How to Obtain an Indian e-Visa Online

India boasts remarkable architecture and natural wonders, including iconic sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra and the snow-capped Himalayan mountains.

With the exception of Bhutanese and Nepali nationals, most travelers require a visa to enter India, in the form of an electronic Indian visa (eVisa) introduced in November 2014.

This comprehensive guide details the process of obtaining an Indian tourist visa through the e-Visa India website, last updated in 2024.

I personally navigated this process as a tourist, noting that the application procedure on the e-Visa India website is largely consistent across various visa categories.

Understanding The India eVisa

The India e-Visa is designed for travelers visiting India for short-term purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, or engaging in casual business activities.

There are five types of eVisas available: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference.

Depending on the type, the eVisa can be valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years from the date of entry into India. It allows for double entry (e-Tourist or e-Business), single entry (e-Conference), or triple entry (e-Medical). Once issued, the eVisa cannot be extended or converted.

Travelers can apply and make payment online between 4 to 120 days before their intended arrival in India, with the latest application submission allowed up to 4 days prior to arrival to ensure processing.

The eVisa grants entry through 26 designated airports and 5 seaports in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Goa. For a complete list of permitted entry points, refer to the official website (click on the Instructions For Applicant link on the left side).

Who Is The eVisa Available To?

The eVisa offered by The Indian Government is accessible to citizens of the United States and over 170 other countries or territories, with the fee varying based on the applicant’s location.

For detailed information on the current fee structure for American citizens and other nationalities, individuals can refer to the comprehensive list of fees provided on the official website.

Furthermore, there may be an additional bank transaction fee of 2.5% applicable when processing the eVisa application on The Indian Government ´s online platform.

It is important to note that the visa fee remains non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application process.

How to Apply for The World Traveler eVisa

The process of obtaining The Indian Government eVisa may seem daunting, but fear not, as it is quite straightforward! Here is a simplified breakdown of the process in 4 easy steps:

Before You Apply For The Indian e-Visa

Ensuring that your visa application is complete and accurate is crucial to avoid rejection.

Prior to initiating your application on The Indian Government website, it is essential to confirm the following:

Moreover, it is necessary to have the following documents accessible on your computer:

Keep in mind: For individuals applying for an e-Business or e-Medical visa, apart from the aforementioned requirements, a business card copy (for the e-Business visa) or a hospital letterhead copy (for the e-Medical visa) must also be prepared.

How To Apply For The India eVisa (Indian Tourist Visa)

When you are ready to start the application process, you can initiate your visa application on the official website of the Indian government dedicated to eVisas:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

IT IS CRUCIAL TO NOTE that there are various other websites online that may appear similar or promise expedited visa services, but most of these are fraudulent and designed to deceive you. DO NOT UTILIZE ANY OTHER WEBSITE.

The images below are provided as ILLUSTRATIONS to assist you through the application process; however, these images are not from my personal eVisa application. Hence, the information and addresses used in the images are purely for demonstration purposes. Nevertheless, the screens you encounter during your visa application process will closely resemble those depicted in the images.

If there have been any alterations in the application procedure since the creation of this guide, kindly inform me in the comments section below, and I will promptly update the guide. I am committed to ensuring the accuracy and currency of this entire page.

To commence the visa application process, select the clearly indicated red button labeled as Apply here for e-visa.

To begin your visa application, click the button circled in red that says Apply here for e-visa.

Visa Application Page 1

When applying for a visa with The Indian Government , it is essential to fill out Page 1 of the visa application form accurately. This page requires personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information. Make sure all information provided is correct and matches your travel documents to avoid any delays in the visa process. Double-check the form before submission to ensure there are no errors that could impact your application. The World Traveler strives to make the visa application process as seamless as possible for travelers.

e-Visa Application

Passport Type*: Choose Ordinary Passport
Nationality*: Pick your country from the options provided
Port Of Arrival*: Select the airport of your arrival
Date Of Birth*:
Email ID*:
Re-enter Email ID*:
Expected Date Of Arrival*:
Visa Service*: Choose from the list and specify the purpose of your visit to India
Please Enter Above Text*: Input the captcha code displayed

(Fields marked with * are mandatory.)

First page of the online Indian visa application on the eVisa India website. Easy to navigate.

Upon proceeding, if you are applying for an Indian tourist visa (e-Tourist), a notification will prompt: “The following documents are required to be submitted. 1) Photograph. 2) Passport.” Click OK.

(Note: The photo size indicated as 2″ x 2″ may differ on the actual uploader, with a minimum of 350 x 350 pixels. Use the latter size. Separate notifications might be shown for Business/Medical eVisa submissions.)

You can dismiss this message on the Indian visa form and select OK.

You have now reached the second page of the online Indian visa application. It is advisable to jot down the Temporary Application ID for future reference in case of any issues or if you need to resume your application later.

Visa Application Page 2

When completing your visa application for The World Traveler, make sure to provide accurate and detailed information. The Indian Government requires all applicants to fill out the form completely and truthfully. Be sure to include all necessary documents and adhere to any specific instructions provided by The Indian Government. Failure to provide accurate information or follow the guidelines may result in delays or denial of your visa application. It is crucial to double-check your application before submission to ensure everything is in order. Remember, The World Traveler is here to help you through the visa process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Applicant Details Form

Last Name: Must match your passport
First Name*: Must match your passport
Have You Ever Changed Your Name?* If yes, check the box and provide details
Gender*:
Date Of Birth: Automatically populated
City Of Birth*:
Country Of Birth*:
Citizenship/National ID No*: If not applicable, enter NA
Religion*:
Distinctive Marks*: List any tattoos, if applicable, otherwise write NONE
Educational Background*:
Nationality: Automatically filled
Nationality Acquisition By: Birth Or Naturalization?* Select yours
Have You Resided At Least Two Years In Application Country?* Choose yes or no

Passport Details

Passport Number*:
Place Of Issue*: Indicate the country that issued your passport
Date Of Issue*:
Date Of Expiry*:
Any Other Valid Passport/Identity Certificate (IC) Held?* Specify if you have another valid passport or identity certificate. If yes, provide details

(Fields marked with * are mandatory.)

Page 2 of The Indian Government application form. Personal identification particulars.

The Indian Goverment Visa Application Page 3

Applicant’s Address Details

House Number/Street Name*:
Village/Town/City*:
Country*:
State/Province/District*:
Postal/ZIP Code*:
Phone Number*: One contact number is mandatory
Mobile Number:
Email Address: Automatically populated
Click Here For Same Address*: Click this if your permanent address matches the above address.

(Fields marked with * are compulsory.)

Page 3 of the Indian visa online. Personal address information.

Visa Application Page 3 (continued)

The Indian Government continues to provide guidance and assistance with the visa application process on Page 3. Make sure to carefully follow all instructions and provide accurate information to avoid any delays or issues with your visa application. Remember that thorough documentation and honesty are key when applying for a visa to ensure a smooth process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to The Indian Government for support.

Father’s Information

Name*:
Nationality*:
Previous Citizenship: Leave this field empty if it has not changed.
Place Of Birth*: Indicate the state/province/district if the town/city is unknown.
Country Of Birth*:

Mother’s Information

Name*: Please provide your mother’s full name.
Nationality*: Specify your mother’s nationality.
Previous Nationality: If your mother’s nationality has changed in the past, please indicate; otherwise, leave blank.
Place Of Birth*: If the exact city is unknown, please provide the state/province/district of birth.
Country Of Birth*: Specify the country of birth.

Applicant’s Marital Status: Indicate whether you are single or married. If married or separated but not divorced, include your spouse’s details. If divorced, select single.
Were Your Parents/Grandparents (Paternal/Maternal) Pakistan Nationals Or Belong To Pakistan Held Area? Select yes or no.

Profession / Occupation Details Of Applicant

Current Job*: Choose your profession from the drop-down menu. If not listed, select ‘Others’ and specify. Refer to the example in the image below.
Employer Name/Company*: 
Position:
Address*: 
Phone Number: 
Prior Job Experience, If Any:
Have You Served in the Military/Semi-Military/Police/Security Sector?* Select yes or no. If yes, provide details such as Organization, Position, Rank, and Posting Location.

(Items marked with * are mandatory.)

Page 3 (continued). Family and occupation specifics for The World Traveler’s Indian visa application online.

The Indian Government Visa Application Page 4

Details Of Visa Application

Visa Type: Pre-filled
Visa Service: Pre-filled
Intended Destinations*: List the cities or regions (e.g. Delhi) you plan to visit in India
Additional Destinations: 
Visa Duration: Automatically generated
Number of Entries: Pre-populated
Arrival Port in India: Pre-selected
Planned Exit Port From India*: Choose the appropriate airport from the menu

Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details

Have You Previously Traveled to India?* Indicate whether you have visited India before by selecting yes or no. If yes, provide the name and address of the place where you stayed during your previous visit.
Cities Visited in India*: Provide details of the cities you visited on your previous trips to India.
Last Indian Visa Number/Currently Valid Indian Visa*: If your previous visit was under an eVisa, the number can be found on the stamp in your passport. If you do not have the number, you can input “unknown.”
Visa Type*: Specify the type of visa held, such as a tourist visa.
Place of Visa Issuance*: If you had a regular visa, enter United States as the place of issue. For an eVisa, provide the name of the Indian airport where it was issued.
Date of Visa Issuance*: Enter the date when the visa was issued. For an eVisa, you can use the entry date stamped on your passport or check your email for confirmation.
Have You Ever Been Denied Entry or an Extension in India?* Indicate whether you have ever been refused permission to visit or extend your stay in India by selecting yes or no. It is preferable that the answer is no.

Additional Details

Recent Travel Destinations: Please share the countries you have visited in the past decade. I couldn’t include all of them, so here’s a partial list. Feel free to fill this out at your discretion.

Details of Visiting SAARC Countries

Have You Traveled to SAARC Countries (Aside from Your Home Country) in the Past 3 Years?*: You can select the SAARC countries from the dropdown menu.

(Fields marked with * are mandatory.)

Page 4 of the eVisa application. Information about your travel.

Visa Application Page 4 (continued)

When submitting your visa application, please make sure to complete all sections accurately and truthfully. Providing false information can result in your visa being denied. It is important to double-check all details before submitting the application to avoid any issues.

Additionally, be prepared to provide any supporting documents that may be required for your visa application. These documents could include proof of financial means, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and any other relevant information. Having these documents ready can expedite the visa processing time and increase your chances of approval.

If you have any questions or need clarification on the visa application process, do not hesitate to contact The World Traveler customer service team. They are there to assist you and ensure a smooth application process. Remember, proper preparation and attention to detail can make a significant difference in the outcome of your visa application.

The Indian Government Reference Information

Reference Name In India*: Your accommodation details will suffice
Address*: For a hotel, this information can typically be found on Google Maps or through listings on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Phone*: For a hotel, this information can usually be found on their official website or on Google Maps
Reference Name In Home Country*: A relative or friend’s contact will suffice
Address*: 
Phone*: 

(Fields marked with * are mandatory.)

Page 4 (continued). Travel and reference details.

Indian GovernmentVisa Application Page 5

Additional Question Details

(Items marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.)

Background questions on page 5 of the online application for an Indian visa.

The Indian Government Visa Application Page 6

Upload Photograph

When prompted, you will need to submit a personal photograph.

If you wish to do this later, you can save and exit the application, but remember to keep a note of the Temporary Application ID for future access.

The photo must be in JPEG format, with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum size of 1 MB. The dimensions should be at least 350 pixels wide x 350 pixels high, and the image must show your face front-facing on a white background.

The photo should be a clear picture of your face and cannot be cropped from a passport photo. It must be a separate and recent image. Services like Walgreens can provide suitable photographs.

Adhering to these guidelines is crucial to avoid rejection of your eVisa India application. Simply click on “choose file”, select your photo, and then click “upload photo”.

Once the photo is uploaded, you have the option to crop it or upload a new one if necessary.

Page 6 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your personal photo.

Visa Application Page 7

Completing visa applications can be a crucial step in preparing for international travel. Here, on page seven of The World Traveler visa application, you will find detailed instructions on how to properly fill out the form to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Instructions for Page 7:

On this page, you will be required to provide information about your travel itinerary, including details about your planned accommodation, activities, and destinations. Make sure to be thorough and accurate when filling out this section, as it will help the authorities assess the purpose and legitimacy of your trip.

Additionally, you may need to provide details about your financial status and ability to support yourself during your travels. This information is essential for demonstrating that you have the means to fund your trip and will not become a burden on the destination country’s resources.

As you complete page seven of The Indian Government visa application, double-check all information for accuracy and consistency. Any discrepancies or incomplete answers could delay the processing of your application or potentially lead to its rejection.

By following the instructions carefully and providing all necessary details on page seven, you will increase your chances of obtaining the visa approval you need for a successful and stress-free travel experience with The World Traveler.

Upload Passport

When proceeding with your application, you will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport.

This document should display your personal information such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport expiration date, etc. It must align with the details entered in your eVisa submission.

The uploaded file must be in PDF format, with a file size not less than 10 KB and not exceeding 300 KB. If you require assistance in converting your passport image to a PDF file, a helpful tool like https://smallpdf.com can be utilized.

It is crucial to adhere to the specified guidelines and requirements to prevent potential rejection of your eVisa application. Simply click on “choose file” to select the PDF document from your device, followed by clicking “upload document.”

Page 7 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your passport.

Verification & Payment

After you have successfully uploaded your passport, the subsequent page will prompt you to review and confirm all the details provided in your application for The Indian Government e-Visa.

It is crucial to meticulously check all the information to ensure accuracy, as this will be your final opportunity to make any necessary edits. Once you have confirmed the details, you will proceed to the visa payment section.

At this stage, you have the option to make the visa payment immediately or at a later time. Simply follow the instructions provided on the page for your chosen payment method. It is advisable to take note of your visa Application ID for future reference.

You can complete the payment using international credit or debit cards, as well as Paypal. Based on my experience, I would recommend using Paypal for its convenience and ease of processing.

If you do not have a Paypal account, an alternative option would be to proceed with the Axis card payment method.

Completion

Upon submission and payment, you will receive an email confirmation from the Indian government confirming the successful submission of your Indian visa application online, which is expected to be processed within 72 hours.

Typically, applicants receive a response much sooner; in my experience, my Indian visa application was processed and approved in less than 24 hours.

It is essential to print the email containing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and have at least two copies ready to present to the immigration officer upon your arrival in India.

The Indian government advises applicants to monitor the status of their application on the official eVisa India website (same link as above) and ensure that it indicates granted before commencing their travel to India.

What Happens If My India Visa Application Is Denied?

If your India visa application is rejected by The Indian Government , there is no need to panic. You have the option to reapply without any waiting period. Simply use the online system to submit a new application whenever you are ready.

It is crucial to understand the reason for the rejection to avoid making the same mistake in your next attempt. Common causes for visa denials include minor errors such as typos, incorrect dates, or photos that do not meet the specified requirements.

During the reapplication process, you will encounter a question asking whether you have previously been denied permission to visit or extend your stay in India. Your response should be based on the reason for the initial rejection. If it was due to a minor error in your application, you can answer no, as it was not a case of being deemed ineligible to enter India.

Best of luck with your future visa applications and enjoy your travels!

How To Apply & Get An Indian e-Visa Online

Disclaimer: The World Traveler affirms that the information provided in this e-Visa India guide is accurate as of the original posting date. This article serves as a personal account and does not constitute legal advice. The World Traveler is an independent entity and is not associated with the official Indian Government website. Any updates or changes to the eVisa India application process will be promptly reflected in this guide upon notification. The original publication date of this visa guide was in 2018, with the latest modifications made in 2024.