India Visa Guide for US Citizens
Getting an India visa as a US citizen in 2026 is not complicated, but there are more requirements than there used to be. The new mandatory E-Arrival Card, stricter passport photo specifications and updated eVisa fees mean many older online guides are no longer accurate.
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Do US Citizens Need a Visa for India?
Yes — without exception.
There is no visa-on-arrival for US passport holders.
There is no visa-free entry. You must have an approved visa before you board your flight to India.
The good news is that India now offers a fully online tourist eVisa.
For most US travelers, you never need to visit an embassy or mail your passport anywhere.
What Changed in 2026 — Read This First
If you read an India visa guide from 2024 or early 2025, some of it no longer applies. Here is what is different now:
- E-Arrival Card is now mandatory (April 1, 2026) India replaced its paper disembarkation form with a digital E-Arrival Card. Every foreign national — including US citizens — must complete this before their flight. It is separate from your visa. Missing it can cause problems at check-in and immigration.
- AI-enhanced photos are being rejected India’s Bureau of Immigration began actively screening for AI-edited photos in 2026. Portrait mode, skin-smoothing filters, background replacement — all flagged. Use a plain, unedited photo only.
- 5-year eVisa fee increased to $200 for US citizens The 30-day and 1-year eVisa fees remain lower. Factor this into which visa type you choose.
- 10-year regular tourist visa is back India restored 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas for US citizens in 2024. This is a physical visa stamped into your passport, applied through VFS Global.
Your Three Visa Options as a US Citizen
Option 1: 30-Day eVisa (Short Trips)
Best for first-time visitors, short holidays, or exploratory trips.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | 30 days from your first entry into India. |
| Entries | Double Entry |
| Government Fee | US$25 (April–June) US$40 (July–March) |
| Processing Time | Usually 3–5 business days. |
| Application Method | 100% Online |
US$40 (July–March)
This visa cannot be extended or renewed while you are in India. If you plan to stay longer or return after it expires, apply for another visa category before traveling.
Option 2: 1-Year eVisa (Flexible Travelers)
Good for people who may return to India within a year or want flexibility.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year from the date of issue. |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Per-visit Stay | Up to 180 days |
| Annual Cap | 180 days total in a calendar year |
| Government Fee | US$40 |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days |
| Application Method | 100% online |
The 1-Year eVisa allows multiple entries into India. Each visit can last up to 180 days, subject to the applicable immigration rules. It is a practical choice for travelers who expect to visit India more than once within a year.
Option 3: 5-Year eVisa (Frequent Travelers)
Best for people who visit India regularly or want long-term flexibility.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years from the date of issue |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Per-visit Stay | Up to 180 days |
| Annual Cap | 180 days total in a calendar year |
| Government Fee | US$200 (+ approximately 3% bank processing fee) |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days |
| Application Method | 100% online |
The 5-Year eVisa is linked to your passport number. If you renew or replace your passport before the visa expires, the existing eVisa becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one using your new passport details.
Option 4: 10-Year Regular Tourist Visa (Through Embassy)
This is a physical sticker visa stamped into your passport. It requires submitting your passport to a VFS Global center in the United States.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | 10 years |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Per-visit Stay | Up to 180 days |
| Government Fee | Approximately US$160 |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
| Passport Submission | Yes. Your passport remains with VFS/Embassy during processing. |
| Passport Renewal | The visa generally remains valid. Carry both your old passport containing the visa and your new passport when traveling. |
Unlike an eVisa, this is a physical visa sticker placed in your passport. Because you must submit your passport for processing, avoid making travel plans until the visa has been issued and your passport has been returned.
Who should choose the 10-year visa:
- You visit India 3 or more times per year
- You are comfortable without your passport for 2–4 weeks
- You want a decade of access without reapplying
Who should stick with the eVisa:
- You visit India once or twice a year
- You want a fast, fully online process
- You cannot afford to be without your passport
For most US travelers, the 5-year eVisa at $200 is the better practical choice. The 10-year visa makes sense only if you are a very frequent traveler.
Understanding the 180-Day Rule (Most People Get This Wrong)
This confuses almost every traveler who picks the 1-year or 5-year eVisa.
The per-visit limit is 180 days. But there is also a 180-day calendar year cap — meaning total days spent in India from January 1 to December 31 cannot exceed 180.
Example: You hold a 5-year eVisa. You spend 3 months in India between January and March. You leave and return in September. You can only stay for the remaining days of your 180-day annual allowance. On January 1 of the next year, the counter resets.
The eVisa is also non-extendable. You cannot apply to extend your stay from inside India. Plan your trips around this.
How to Apply for the India eVisa — Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
Apply only at: indianvisaonline.gov.in
Many third-party websites look official but charge extra fees for no added value. They are not required — the government portal is free to use (beyond the visa fee).
Step 2: Fill in Your Application
You will need to enter:
- Full name (exactly as on your passport — including middle name if printed)
- Date of birth
- Passport number, issue date, expiry date
- Nationality and country of birth
- Intended arrival date and port of entry
- Address where you will stay in India
- Travel history (countries visited recently)
Tip: Double-check every single field against your physical passport. A mismatched middle name or one wrong digit in the passport number will likely result in rejection or delay.
Step 3: Upload Your Photo and Passport Scan
Photo requirements (strict — see below for rejection reasons):
- Square format (equal width and height)
- Minimum 350 × 350 pixels
- Maximum file size: 1 MB
- Format: JPEG only
- Background: plain white or very light off-white
- Face: centered, eyes open, no shadows
- No glasses of any kind
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No editing, filters, or AI enhancement
Passport scan:
- Clear image of the biographical data page
- All text must be clearly legible
- No blurring, shadows, or cropping
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Payment is online only using a credit or debit card. A bank processing fee of approximately 3% is added on top of the base fee. Fees are non-refundable — even if your application is rejected.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa
Once approved, you receive the eVisa by email.
- Download it
- Print a copy
- Keep a digital backup on your phone
You do not receive a physical stamp or sticker. Your eVisa exists as a digital document that immigration officers in India can verify electronically.
Step 6: Apply at Least 7–10 Days Before Travel
The official processing time is 3–5 business days. But delays happen — especially during Indian public holidays and peak travel season (October–March). Do not apply the day before your flight.
If your application has an error, you may need to start over. Buffer time protects you.
The E-Arrival Card — India’s New Mandatory Step (April 2026)
This is the step most US travelers don’t know about until they reach check-in.
What it is: India replaced the paper disembarkation card that was previously handed out on flights with a mandatory digital E-Arrival Card. It is not a visa. It is an entry declaration — similar to the customs form you fill out before landing in many countries.
Who must do it: Every foreign national entering India, including US citizens. OCI cardholders are included. Children need their own E-Arrival Card.
When to submit it: Between 72 hours and 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Do not submit earlier than 72 hours — it may not be accepted. Do not leave it until you are at the airport.
How to submit:
- Official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
- OR through the Su-Swagatam app (available on iOS and Android)
What it asks for:
- Passport number and nationality
- Flight details
- Purpose of visit
- Address in India
- Countries visited in the past 6 days
No fee. No document upload. Takes about 5 minutes.
After submitting, you receive a QR code by email. Show this QR code to the immigration officer when you land.
What happens if you skip it: Airline staff may flag you at check-in. Immigration in India will ask for it. It adds unnecessary stress and delays to your arrival. Complete it as soon as it becomes available — between 72 and 24 hours before your flight.
Download: India Pre-Departure Checklist
Everything you need before your flight to India in one printable checklist, including your Visa, E-Arrival Card, passport photo requirements, travel documents, and port of entry confirmation.
Documents Required for India Tourist Visa (US Citizens)
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| US Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. |
| Blank Passport Pages | At least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps. |
| Passport Photo (Digital) | Must meet the official India eVisa photo specifications. |
| Passport Scan | Clear, legible scan of the passport biographical information page. |
| Travel Dates | Intended arrival and departure dates for your India trip. |
| India Address | Hotel name and address or your host's address in India. |
Additional documents sometimes requested:
- Return flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservations
- Basic travel itinerary
These are not always mandatory at the application stage, but having them ready speeds up the process and may be asked for by immigration at the Indian airport.
Why India Visa Applications Get Rejected — And How to Prevent It
Rejection wastes time and money. The fee is non-refundable. Most rejections are preventable.
Photo Problems (Most Common Causes)
| Issue | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Glasses of Any Kind | Rejected with no exceptions, including prescription glasses. |
| AI-Edited or Filtered Photo | Flagged during facial recognition screening and likely rejected. |
| Selfie or Casual Photo | Often rejected because of incorrect angle, lighting, or composition. |
| Shadows on Face or Background | Rejected due to poor image quality. |
| Background Not Plain White | Rejected because it does not meet official photo requirements. |
| Photo Older Than 6 Months | Rejected as the image is considered outdated. |
| Not Square Format | May trigger a system error or result in application rejection. |
How to take a passing photo: Sit facing a plain white wall in good natural light (not direct sunlight). Do not wear glasses. Use the rear camera of your phone (not selfie camera). Do not apply any filters. Crop it to a perfect square. Do not use portrait mode or AI enhancement.
Passport and Personal Detail Errors
- Name not matching passport (including spacing and middle names)
- Wrong passport number
- Incorrect date of birth or passport expiry date
- Passport with less than 6 months validity remaining
- Damaged or unclear passport scan
Rule: Enter every field exactly as it appears in your passport. Not how you usually write your name — exactly as printed.
Application Errors
- Applying too close to travel date (no buffer for corrections)
- Choosing the wrong visa type
- Entering wrong travel dates
- Planning to arrive at a non-designated border crossing
eVisa is not accepted at land borders. If you plan to enter India from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or another land border, you need a regular embassy visa — not an eVisa.
eVisa is accepted at designated international airports and certain seaports. Check the official list before booking travel involving a non-airport entry point.
eVisa vs 10-Year Regular Visa: Decision Framework
Choose the 5-Year eVisa if:
- You visit India 1–2 times per year
- You want fast processing with no passport mailing
- You are comfortable reapplying if you renew your passport
Choose the 10-Year Regular Visa if:
- You visit India 3 or more times per year
- You do not mind surrendering your passport for 2–4 weeks
- You want one application to cover a full decade
- You want a visa that survives a passport renewal (carry both passports)
Cost Comparison Over 10 Years
| Option | Cost | Reapplication |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Regular Visa | Approximately US$160 (one-time fee) | None, unless you renew your passport and need to apply for a new visa. |
| 5-Year eVisa × 2 | Approximately US$400 in total | Reapply once every 5 years or whenever you receive a new passport. |
Cost
Approximately US$160 (one-time fee)
Reapplication
None, unless you renew your passport and need to apply for a new visa.
Cost
Approximately US$400 in total
Reapplication
Reapply once every 5 years or whenever you receive a new passport.
India eVisa Fees at a Glance (2026)
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Bank Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Tourist eVisa (Apr–Jun) | $25 | Approximately 3% |
| 30-Day Tourist eVisa (Jul–Mar) | $40 | Approximately 3% |
| 1-Year Tourist eVisa | $40 | Approximately 3% |
| 5-Year Tourist eVisa | $200 | Approximately 3% |
| 10-Year Regular Tourist Visa | Approximately $160 | Varies by VFS Global center |
Fee
$25
Bank Processing Fee
Approximately 3%
Fee
$40
Bank Processing Fee
Approximately 3%
Fee
$40
Bank Processing Fee
Approximately 3%
Fee
$200
Bank Processing Fee
Approximately 3%
Fee
Approximately $160
Bank Processing Fee
Varies by VFS Global center
Practical Planning Advice for US Travelers
Timeline Before Your Trip
| Days Before Departure | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 30–45 Days | Check your passport validity. It must remain valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in India. |
| 14–21 Days | Apply for your India eVisa or submit your regular tourist visa application. |
| 7–10 Days | Confirm your eVisa has been approved. Save a digital copy and print a paper copy. |
| 3 Days | Complete the mandatory India E-Arrival Card, available approximately 72 hours before departure. |
| 24 Hours | Verify that you have received the QR code for your E-Arrival Card. |
| At the Airport | Present your printed eVisa and E-Arrival Card QR code during check-in if requested. |
Seasonal Considerations
India’s peak tourist season runs from October to March. During this period, eVisa processing may slow slightly due to volume. Apply earlier than usual — 14–21 days out is safer than 7.
Monsoon season runs June through September. Travel is possible but heavy rain affects certain regions. If you are visiting during monsoon, factor itinerary flexibility into your planning.
At the Indian Airport
When you land:
- Proceed to the immigration counter for foreign nationals
- Present your passport + eVisa printout
- Show your E-Arrival Card QR code
- You will be fingerprinted and photographed
- Immigration officer stamps your passport
Keep your eVisa printout with your travel documents throughout your trip. Some hotels and domestic airlines ask to see it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything US travelers commonly ask before applying for an India eVisa or planning their trip.
Do I still need an E-Arrival Card if I already have an approved eVisa?
Yes. They are separate requirements.
Your eVisa gives you permission to enter India, while the E-Arrival Card is your arrival declaration. You must complete both through different official portals before your trip.
I applied for the India eVisa but have not received it after 5 business days. What should I do?
Check your spam and junk folders first.
Then log in using your application reference number to check the status.
If it remains Pending beyond seven days, email indianevisa@gov.in with your application ID.
Avoid finalizing flights until the visa is approved.
Can I extend my stay in India after arriving on an eVisa?
No.
India tourist eVisas cannot be extended from within India. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for another visa if eligible.
My passport expires in 8 months. Can I still get an India eVisa?
Yes.
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India. An expiry date eight months away meets that requirement.
I renewed my US passport. Is my existing India eVisa still valid?
No.
The India eVisa is electronically linked to the passport used during the application.
If you receive a new passport, you must submit a new eVisa application.
Can my family all be listed on one eVisa application?
No.
Each traveler, including infants and children, needs an individual passport and a separate India eVisa application.
Can I enter India at a land border with an eVisa?
No.
India eVisas are valid only at designated international airports and approved seaports.
Travelers entering through land borders require a regular visa.
What happens if my India eVisa application is rejected?
You may submit a fresh application after correcting any mistakes.
Most rejections result from passport or photo errors.
The original application fee is not refundable.
Is travel insurance required for the India tourist visa?
No.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the visa application, but comprehensive medical and trip coverage is strongly recommended before traveling.
I have an OCI card. Do I still need to complete the E-Arrival Card?
Yes.
OCI cardholders do not require a visa, but they are still required to complete the E-Arrival Card before entering India.
Can I visit India on a tourist eVisa and attend a yoga retreat or volunteer program?
Short-term yoga retreats and cultural programs are generally permitted under a tourist eVisa.
Formal volunteering may require another visa category. Confirm with the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate if unsure.
What is the safest way to complete the India eVisa application?
Keep your physical passport open while filling out the application.
Copy every detail exactly as printed, including your full name, passport number and expiry date.
Review every field before submission and save your application reference number immediately.
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