Most tourists need a visa to enter India, and for many nationalities the easiest route is the online e-Visa — applied for before you fly, with no embassy visit.

What Is the e-Visa?

The e-Visa is an electronic travel authorisation you apply for online in advance. For eligible nationalities it replaces the embassy process and covers tourism, visiting friends and family, and short recreational courses.

Who Can Apply

Citizens of 150+ countries — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most of the EU and the Gulf — are eligible. Always confirm your own nationality's status on the official portal before booking flights.

How to Apply Online

Apply only on the official Indian government e-Visa portal. You'll need:

• A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages
• A recent passport-style photo
• A scan or photo of your passport bio page
• A credit or debit card for the fee

Apply a few days to a couple of weeks ahead; approval usually arrives by email, and you carry a printed copy.

How Long It Lasts

The tourist e-Visa commonly comes in 30-day, one-year and five-year options with multiple entries, though the exact duration and number of entries vary by nationality. Confirm the current terms on the official site.

e-Visa vs OCI

OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a lifelong entry facility for people of Indian origin and their families — it is not a tourist visa. If you hold or qualify for OCI, you don't need an e-Visa.

One Important Warning

Use only the official government portal. Many lookalike "visa agent" websites charge large markups for the same service — avoid them.

Once your visa is sorted, plan your dates with our best time to visit India guide and our India packing list.

Bottom line: for most visitors the India e-Visa is a quick online application — apply early on the official portal with a passport valid for six months or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US and UK citizens need a visa for India?

Yes. Both are eligible for the India tourist e-Visa, which you apply for online before travelling rather than at an embassy.

How long does the India e-Visa take to process?

Usually a few business days, but apply at least a week or two before departure to be safe. Approval comes by email.

Is the India e-Visa multiple entry?

The longer-validity tourist e-Visas are typically multiple entry, while the shortest option may be single or double entry. Check the current rules for your nationality.

What is the difference between an e-Visa and OCI?

An e-Visa is a temporary tourist authorisation for foreign nationals; OCI is a lifelong entry facility for people of Indian origin and is not a visa.

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