How To Apply For An Indian Tourist Visa | Step-by-step Guide For Indian Visitor Visa Application

If you’re planning a trip to India, you’re in for a rich cultural experience—one filled with vibrant cities, ancient temples, unforgettable cuisine, and incredible diversity.

But before you start daydreaming about sipping chai in Delhi or exploring the palaces of Rajasthan, there’s one important thing to handle first: getting your Indian tourist visa.

Applying for a visa can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Rules vary depending on your nationality, and missing a small detail can delay your entire travel plan.

That’s exactly why we created this step-by-step guide—to simplify the process and help you feel confident from the start. And if you’re using TRAVUL.ORG, you’ll find support to make this part of your journey smoother than ever.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is an Indian Tourist Visa?

An Indian Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals to enter India for recreational purposes, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. It does not permit you to work or stay long-term.

There are two main types:

1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa) – Most commonly used and applied for online.

2. Regular Tourist Visa – A traditional visa that’s applied for through an embassy or consulate.

Most travelers opt for the e-Visa due to its speed and simplicity. It’s valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years (depending on your nationality), with varying durations of stay per visit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

India offers e-Visas to citizens of over 160 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, most of Europe, and parts of Asia. You can check your eligibility here:
Indian e-Visa Portal – e-Visa Eligible Countries List

If your country isn’t on the list, you’ll need to apply through your nearest Indian consulate.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Tourist Visa

There are different tourist e-Visas depending on how long and how often you plan to travel:

• 30-Day e-Tourist Visa – Valid for 30 days, allows double entry.

• 1-Year e-Tourist Visa – Valid for 365 days, multiple entries, each stay up to 90 days.

• 5-Year e-Tourist Visa – Same as above, but with longer validity.

Note: Some nationalities (like US citizens) automatically get the longer-validity visa options.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

You don’t need much, but make sure you have the following ready:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages.

• A scanned passport-size photo (front-facing, white background).

• A scanned copy of your passport’s information page.

• A credit/debit card for payment.

Tip: Avoid uploading selfies or casual photos. Stick to standard passport-style images.

Step 4: Apply Online via the Official Portal

You’ll need to visit the official Indian visa website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa

Here’s what the application process looks like:

1. Click on “Apply here for e-Visa.”

2. Fill in personal details, travel plans, and passport info.

3. Upload your photo and passport scan.

4. Pay the visa fee online (amount varies by nationality and visa type).

5. Submit and note your Application ID for tracking.

Processing time: Typically 3–5 business days, though it’s wise to apply at least 7–10 days before your travel date.

Step 5: Receive Your Electronic Visa (ETA)

Once approved, you’ll receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print it and carry a copy with you when you travel. You’ll present it at immigration upon arrival in India.

The final visa will be stamped in your passport at the airport.

Important Notes and Tips

• Entry Ports: e-Visas are only valid at certain airports and seaports. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others. Check the full list here.

• Don’t Overstay: Overstaying your visa in India can result in fines or even bans. Stick to the time limits and keep track of your entry/exit dates.

• Extension & Conversion: e-Visas are not extendable or convertible, so if you plan to stay longer, apply for a regular tourist visa instead.

Regular Tourist Visa (Through Consulate) – When and How

If you’re not eligible for an e-Visa or plan to stay longer, you’ll need a regular tourist visa. This involves:

1. Filling out the visa form on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html

2. Booking an appointment at your local Indian consulate.

3. Submitting documents (passport, photos, proof of travel, financials).

4. Attending an in-person interview (in some cases).

5. Waiting for visa processing (can take 1–3 weeks).

TRAVUL.ORG can help you manage document checklists and even schedule consular appointments through our Visa Support service.

FAQs

How much does the Indian tourist visa cost?

Fees vary by country and type. For example, a 1-year e-Tourist visa for US citizens typically costs around $40–80 USD. Always confirm on the official site.

Can I enter India by land with an e-Visa?

No. e-Visas are only valid at selected airports and seaports. Land border crossings require a regular visa.

What if I made a mistake on my visa application?

Small typos might not matter, but critical errors (like passport number or name mismatch) could lead to denial. TRAVUL.ORG offers form review assistance to help avoid rejections.

Do children need their visa?

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own individual visa.

Is travel insurance required for Indian visa?

It’s not mandatory for the visa, but it’s strongly recommended—especially for medical coverage.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes the Visa Process Easier

At TRAVUL.ORG, we understand that paperwork and government websites can quickly take the joy out of travel planning. That’s why we’ve built tools and services to help you:

• Check your eligibility in seconds

• Track visa deadlines and expiration dates

• Get expert support if your application is delayed or rejected

• Book travel financing options if you need to budget for your trip

Visa confusion shouldn’t stop your adventure. We’re here to make this step easier—so you can focus on the journey ahead.

Final Thoughts

Getting an Indian tourist visa doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right information, a bit of planning, and some help from tools like TRAVUL.ORG, you’ll be ready to experience the incredible diversity and magic that India has to offer.

What’s stopping you from taking that first step toward your India journey today? Let us know—we’re here to help