here we explain key details about the India electronic visa (e-Visa), including how to apply.

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What Is the India e-Visa?

The India e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization. It allows eligible travelers to enter India without visiting an embassy or consulate.

The e-Visa application is completed entirely online, and once approved, the visa is sent by email. Travelers must then present the e-Visa upon arrival in India.

History of the India e-Visa

India introduced the electronic visa system in 2014 to simplify travel procedures and encourage tourism and business travel.

Since its launch, the e-Visa program has expanded to include multiple visa categories and over 170 eligible nationalities.

India e-Visa details

There are 4 different India e-Visa options covering the following purposes:

  • Tourism (e-Tourist)
  • Business (e-Business)
  • Medical Treatment (e-Medical Patient)
  • Medical Companion (e-Medical Companion of Patient)

Below are the key details for each one:

e-Visa typeMain purposeEntriesStay / validity
e-TouristTourism, Visiting friends or relatives, Yoga retreats, Short-term courses, Unpaid voluntary workDouble entry for the 1-month option, Multiple entries for the 1-year option1-month e-Visa: up to 30 days per visit. 1-year e-Visa: up to 180 days
e-BusinessMeetings, Trade, Recruitment, Fairs, Projects, Business setupMultiple entryUp to 180 days
e-MedicalShort-term medical treatment in IndiaTriple entryValid for 60 days from first entry
e-Medical AttendantAccompanying a patient traveling on an e-Medical VisaTriple entryValid for 60 days from first entry; only 2 attendant visas can be granted per e-Medical Visa, and the attendant must travel with the patient

HandleVisa allows you to select the e-Visa option you need when you start your application.

How to Obtain the India e-Visa

Travelers can apply for the India e-Visa through the official government website or use a professional processing service like HandleVisa.

Our technology and review services are designed to reduce mistakes and simplify the process. Many travelers prefer using our expert services to avoid detailed forms and common errors that can lead to rejection.

We’ve helped travelers complete e-Visa applications for over 18 years. Find out below how we differ from traditional applications:

FeatureGovernmentHandleVisa
24/365 online application✅✅
Application revision and correction by visa experts❌✅
Simplified application process❌✅
Correction of missing or incorrect information❌✅
Privacy protection and secure form✅✅
Verification and validation of additional required info❌✅
Support and assistance 24/7❌✅
Approved e-Visa sent via email as a PDF❌✅
Email recovery in case of loss❌✅
Service refund if your visa is refused❌✅

HandleVisa provides additional review and support services designed to help applicants avoid common mistakes that could delay approval.

India e-Visa fees

There are 2 fees: the government fee + HandleVisa’s service fee.

Our fee includes assistance with:

  • Application review
  • Error detection
  • Secure processing
  • Customer support
  • Email recovery

The cost of an e-Visa varies depending on your nationality and the visa type you choose. Our total price, including the government fee, starts at US$ 65. The final cost will be shown before you’re required to pay.

India e-Visa processing time

Our usual processing time for the India e-Visa is up to 4 days.

To avoid delays or issues before departure, we recommend applying as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

India e-Visa Document Requirements

To apply for the India e-Visa, you must meet certain requirements and prepare the necessary documents.

For all eVisa types you’ll need:

  • Eligible passport
  • Passport-style photo
  • Email address
  • Debit or credit card

Depending on the e-Visa type you’re applying for, you may also need specific documents depending on your situation. These can include:

  • e-Tourist (for courses and volunteering): Letter from an Indian organization
  • e-Business: Business card or invitation letter
  • e-Medical: Invitation letter from an Indian hospital

We’ll let you know exactly what documents you need.

How to Apply for the India e-Visa With HandleVisa

Applying through HandleVisa is a simple online process:

Check your eligibility

Confirm that your nationality is one of the eligible countries.

Complete the online form

Fill in your personal and travel details.

Pay the fees

Complete the payment securely online.

Receive your approved e-Visa by email

Once approved, your document will be sent in PDF format.

India e-Visa: Eligibility Criteria for Travelers

The India e-Visa is available to over 170 eligible nationalities. Check below to see if you’re eligible:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Cote D'Ivoire
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark

If you do not have a valid passport from one of the e-Visa countries listed above, you’ll need to apply for a different visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.

FAQs About the India e-Visa

Find answers to key questions here.

What’s the difference between an India e-Visa and a regular visa?

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An India e-Visa is applied for online and sent by email. A regular visa usually involves a longer embassy or consulate process and may require in-person steps.

Can I enter India by land border with an e-Visa?

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No. The India e-Visa is only accepted at designated airports and seaports. It cannot normally be used for entry through land borders.

Is the India e-Visa the same as a visa on arrival?

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No. An India e-Visa must be approved before you travel. It is not issued when you arrive in the country.

When does the India e-Visa validity start?

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This depends on the visa type granted. Travelers should always check the validity dates shown on the approved document carefully before departure.

How many times can I enter India with an e-Visa?

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The number of entries depends on the type of India e-Visa issued. Some categories allow more entries than others, so you should check your approval details.

Can I extend my India e-Visa while in India?

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In most cases, no. India e-Visas are generally not extendable, so travelers should make sure their travel plans fit the authorized stay.

What happens if I overstay my India e-Visa?

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Overstaying can lead to fines, immigration issues, problems when leaving India, or difficulties obtaining future visas or travel authorizations.

Can I reapply for an India e-Visa after rejection?

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Yes, in many cases you can apply again, but it’s important to correct the issue that caused the refusal before submitting a new application.

Can I appeal an India e-Visa rejection?

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Usually, there’s no formal appeal process for an India e-Visa refusal. In many situations, the most practical option is to fix the issue and submit a new application.

What name should I use on the India e-Visa application?

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You must enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, including order, spacing, and spelling.

What address in India should I put on the application?

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You can normally provide the address of your hotel, host, or other confirmed accommodation in India.

Do I need to print my India e-Visa confirmation?

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It’s strongly recommended. Even if you keep a digital copy on your phone, carrying a printed version can help avoid issues at check-in or immigration.

Can I use my India e-Visa with an old passport if I now have a new one?

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This depends on the circumstances, but in some cases travelers may need to carry both passports. The visa details and passport information must be checked carefully before travel.