Travel to India with the Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA

Entry Requirements at a Glance

To travel to India with an e-Visa, you generally must:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Apply online before travelling
• Have a passport valid for at least six months from arrival
• Carry a return or onward travel plan
• Have sufficient funds for your stay

Additional entry conditions may apply depending on your travel purpose. Biometric data may be collected upon arrival, where required.

Passport Requirements

To apply for an India e-Visa, your passport must:

• Be a standard, machine-readable passport

• Be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India

• Have sufficient blank pages for immigration stamps

Applicants using non-standard or restricted passport types may not be eligible for the e-Visa and may need to apply for a regular visa.

Key Features

• Validity varies depending on e-Visa type (tourist, business, medical)
• Double or multiple entry options depending on category
• Short stay durations permitted per visit
• Fully online application process
• No in-person submission required
• Typically non-extendable and non-convertible except in limited circumstances

Is This Authorisation Suitable for You?

You may be eligible for an India e-Visa if you:

• Hold a passport from an eligible country
• Plan a short visit for tourism, business, or medical purposes
• Intend to stay within the permitted duration
• Do not require a long-term or employment visa

Eligibility is based on nationality and individual travel plans.

When You May Not Be Eligible

You may need a different visa type if you:

• Are not from an eligible country
• Hold a passport type not permitted under the e-Visa scheme
• Plan to work, study long-term, or settle in India
• Require extended stays beyond e-Visa limits
• Have specific travel or documentation constraints

In such cases, a regular visa application may be required

Permitted Activities

The India e-Visa allows you to:

• Travel for tourism or holidays
• Visit family or friends
• Attend business meetings or events
• Receive medical or wellness treatment (for eligible categories)

Important:

You must not engage in paid employment without appropriate authorisation.

What an e-Visa Does Not Allow

An India e-Visa does not allow you to:

• Work in India without proper authorisation
• Stay beyond the permitted duration
• Undertake formal or long-term study programmes
• Guarantee entry into India

Study Limitations

Short recreational or informal courses may be permitted if they do not form part of a formal academic programme.

Long-term or structured academic study requires a separate visa.

Travelling Through India (Transit)

Transit travellers may require a separate transit visa depending on their itinerary and nationality. Requirements should be checked before travel.

Conditions You Must Follow

While in India, you must:

• Follow the authorised length of stay
• Respect visa conditions
• Leave before your permitted stay ends
• Avoid unauthorised activities

Non-compliance may affect future travel.

Overstay and Compliance

Travellers must not remain in India beyond the authorised period granted on their e-Visa.

Overstaying may result in fines, penalties, or restrictions on future travel to India.

Documents You May Need

Most applications require:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-style photograph
• Personal and travel details
• Contact information

Applicants are required to upload a recent passport-style photograph and a clear scanned copy of their passport. Specific format and size requirements must be followed when submitting documents.

Additional documents may be required depending on the visa category.

How the Application Process Works

The India e-Visa application is completed online through the official government system.

The process generally includes:

• Completing the online form
• Providing passport and personal details
• Uploading required documents
• Receiving the e-Visa electronically if approved

All information must match your passport exactly.

Once submitted, applications cannot usually be modified. Errors may require a new application.

After You Apply

After submission:

• You will receive updates by email
• Approved e-Visas should be carried when travelling. Travellers should keep a copy of their approved e-Visa available for presentation if requested.
• Airlines may verify your visa before boarding
• Entry conditions are assessed upon arrival
• Travellers may be required to provide biometric data or supporting documents upon arrival

Processing Times

Many applications are processed within a few working days, though processing times are not guaranteed and may vary depending on verification requirements and application volume.

When to Apply

Travellers are advised to apply several days before their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Applying early helps reduce the risk of delays due to additional checks, incomplete applications, or high application volumes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect passport details
• Uploading unclear documents
• Providing incomplete information
• Applying too close to travel dates

Common Reasons for Application Refusal

Applications may be refused due to:

• Inaccurate or inconsistent information
• Missing or unclear documentation
• Previous immigration concerns
• Security-related checks

Accurate information helps reduce risks

Application Outcomes

If approved, your e-Visa is issued electronically.

Approval does not guarantee entry. Final decisions are made by Indian immigration authorities upon arrival.

If refused, alternative visa options may be considered.

Renewing or Reapplying

You may need to apply again if:

• Your visa expires
• Your passport changes
• Your travel details have changed

Each application is assessed independently.

Why Choose Our Support

• Clear, structured application guidance
• Focus on accuracy and completeness
• Responsive support throughout your journey
• Transparent and straightforward process