What is the Tourist eVisa to visit India?
Indian tourist visa, commonly referred to as Tourist eVisa to visit India, is an electronic travel authorization and allows citizens from eligible nations to apply for it and visit India.
This online tourist eVisa eases the tension of visiting India, with this visa they can visit India for many tourism purposes.
Introduced in October 2014, the Indian tourist visa was made mandatory for travelers coming from eligible nations to get the approved Indian tourist eVisa before traveling into the country. The main reason behind the introduction of this tourist eVisa was to simplify the process of applying for a tourist visa and thus attracting more tourists around the world to discover the best of India.
The benefits of the Indian tourist eVisa are offered to the citizens of around 171 countries, travelers can use this tourist eVisa to enter the country without having to physically visit the embassy or get stamps on their passports.
For what reasons travelers from foreign countries can use the Indian tourist eVisa?
The Indian tourist eVisa allows tourists to visit India from eligible nations and to use it for the mentioned purposes:
- Tourism purposes like exploring the historical sites, beach vacations, eco-tourism, etc.
- Paying visit to friends and family who are residing in India.
- Yoga experience in India in places like Rishikesh (designated as the yoga capital of the world)
- Short Term Courses not exceeding 6 months
- Voluntary work upto one month
So any travelers wishing to visit India for any of the above purposes can easily apply for the Indian tourist eVisa, saying goodbye to the traditional paper way. The Indian tourist eVisa is the quickest way to help you plan a trip to India.
The Indian tourist eVisa actually came as a relief for many international travelers, as it was simplified and travelers can apply from the comforts of their home, instead of visiting the Indian embassy.
The immigration authority of India encourages foreign travelers to apply for Indian tourist eVisa rather than visiting the embassy. Travelers hoping to visit India to explore the amazing places in India, like the ‘Taj Mahal’, one of the seven wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Have plans to visit India for tourism purposes? Which are the nations entitled for Indian Tourist eVisa?
According to the latest update, from 2024 around 171 countries are eligible for applying for the Indian Tourist eVisa, only for tourism purposes only. Some of the countries eligible to apply for Indian Tourist eVisa are listed below.
| Australia | Belgium |
| Canada | Ireland |
| Italy | Japan |
| Mexico | Poland |
| Spain | UAE |
| Sweden | United States |
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For those who have to visit India as medical attendants to the main patients (who require treatment or are under treatment) like family members, nurses and helpers, they can enter the country with the Indian eVisa for Medical Attendant. But the application process will entirely depend on the main patient’s Indian e-Medical Visa. If you want to know more check Indian eVisa for Medical Attendant.
Applying for an Indian tourist eVisa? Who is eligible to apply for it?
Those travelers who are qualified for going forward with the Indian tourist eVisa, should fulfill the following eligibility standards:
The citizen should belong to the list of the eligible nations that have been allowed to apply for Indian tourist eVisa.
Travelers' purpose of visit with the Indian tourist eVisa should be related to tourism only.
Passport that is valid for 6 months including your return, most important passport holder from the list of eligible countries.
The details of your passport on the Indian tourist eVisa application and your passport should match. Any misleading information will lead to rejection of your visa or delay in approval till you provide the right documents and information, late issuance and delay in entry to India.
Travelers with Indian tourist eVisa are allowed to enter the country through major airports and ports with Immigration Check Post that is Government Authorized.
Applying for an Indian tourist eVisa? What is the process?
Before applying for the Indian tourist eVisa online, here is a list of the documents that you must be prepared with:
- Keep a scanned copy of the first page of your passport.
- Passport size photo that matches the photo requirements to upload.
- Email address that is working or in use.
- Debit/ Credit card to pay your Indian tourist eVisa application fees.
- Return ticket (its optional in some cases)
The Indian Tourist eVisa online application process is easy to fill, travelers have to fill the bais information and pay the Tourist eVisa application fees. The applicants applying for the Indian tourist eVisa, have to pay a nominal fee by using the currencies of the 135 listed countries via debit card or credit card.
After submitting the form online, the immigration officials may ask you to provide a copy of your passport, and recent passport photo, provide both by reverting on the same email they have requested or you can upload directly via the online eVisa portal.
Applicants can mail the information in the following [email protected]. After successfully applying for the Indian Tourist eVisa online, wait for your mail, the processing time is around 2-4 working days.
Sometimes you might be required to show documents for verifying the reason you are traveling into the country. It depends from travelers to travelers.
What are the types of Indian Tourist eVisa available for entry into India?
The Indian Tourist eVisa is divided into 3 types based on the number days/ years valid:
Indian Tourist eVisa for 30 days: This electronic tourist visa is available for 30 days with maximum 2 entries. So travelers with this 30 days Indian Tourist eVisa are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days and during this time period they can enter the country for 2 times. The validity of 30-day Tourist Visa starts on the date visitor enters India.
Indian Tourist eVisa for 1 year: This Indian Tourist eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries. Valid for one year from the issuing date, travelers can enter the country multiple times within this timeframe with a stay for 180 days during each visit.
Indian Tourist eVisa for 5 years: This Indian Tourist eVisa is valid for 5 years and allows multiple entries into the nation, however each visit is limited to 180 days stay.
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Any traveler who needs to visit India on an urgent basis can apply for Urgent Indian Visa (referred to as e-Emergency X-Misc Visa), those foreigners who need to visit India on an immediate crisis basis. Know more about the Urgent Indian Visa.
What are some of the important key facts about the Indian Tourist eVisa?
Travelers can neither extend or convert their Indian Tourist eVisa once issued.
Travelers entering India, should have a copy of their approved Indian Tourist eVisa.
The traveler should provide evidence like bank statements or credit cards that he has enough money to stay in India.
Travelers should have a valid passport with 6 months validation and blank pages.
Travelers can apply for Indian Tourist eVisa, maximum limit of 2 applications per year.
Travelers with diplomatic passports are not allowed to visit India with Indian Tourist eVisa, hence they cannot apply for Indian Tourist eVisa.
Parents should not include their children in the Indian Tourist eVisa, each member traveling should apply for a separate Indian Tourist eVisa.
Other Relevant Questions Related to Indian Tourist eVisa
So you have received your Indian Tourist eVisa? What are its uses?
Indian Tourist eVisa is an electronic travel authorization allowing the travelers of foreign countries to visit India with this electronic visa for tourism purposes. With the Indian Tourist eVisa, travelers can visit their friends and family, explore the architectural wonders of India, gain an insight into the cultural heritage of India, and participate in yoga retreats.
India is a land rich in cultural diversity, in fact it is the birthplace of 4 religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. You are likely to know more about each here.
The must-visit attractions include the Taj Mahal, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the ghats of Varanasi, Rishikesh for Yoga, Goa for beaches, etc.
What are the restrictions imposed on the Indian Tourist eVisa?
With the Indian Tourist eVisa, foreign tourists should not engage in Tablighi activities, in case indulging in such activities would lead to fines and even ban on your future entries into the country.
Travelers are allowed to visit the religious places, but they are strictly not allowed to engage in activities like giving speeches and lectures on the ideology and principles of Tablighi Jamaat, distributing pamphlets about Tablighi Jamaat, etc. So, kindly avoid such chaotic situations.
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India is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, and houses some of the renowned Ayurvedic clinics, hospitals and resorts. Its traditional deep-rooted history for curing serious ailments and promoting wellness in a natural way have led curiosity to the outside world. Learn more about the Traditional Ayurvedic Treatments in India and how exactly it works for you.
How long can a traveler stay with the Indian Tourist eVisa?
Based on the type of Indian Tourist eVisa you have applied, your stay will be limited to:
- Indian Tourist eVisa for 1 month: Maximum 30 days stay.
- Indian Tourist eVisa for 1 year: Maximum 90 days for some countries and 180 days for citizens of countries like Japan, the UK, Canada, and the US per visit.
Applied for the Indian Tourist eVisa? How long is the processing time?
The general processing time for Indian Tourist eVisa is 2-4 working days, it is the easiest and quickest way to receive your visa entry into India. Travelers are advised to apply for Indian Tourist eVisa at least before 4 working days, if you want to avoid any delays in your travel plans.
If the applicant has all the required documents in hand, he will be able to fill the form within a few minutes. Simply complete filling your Indian Tourist eVisa application, after submitting you will receive a mail confirming the same.
The whole Indian Tourist eVisa application process takes place online, so you don’t have to visit the Indian embassy in your home country. This Indian Tourist eVisa is the easiest and quickest way to gain tourism access to India.
Citizens of many countries including United States, France, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy are eligible for India e-Visa(Indian Visa Online). You can apply for the Indian e-Visa Online Application right here.
Should you have any doubts or require assistance for your trip to India or India e-Visa,contact Indian Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.