What is an ETA?

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a component of India’s e-Visa system that allows foreign nationals from eligible countries to apply for a visa online, without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate. Once approved, the traveler receives an electronic visa (e-Visa) linked to their passport, allowing entry into India.

What is an Indian e-Tourist Visa?

An Indian e-Tourist Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism purposes. It is part of the Indian e-Visa program, enabling travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate.

How can I apply for an e-Visa to India?

To apply for an e-Visa to India, visit the official Indian government visa website and follow the instructions to complete the online application form, upload the required documents, and make the payment.

Can I apply for an Indian visa online?

Yes. You can apply for an Indian visa online through www.indianevisaonline.org/.

What is the processing time for an e-Visa to India?

The processing time for an Indian e-Visa varies depending on the visa type and the number of applications being processed. Generally, it takes 1 to 4 working days for approval.

Can I get an Indian visa on arrival?

India no longer offers a Visa on Arrival for most travelers. Eligible foreign nationals must apply for an e-Visa online before their trip. Once approved, travelers can enter India with the e-Visa authorization at designated airports and seaports.

How long is an e-Tourist Visa valid?

An e-Tourist Visa for India is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, allowing multiple entries into the country. However, the maximum stay per visit is up to 90 days for most nationalities.

Can I apply for an urgent tourist visa for India?

Yes. Travelers can apply for an Urgent (Emergency) Tourist Visa to India in case of short-notice travel. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing.

What is the Indian visa online application process?

The online visa application process includes:

• Completing the application form
• Uploading required documents
• Paying the visa fee online
• Receiving the approved e-Visa by email

What are the eligibility criteria for an Indian e-Visa?

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, you must:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
• Have a valid email address
• Upload a passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page
• Not be of Pakistani origin or have visited Pakistan within the past two years

Who is eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Citizens of over 170 countries are eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, UAE, France, Germany, and Singapore, among others.

Do British citizens need a visa to travel to India?

Yes. British citizens require a visa to travel to India and are eligible for an e-Visa. However, the e-Visa is not applicable to individuals holding the following British travel documents: British Subject, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas), or British Overseas Territories Citizen.

Do United States citizens need a visa to travel to India?

Yes. U.S. citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. They are eligible to apply online for an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical purposes.

Is the Indian e-Visa single or multiple entry? Can it be extended?

• 30-day Tourist Visa: Double entry
• 1-year & 5-year Tourist Visas: Multiple entry
• e-Business Visa: Multiple entry
• e-Medical Visa: Triple entry (non-extendable and non-convertible)

Is the e-Visa valid for cruise ship entry?

Yes, provided the cruise docks at an approved e-Visa seaport — Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, or Mumbai. If your cruise arrives at another port, a regular visa must be obtained before travel.

What are the restrictions when entering India with an e-Visa?

Travelers can enter India only through 28 authorized airports and 5 seaports.

Authorized airports include: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa (Dabolim/Mopa), Kochi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and others.

Authorized seaports: Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, and Mumbai.

What is Visa on Arrival?

Only citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian visa or e-Visa) are eligible for Visa on Arrival in India.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to India?

Recommended vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Yellow Fever (mandatory for travelers from endemic countries)

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination card?

Yes, if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever–affected country in Africa or South America. You must carry a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when entering India.

Do children or minors require a visa to visit India?

Yes. Every traveler, including infants and minors, must hold a valid e-Visa to enter India. The child’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.

What if I made a mistake on my e-Visa application?

If you made an error in your e-Visa application, you must submit a new application. Once the new one is submitted, the old application will be automatically cancelled.

I have received my e-Visa. How should I prepare for my trip?

• You will receive your approved e-Visa via email.
• Print a copy of your e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
• Present it at an authorized entry point for verification.
• The officer will stamp your passport with a visa endorsement.
• Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Proof of hotel booking or flight ticket is not mandatory but recommended.

If I cancel my trip, will my e-Visa fee be refunded?

No. The e-Visa fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted, regardless of approval or cancellation.

Do I need to pay anything else at the airport?

No additional payment is required at the airport. The online processing fee you paid covers the complete visa application.

What is a business card?

A business card is the official identification card issued by the company you work for. Alternatively, applicants can upload an invitation letter from the Indian company they intend to visit, mentioning the company’s name, address, and contact details.

What documents are required for an e-Medical Visa?

Applicants must provide a hospital appointment letter issued by a recognized hospital in India. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and include:

• Date of admission or treatment
• Patient’s name, nationality, and passport number

What documents are required for an e-Conference Visa?

• Invitation from the conference organizer (mandatory)
• Political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) (mandatory)
• Event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) (optional)

I got a new passport but my ETA is on the old one. What should I do?

If your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) was issued on your old passport, you can still travel to India with both your new and old passports, as long as the ETA remains valid.

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

No. Entry into India on an e-Visa is allowed only through authorized airports and seaports. Land border entry is not permitted under the e-Visa scheme.

How should I fill in previous visa details on the e-Visa form?

It is mandatory to provide previous visa details. If you do not remember your earlier visa number or other details, you may write “N/A” (Not Available) or “Not Applicable” in the respective field.