Identity Documents

Indian Visa for Foreigners — Types & How to Apply

Q: How long does e-Visa processing take?

The standard processing time is 72 hours, but most applications are processed within 24-48 hours. Apply at least 4 days before travel.

Complete guide to Indian visa types for foreigners. Learn about e-Visa, tourist, business, and employment visa with step-by-step application process.

CitizenNest Editorial Team7 min read

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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

Official Links

indianvisaonline.gov.in mea.gov.in boi.gov.in

What is an Indian Visa?

An Indian visa is an official travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter, stay, and travel within India for a specific purpose and duration. The visa is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through Indian missions and consulates abroad, or as an electronic visa (e-Visa) through the online portal.

India offers multiple visa categories depending on the purpose of visit — tourism, business, employment, medical treatment, education, and more. With the introduction of the e-Visa system, the process has become significantly faster and more convenient.

Types of Indian Visas

1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa)

The e-Visa is the most popular and convenient option for short visits. It is available in the following sub-categories:

e-Tourist Visa — For sightseeing, casual visits, meeting friends/relatives
e-Business Visa — For business meetings, trade, setting up ventures
e-Medical Visa — For medical treatment at recognized hospitals
e-Medical Attendant Visa — For accompanying a patient holding e-Medical Visa
e-Conference Visa — For attending conferences hosted by Government or PSUs

e-Visa is available to citizens of 160+ countries and allows entry through 28 designated airports and 5 seaports.

2. Tourist Visa

For longer tourism stays, a regular tourist visa is issued for up to 10 years (for US citizens) or 1-5 years depending on nationality. It allows multiple entries and each stay can be up to 180 days (90 days for some nationalities).

3. Business Visa

Issued to foreign nationals who wish to:

Attend business meetings or establish a business
Engage in trade or commerce
Recruit workers or attend technical meetings
Valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries

4. Employment Visa

For foreigners who have a job offer from an Indian company. Requirements:

Annual salary must be above USD 25,000 (some exemptions apply)
Valid employment contract from an Indian entity
Duration: Up to 5 years, extendable
Requires registration with FRRO within 14 days of arrival

5. Student Visa

For foreign students admitted to recognized Indian institutions. Valid for the duration of the academic course or 5 years, whichever is less.

6. Research Visa

For foreign nationals undertaking research in India. Requires prior approval from MEA and the relevant ministry.

7. Medical Visa

For foreigners seeking medical treatment in India. Requires a letter from the recognized hospital. Issued for up to 1 year or the treatment period.

8. Other Categories

Transit Visa — For layovers (up to 72 hours)
Journalist Visa — For media professionals
Diplomatic/Official Visa — For government officials
Intern Visa — For internship at Indian organizations

How to Apply for e-Visa Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on "e-Visa Application".

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Select visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, etc.)
Enter personal details — name, date of birth, nationality
Provide passport details — number, issue date, expiry date
Upload passport-size photo (dimensions: 2x2 inches, white background)
Upload passport bio page scan (clear and legible)

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Fee varies by nationality (USD 10 to USD 100)
Payment via credit/debit card, UPI, or PayPal
US, UK, and Canadian citizens typically pay USD 25-100

Step 4: Receive ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Processing time: 72 hours (usually within 24-48 hours)
ETA is sent to your registered email
Print the ETA and carry it while travelling

Step 5: Arrive in India

Present the ETA printout at the immigration counter
Biometric data (fingerprint and photo) will be captured
Immigration officer stamps the visa on your passport

How to Apply for Regular Visa

Step 1: Fill Online Application

Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill the Regular Visa Application form.

Step 2: Print and Sign

Print the completed application form and sign it.

Step 3: Visit Indian Embassy/Consulate

Submit the application with required documents at your nearest Indian Mission or Visa Application Centre (IVAC/VFS).

Step 4: Pay Fee and Collect

Pay the visa fee, submit biometrics, and collect your passport with visa within 5-10 working days.

Documents Required

Visa Type	Key Documents
e-Visa	Passport (6+ months validity), photo, return ticket
Tourist	Passport, photo, financial proof, travel itinerary
Business	Invitation letter from Indian company, business proof
Employment	Employment contract, company registration, salary proof
Student	Admission letter, financial guarantee, academic records
Medical	Hospital letter, medical documents, financial proof

Visa Fees (Approximate)

e-Tourist (30 days): USD 10-25 depending on nationality
e-Tourist (1 year/5 years): USD 25-80
e-Business: USD 80
Regular Tourist Visa: USD 40-150
Employment Visa: USD 100-200

Note: Fees vary by country. Check the official portal for exact amounts for your nationality.

Important Rules and Conditions

Registration: Foreign nationals staying beyond 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)
Employment visa holders must register within 14 days of arrival
No visa-on-arrival for most nationalities (except e-Visa which is processed online before travel)
Yellow Fever certificate required if travelling from endemic countries
Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals have separate processes and restrictions

FRRO Registration

If your visa requires FRRO registration:

Visit indianfrro.gov.in
Fill Form C and upload documents
Book an appointment at the nearest FRRO/FRO office
Carry passport, visa, and address proof
Registration is free of cost

Visa Extension

To extend your visa while in India:

Apply online through the FRRO portal
Extension is granted only for valid reasons (medical emergency, special circumstances)
Tourist visas are generally not extendable except in emergencies
Employment and student visas can be extended based on contract/admission validity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a visa on arrival in India?

India does not offer visa on arrival for most countries. However, the e-Visa system works like a pre-approved electronic authorization. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and UAE can get visa on arrival at select airports.

How long does e-Visa processing take?

The standard processing time is 72 hours, but most applications are processed within 24-48 hours. Apply at least 4 days before travel.

Can I work on a tourist visa in India?

No. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited. You need an Employment Visa or Business Visa depending on the nature of work.

What if my e-Visa application is rejected?

You can re-apply after correcting the issues. Common rejection reasons include unclear photos, passport nearing expiry, or incomplete details. No refund is given for rejected applications.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indian visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Some visa categories may require proof of adequate financial means.

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