India Travel & Visas
India eVisa for U.S. Citizens: Eligibility, Fees, Processing Time & Documents
Who can use the India online visa, how long it takes, what it costs, and the documents you need — plus the mistakes that get eVisas rejected.
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Educational estimate only. Not legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice. Full disclaimer below.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026. Estimated costs and times for planning only — they can change. Last checked: July 5, 2026.
Is India eVisa right for you?
Best forEligible U.S. citizens, short trips
e-Tourist Visa (all-in)
~$54
$40 gov + $2 charge + $12 photo.
e-Business / e-Medical
~$95
$80 gov + charge + $12 photo.
Estimated timeline
3–5 business days
Apply about a week before travel.
Where to apply
Indianvisaonline.gov.in
Official government portal only.
Estimated costs and times for planning only — they can change. Last checked: July 5, 2026.
India eVisa Types
India e-Tourist Visa
Sightseeing, family visits, short leisure trips for eligible U.S. citizens.
India e-Business Visa
Meetings, conferences, trade shows, and other permitted business activities.
India e-Medical Visa
Treatment at recognized hospitals, with e-Medical Attendant options for companions.
Documents Required for India eVisa
- ✓Passport valid at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages
- ✓Recent color passport-style photo (~$12 at a pharmacy, or free at home)
- ✓Scanned passport bio page
- ✓Confirmed return/onward travel details
- ✓Business/medical supporting documents for e-Business or e-Medical
- ✓A payment card for the online fee (~$54–$95 all-in)
Step-by-Step India Online Visa Application
- 1. Go to the official portal. Start only at Indianvisaonline.gov.in — avoid look-alike third-party sites.
- 2. Choose the eVisa type. Select e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical based on your purpose.
- 3. Fill the application. Enter passport and travel details exactly as they appear on your documents.
- 4. Upload photo & passport scan. Follow the exact photo and bio-page scan specifications.
- 5. Pay the fee & submit. Pay online, then save the application ID to track status.
- 6. Get the eVisa & print it. Carry the printed authorization and enter through a designated port.
What Is India eVisa?
The eVisa is an electronically-issued travel authorization applied for online at the official portal — no consulate visit needed. It covers e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Medical categories for eligible nationalities, including U.S. citizens in most cases.
India eVisa Processing Time
The India eVisa is usually approved in about 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before travel to leave a buffer. Plan a buffer around holidays, and never book non-refundable travel before you're authorized.
India eVisa Fees
An e-Tourist Visa (1 year) is about $54 all-in; an e-Business or e-Medical Visa is about $95 all-in, including the government fee, payment charge, and a ~$12 photo. There are no VFS or courier costs because the eVisa is applied for online. Estimated costs and times for planning only — they can change. Last checked: July 5, 2026.
eVisa vs Regular India Visa
For eligible short trips the eVisa is usually faster and simpler. A regular visa (via VFS/consulate) can be better for longer stays, more entries, or cases not eligible for the eVisa.
eVisa vs OCI
An eVisa is a short-term permit; OCI is a lifelong multiple-entry facility for people of Indian origin. If you're eligible and travel often, OCI is usually more convenient, but it takes longer to obtain.
Not sure the eVisa fits? Compare all options on the India visa from USA hub, or see OCI vs India visa if you're Indian-origin.
Common eVisa Mistakes
Passport expiring too soon
India needs at least 6 months of passport validity and blank pages. Renew first if you're close — a rejected application still costs the ~$54–$216 you paid.
Name mismatch
Names must match across passport, application, and supporting documents. Mismatches (especially after marriage) cause delays and re-submission courier costs.
Wrong visa type
Applying for a tourist visa when your trip is business (or vice versa), or an eVisa when your case needs a regular/Entry Visa.
Applying too late
Leaving little buffer. Give the eVisa ~1 week, a regular visa ~2 weeks, an Entry Visa ~3 weeks, and OCI ~3 months.
Old Indian passport / surrender questions
Former Indian citizens are asked about surrender/renunciation of the Indian passport. Sort this out before applying.
Photo or document format errors
Photos and scans that don't meet spec are a frequent rejection reason. Budget ~$12 for a compliant photo and follow the size rules.
Where to apply for your India visa
When you're ready, apply and check status on the official portals — the eVisa portal for eVisas, VFS Global for regular visas & OCI:
More India visa guides
India Visa from USA (Hub)
Which visa you need, fees, timelines, and how to apply
India Tourist Visa from USA
eVisa vs regular tourist visa, fees, and multiple entry
India Business Visa from USA
Invitation letter, company proof, fees, processing time
Entry Visa India from USA
For Indian-origin families, non-Indian spouses, and children
India Visa Fees for U.S. Citizens
Tourist, business, entry, eVisa, and VFS service costs
India Visa Processing Time from USA
eVisa, regular visa, Entry Visa, VFS, and urgent travel
OCI vs India Visa
Which is better for Indian-origin U.S. citizens and families
Related NRI & travel guides
OCI Card (Resource Center)
Eligibility, documents, timeline, and cost for the OCI card — ~$334 all-in, often better than a visa for Indian-origin travelers
Indian Passport Renewal in USA
Renew your Indian passport before you apply for a visa or OCI card — expiry and name mismatches are the top delays
Return to India Planning
Moving-back checklist for NRIs and families
Send Money to India
Compare transfer options for your trip or family
Immigration Hub
All U.S. immigration and India-USA travel guides
Frequently asked questions
What is India eVisa?
An electronically-issued travel authorization applied for online at Indianvisaonline.gov.in. It covers e-Tourist (~$54 all-in), e-Business, and e-Medical (~$95) categories and is usually approved in 3–5 business days.
Are U.S. citizens eligible for India eVisa?
Yes, U.S. citizens are eligible for the eVisa, subject to purpose. e-Tourist is ~$54 all-in and e-Business/e-Medical ~$95, each approved in about 3–5 business days.
How long does India eVisa processing take?
About 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before travel — approval is not guaranteed, and government fees are non-refundable.
How much does an India eVisa cost?
All-in estimates: e-Tourist Visa (1 year) about $54 — a ~$40 government fee, ~$2 payment charge, and a ~$12 photo. e-Business and e-Medical are about $95 (~$80 government fee + charge + photo). eVisas are applied online, so there's no courier cost.
What documents do I need for an India eVisa?
A passport valid 6+ months with blank pages, a recent ~$12 passport-style photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and business or medical documents for those categories.
Where do I apply for the India online visa?
On the official government portal, Indianvisaonline.gov.in. The all-in cost is about $54 (e-Tourist) to $95 (e-Business/e-Medical).
Can I enter India anywhere with an eVisa?
eVisa holders enter through designated airports and seaports. The 1-year e-Tourist Visa allows multiple entries.
Is eVisa or OCI better for Indian-origin travelers?
For frequent travel, OCI (~$334, 8–12 weeks) is more convenient long-term. For a one-off short trip, the eVisa (~$54–$95, 3–5 days) is far cheaper and faster.
Can I extend or convert an eVisa?
eVisas have limited validity and entries and aren't meant for long stays. For a longer trip, use a regular visa (~$216) or, if Indian-origin, OCI (~$334).
What are common eVisa mistakes?
A photo or passport scan that doesn't meet spec, choosing the wrong category, name/passport details that don't match, and applying too late — the eVisa needs about 3–5 business days plus a buffer.
Written / reviewed by Deepak Middha · CA, Series 65
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Disclaimer, assumptions & sources
This tool is for general education and planning only. It does not replace advice from a CPA, attorney, financial advisor, USCIS, IRS, State Department, or other official source. Rules, limits, forms, fees, dates, and government processing information may change. Always verify before filing, investing, or making immigration, tax, or financial decisions.
- For educational use only — not legal advice.
- Not tax advice.
- Not financial advice.
- Not immigration advice.
- Numbers, forms, fees, dates, rules, and limits may change at any time.
- Always verify with official sources before acting.
- Consult a CPA, attorney, financial advisor, or the relevant official agency (USCIS, IRS, State Department) when it matters to your situation.
Estimated costs and times for planning only — they can change. Last checked: July 5, 2026. Estimated costs and times for planning only — they can change. Last checked: July 5, 2026. These are estimates, not guarantees — no visa or OCI approval is ever guaranteed, and government fees are generally non-refundable.
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