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How to Apply
The process differs depending on whether you’re applying for an e-Visa (fully online) or a regular visa (through an embassy, consulate, or visa centre). Here’s both, plus a step almost every guide misses: the new mandatory arrival form.
General information only, not legal advice. Processing times, fees, and document requirements change — confirm everything at indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying. See our full disclaimer on the hub page.
Apply only at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Search results are full of third-party “visa assistance” sites that charge extra fees on top of (or instead of) the real government fee for a service that’s designed to be simple enough to do yourself. Some are legitimate paid convenience services; others are effectively markups on a free process. When in doubt, go straight to the official portal.
Applying for an e-Visa
Available if your nationality and purpose of visit are eligible — check Visa Categories first.
1 — Apply online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, select your visa type, and fill in personal, passport, and travel details exactly as they appear on your passport. Apply at least 4 days before arrival — but not right before a non-refundable ticket purchase, since approval isn’t guaranteed.
2 — Upload documents
A recent front-facing photo (2×2in, white background, under 1MB, JPEG) and a scanned PDF of your passport’s photo page (under 300KB). If either is rejected, you’ll typically be notified by email within 24 hours to re-upload.
3 — Pay online
Fees are set per nationality and visa type, paid in USD by card. A bank processing charge of roughly 2.5% applies on top. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected or plans change — check the exact current fee for your nationality on the portal before paying.
4 — Receive your ETA
Most approvals arrive by email within 72 hours; the official window is 3–5 business days. You’ll get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — print it and carry it with your passport, even though it’s not a visa stamp itself.
Applying for a regular (paper) visa
Needed for Student, Employment, Journalist, Missionary, Research visas, or if your nationality isn’t e-Visa eligible.
Where to apply
Through the Indian embassy or consulate covering your country, or its authorised outsourced partner (commonly VFS Global, depending on where you live). You’ll typically need to book an appointment to submit biometrics and documents in person.
Typical timeline
Generally 7–15 business days, but this varies significantly by mission, visa type, and season. Apply well ahead of your travel date — this is not a last-minute process.
What you’ll typically need
- Passport valid 6+ months from arrival, with 2+ blank pages
- Recent photograph meeting the specified format
- Proof of onward/return travel in many cases
- Proof of accommodation or address in India
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — required if arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; check the current list, as this is strictly enforced
- Purpose-specific documents — e.g. hospital letter for Medical Visa, admission letter for Student Visa, invitation letter for Business Visa
Don’t skip this: the e-Arrival Card
India replaced the old paper arrival form handed out on flights with a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card. Every foreign national must complete it online within 72 hours before arrival — separately from your visa application. This is easy to miss since it’s newer than most guides currently in circulation. Full details are on our Arrival & Immigration page.
Common reasons applications get rejected or delayed
Document issues
Photo doesn’t meet spec, passport scan is blurry or cropped wrong, or personal details don’t exactly match the passport (even small spelling differences cause problems).
Wrong category
Applying for e-Tourist when your actual purpose is business or research — be honest about your purpose; it’s not just a formality.
Applying too late — or too early
Under 4 days before arrival, and it may not process in time. Some categories also have a maximum advance window (typically 120 days) — check yours.
Ineligible nationality for e-Visa
If your application is rejected for this reason, don’t reapply the same way — you’ll need a regular visa through a mission instead.
If your e-Visa is refused, the portal usually states a reason. Fixable issues (documents, photos) can be corrected and resubmitted. For anything involving prior refusals, deportation history, or security/health flags, contact the nearest Indian mission directly rather than repeatedly reapplying online.
Official sources
The only official e-Visa application portal.
Bureau of Immigration — policy and entry rules.