India’s e-Visa program is one of the most convenient ways for foreign travellers to enter the country. Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, eligible visitors can apply online, receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), and complete biometric verification upon arrival. Once the verification is done, immigration stamps the actual visa into the passport.
The system has grown rapidly since its launch and now includes nine major e-Visa categories, covering tourists, business travellers, patients, filmmakers, transit passengers, and even mountaineers. In 2025, India expanded the platform again by adding four new categories: e-Transit, e-Mountaineering, e-Film, and e-Entry Visa.
This guide breaks down every e-Visa category, explains who should apply for which type, and provides step-by-step instructions, documents required, fees, validity rules, biometric details, common errors, and troubleshooting tips.
Whether you’re planning a multi-city holiday, a yoga retreat, a business meeting, film production, mountain expedition, or simply visiting family, this guide gives you everything you need to navigate India’s e-Visa system with confidence.
What Is India’s e-Visa and How Does It Work?
India’s e-Visa is a fully digital visa system that allows foreign nationals from eligible countries to apply online instead of visiting a consulate.
How the e-Visa System Works (Simple Overview)
- Apply online on the official Indian e-Visa portal.
- Upload documents (passport, photo, and category-specific paperwork).
- Pay the visa fee using the secure payment gateway.
- Receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) by email.
- Arrive in India and undergo biometric verification (fingerprints + photograph).
- Immigration stamps the actual visa into your passport at the airport.
Key Advantages
- No embassy visit
- Fast processing (24–72 hours on average)
- Online documentation
- Convenient for multi-city travel
- Valid at 28 airports and 5 seaports
- Accepted across most major travel categories
Eligibility Rules for India’s e-Visa
Not everyone can apply for an Indian e-Visa. The Government of India maintains a specific list of eligible nationalities.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for India’s e-Visa if:
- You hold a passport from an eligible country
- Your passport is valid for minimum 6 months from the date of arrival
- You have a return or onward ticket
- You are not of Pakistani origin (special rules apply)
- You are not holding a diplomatic or official passport
- You are entering India through an approved airport or seaport
- Your purpose of visit matches an approved e-Visa category
List of e-Visa Eligible Countries (Grouped Format)
(For readability; list may change periodically)
North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Portugal
- Austria
- Ireland
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
Asia-Pacific
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Philippines
Middle East & Africa
- UAE
- Oman
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
Latin America & Caribbean
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Peru
- Costa Rica
- Panama
If you want, I can also provide a full alphabetical list, but the grouped format is easier for travellers.
Complete List of India’s e-Visa Categories (2025 Update)
India currently offers nine categories under the e-Visa system:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Transit Visa (NEW, 2025)
- e-Mountaineering Visa (NEW, 2025)
- e-Film Visa (NEW, 2025)
- e-Entry Visa (NEW, 2025)
Below is a detailed breakdown of each category, including validity, stay duration, documents required, and ideal use cases.
Detailed Guide to Each e-Visa Category
E-Tourist Visa (Most Popular)
Purpose
For sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends/family, wellness retreats, short-term yoga programs.
Validity Options
- 30 days (double entry)
- 1 year (multiple entry)
- 5 years (multiple entry)
Stay Duration
- Up to 90 days per visit for most nationalities
- Up to 180 days for US, UK, Canada, Japan citizens
Documents Required
- Passport copy
- Recent passport photo
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
Best For:
- First-time travellers
- Golden Triangle trips
- South India tours
- Ayurveda retreats
- Himalayan travel
- Visiting relatives
E-Business Visa
Purpose
For business meetings, trade fairs, industrial visits, client interactions, setting up partnerships.
Validity
- 1 year, multiple entry
Stay Duration
Up to 180 days per visit
Documents Required
- Business card
- Invitation letter from Indian company
- Passport + photo
Best For:
- International companies
- Tech professionals
- Import/export traders
- Investors and consultants
E-Medical Visa
Purpose
For patients undergoing medical treatment in India.
Validity
- 60 days, triple entry
Documents
- Medical letter from Indian hospital
- Passport & photo
Best For:
- Surgeries
- Transplants
- Ayurveda + naturopathy treatment
- Oncology care
E-Medical Attendant Visa
Purpose
For family members accompanying a patient.
Validity
Same as Medical Visa.
Limit
Up to two attendants per patient.
E-Conference Visa
Purpose
For attending official conferences approved by Indian ministries.
Validity
- 30 days, single entry
Documents
- Invitation letter
- Conference approval number
- Passport + photo
E-Transit Visa (New, 2025)
Purpose
For travellers passing through India to a third country.
Validity
- Valid for 30 days from ETA
- Allows two entries
Requirement
- Must show confirmed onward flight
Best For
- Passengers with long layovers
- International connections via Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
E-Mountaineering Visa (New, 2025)
Purpose
For mountaineers, trekkers, and expedition teams.
Validity
- 6 months, single entry
Requirement
- Mandatory clearance from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
Best For:
- Expeditions in Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Sikkim
- Professional climbers
- Documentary crews trekking remote regions
E-Film Visa (New, 2025)
Purpose
For international film crews shooting in India.
Validity
- 1 year, multiple entry
Requirements
- Clearance from Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
- Production agreements
Best For
- Feature films
- Documentaries
- TV & OTT series
- Travel shows
- Commercial shoots
E-Entry Visa (New, 2025)
Purpose
For individuals with close ties to India.
Eligible Applicants
- People of Indian origin
- Spouses of Indian citizens
- Dependents of foreigners holding long-term visas
Validity
- 3 months, multiple entry
Which e-Visa Should You Choose? (Real Traveller Scenarios)
Scenario 1: “I want to visit the Taj Mahal and do a Rajasthan tour.”
→ Apply for: e-Tourist Visa (30-day or 1-year)
Scenario 2: “I am attending a business meeting in Mumbai.”
→ Apply for: e-Business Visa
Scenario 3: “My mother is coming to India for surgery.”
→ Mother: e-Medical Visa
→ You: e-Medical Attendant Visa
Scenario 4: “I have a long layover in Delhi before my flight to Bali.”
→ Apply for: e-Transit Visa
Scenario 5: “We are shooting a documentary in Varanasi.”
→ Apply for: e-Film Visa
Scenario 6: “I’m joining a mountaineering expedition in the Himalayas.”
→ Apply for: e-Mountaineering Visa
Scenario 7: “I am married to an Indian citizen.”
→ Apply for: e-Entry Visa
Step-by-Step India e-Visa Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official e-Visa Portal
Fill the online form with personal details, passport information, travel itinerary.
Step 2: Upload Documents
- Passport-size photo
- Passport copy
- Category-specific documents
Step 3: Pay Visa Fee
Fees vary by nationality and category.
Step 4: Receive ETA
Arrives by email within 24–72 hours.
Step 5: Travel to India
Carry a printed copy of your ETA.
Step 6: Biometric Verification & Visa Stamping
Done at immigration counters.
Required Documents for Each India e-Visa Category
This section provides a clear, category-by-category breakdown of the documents travellers must prepare. This is one of the most important parts of the entire guide since incomplete documentation is the number one reason for delays or rejections.
E-Tourist Visa — Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival |
| Recent passport-size photograph | White background, clear face, JPEG format |
| Return/onward ticket | Mandatory for confirming travel intent |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking, tour package voucher, or invitation letter |
| Travel itinerary | Optional but recommended |
| Financial proof | Sometimes requested for longer stays |
E-Business Visa — Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | Recent, JPEG |
| Business card | Must include company name and contact details |
| Invitation letter | From the Indian company or organisation |
| Website details | Applicant’s company website or LinkedIn profile |
| Optional contracts or agreements | Speeds up approval |
E-Medical Visa — Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | Mandatory |
| Medical letter from approved Indian hospital | Must specify treatment details |
| Appointment confirmation | Mandatory |
| Proof of funds | Required for some treatments |
| Return ticket | May not always be needed for long-term treatments |
E-Medical Attendant Visa — Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Applicant photo | Mandatory |
| Proof of relationship | Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or legal documents |
| Copy of patient’s medical visa | Required |
| Patient’s hospital invitation letter | Required |
E-Conference Visa — Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | Mandatory |
| Invitation letter | Must match conference details |
| Conference approval number | Issued by the Indian Government |
| Applicant organisation ID | Optional but helpful |
E-Transit Visa — Required Documents (NEW)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | Mandatory |
| Confirmed onward flight ticket | Essential for approval |
| Travel to a third country | Must be proven |
This visa is not meant for tourism or city tours unless the layover requires entering India.
E-Mountaineering Visa — Required Documents (NEW)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Applicant photo | Mandatory |
| Clearance from Indian Mountaineering Foundation | Absolutely required |
| Expedition details | Route, duration, team list |
| Travel insurance | Strongly recommended |
Expedition approval must be obtained before e-Visa application.
E-Film Visa — Required Documents (NEW)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Applicant photo | Mandatory |
| Approval from Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | Required |
| Shooting locations list | Cities + dates |
| Film synopsis | Mandatory |
| Crew list | Mandatory |
| Production agreements | Optional but speeds up clearance |
E-Entry Visa — Required Documents (NEW)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport bio page | Mandatory |
| Applicant photo | Mandatory |
| Proof of Indian origin or relationship | OCI, marriage certificate, birth certificate |
| Proof of residence | Optional |
| Supporting ID of Indian spouse/parent | Aadhaar, passport |
Visa Fees, Validity Rules, and Stay Duration
Visa fees vary depending on nationality and category. However, the structure is generally similar.
E-Visa Validity (All Categories)
| Category | Validity | Entries | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist (30-day) | 30 days | Double | 30 days |
| e-Tourist (1-year) | 365 days | Multiple | 90/180 days |
| e-Tourist (5-year) | 5 years | Multiple | 90/180 days |
| e-Business | 365 days | Multiple | 180 days |
| e-Medical | 60 days | Triple | 60 days |
| e-Medical Attendant | 60 days | Triple | Linked to patient |
| e-Conference | 30 days | Single | 30 days |
| e-Transit | 30 days from ETA | 2 entries | 48–72 hrs generally |
| e-Mountaineering | 6 months | Single | 6 months |
| e-Film | 1 year | Multiple | Up to 180 days per visit |
| e-Entry | 3 months | Multiple | 3 months |
Can You Extend an e-Visa in India?
As of 2025:
- Tourist Visa: Not extendable
- Business Visa: Extensible only through FRRO/FRO and subject to approval
- Medical Visa: Extendable in medical emergencies
- Film Visa: Partially extendable based on project needs
- Mountaineering Visa: Rarely extendable
- Entry Visa: Convertible to other long-term visas in some cases
E-Visa Fee Structure (General Range)
Fees differ by nationality, but approximate ranges include:
- e-Tourist Visa: USD 10–100
- e-Business Visa: USD 80–100
- e-Medical Visa: USD 80–100
- e-Conference Visa: USD 60–80
- e-Transit Visa: USD 10–20
- e-Mountaineering Visa: USD 50–150
- e-Film Visa: USD 50–150
- e-Entry Visa: USD 10–80
Taxes and bank charges may apply.
Port of Entry Rules & Biometric Verification
All e-Visa holders must enter India through specific ports.
Approved Airports for e-Visa Entry (28 Airports)
Including major hubs:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Cochin
- Goa (Mopa + Dabolim)
- Ahmedabad
- Jaipur
- Amritsar
- Pune
- Lucknow
- Varanasi
And more.
Approved Seaports (5 Seaports)
- Cochin
- Mangalore
- Marmagoa
- Chennai
- Mumbai
EXITS can be from any authorised immigration checkpoint.
Biometric Verification: What to Expect
Every e-Visa traveller must undergo:
- Facial scan
- Fingerprint scan
- ETA verification
- Passport stamping
The process usually takes 5–20 minutes, depending on airport traffic.
Common Mistakes, Rejections & Troubleshooting Guide
This is crucial. Most rejections happen due to avoidable errors.
Top Mistakes Travellers Make
- Uploading blurred passport photos
- Uploading selfies instead of passport-style photos
- Passport validity less than six months
- Entering wrong passport number or birthdate
- Mismatched flight details
- Applying for the wrong visa category
- Submitting incomplete business or medical documents
- Using an unofficial website
- Forgetting to print the ETA
- Entering through a non-eVisa airport
Reasons for e-Visa Rejection
- Incomplete documents
- Suspicious travel patterns
- Mistyped passport details
- Low-resolution scanned images
- Missing government approval (Film, Mountaineering)
- Nationality restrictions
What to Do if Your e-Visa Is Rejected
- Reapply using corrected documents
- Use a higher-resolution scan
- Ensure passport validity
- Choose the right visa type
- Contact the Indian e-Visa support desk
- Consider applying for a regular visa if repeatedly rejected
What to Do If Your ETA Is Delayed
Common reasons:
- Missing or unclear documents
- High seasonal demand
- Background verification delays
Solutions:
- Check email spam folder
- Re-upload documents via the portal
- Contact support
- Reapply if no response after 3 days
India e-Visa FAQ (Most Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How early should I apply for an India e-Visa?
Apply 4–7 days before travel. Emergency processing is not guaranteed.
2. Can I enter India multiple times?
Depends on the visa category. Tourist (1-year and 5-year), Business, Film, and Entry visas allow multiple entries.
3. Do children need a separate e-Visa?
Yes, regardless of age.
4. Can I work in India with an e-Visa?
No. For employment, you need a regular Employment Visa.
5. Can I travel anywhere in India with an e-Visa?
Almost everywhere, except restricted zones requiring special permits (e.g., parts of Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal).
6. Do I need a printed copy of my ETA?
Yes. Immigration requires a physical copy.
7. Is biometric mandatory?
Yes, for all foreign arrivals except minors or special cases.
8. Can I extend my tourist e-Visa?
No.
9. Which visa is best for yoga retreats?
e-Tourist Visa.
10. Can I convert my e-Visa to a regular long-term visa?
Rarely; allowed only in specific Entry Visa cases.
Summary Table: Which India e-Visa Should You Apply For?
| Traveller Type | Recommended e-Visa |
|---|---|
| Holiday traveller | e-Tourist |
| Business traveller | e-Business |
| Patient seeking treatment | e-Medical |
| Family member of patient | e-Medical Attendant |
| Conference attendee | e-Conference |
| Person in transit | e-Transit |
| Film crew member | e-Film |
| Mountaineer or trekker | e-Mountaineering |
| Spouse/child of Indian national | e-Entry |
15. Final Thoughts: India’s e-Visa System in 2025–2026
India’s updated e-Visa system is more flexible, faster, and more inclusive than ever. The addition of the Transit, Entry, Film, and Mountaineering categories in 2025 marks a major upgrade, opening up India to travellers with diverse purposes—tourism, business, family visits, filmmaking projects, or high-altitude adventures.
For travellers, this means:
- Less paperwork
- Faster approvals
- Easier multi-city travel
- Better support for niche travel purposes
- More predictable immigration processes
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Taj Mahal, attending meetings in Mumbai, trekking the Himalayas, filming in Rajasthan, or visiting family, the Indian e-Visa system provides a straightforward and traveller-friendly pathway.
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