This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated January 2024

Home to lofty snow-clad mountains and lush green forests, pristine beaches and coastal beauties, numerous hill stations and vast plains, south-Asian giant India attracts a large number of foreign tourists throughout the year.

Here’s all you need to know about the Indian tourist visa, the different types of tourist visas and how to apply. 

Can you apply for a tourist visa in India now?

Yes, India has now opened up all categories of tourist visas for international travellers. The online Indian visa application allows visitors from 166 eligible countries to apply for a tourist e-Visa.

Indian Tourist Visas For All Countries Restored After 2 Years

 

How do I apply for an Indian tourist visa?

Foreign nationals intending to visit India may visit on any visa since most tourist visas have been re-instated. You can follow the below steps to obtain an e-tourist visa:

Applying online

Submit the application form

You can fill out and submit the visa application form securely from the Indianvisaonline website. This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for a visa from outside India. 

  • each online application form is meant for one person only. A separate application has to be filed for each applicant.
  • furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, addresses and dates of birth.
  • applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They can save the online application form in case it is not to be submitted.
  • once the applicant submits the online application form, further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.
  • applicants should keep the Application Id (generated automatically after submitting the online form) for further communications.

Photo requirements

The online India visa application requires the applicant to upload a digital photograph of themselves and a copy of their passport page to complete the regular visa application. 

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the visa application should meet the following requirements:

  • format JPEG
  • size
    • minimum 10 KB
    • maximum 300 KB
  • the height and width of the photo must be equal, without borders. 
  • the photo should present a full face, front view, and eyes open.
  • centre head within the frame and present full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.
  • the background should be plain, light-coloured or white.
  • no shadows on the face or the background.

Setting an appointment and payment

Upon successful completion of the visa application form, the system will automatically ask you for the following confirmation: 

  • select ‘Yes’ if you want to seek an appointment and make payment online or 
  • ‘No’ if you just want to print the submitted application form.

If your response is ‘No’, you should take the printout of the submitted online application form here and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.

If your response is ‘Yes’, the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:

  • selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission
  • calculation of visa fees, service charges, VAT 

Submit your application with the required documents at Indian Visa Application Centre or Indian Mission after setting an appointment online. Each applicant must schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission.

Checking for visa status and collecting your visa

You can check your visa status here, and upon confirmation can collect your visa from the Indian Mission/Visa Application Centre or by post.

Types of India tourist visas available

One-month tourist visa

  • duration: One month (30 Days).
  • entries: Double entry, non-extendable and non-convertible

The one-month tourist visa must be applied for online a minimum 4 days in advance

One-year tourist visa

  • duration: One year (365 Days) from the date of grant of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
  • entries: Multiple

The one-year tourist visa must be applied for 120 days in advance from the proposed date of travel.

Five years tourist visa

  • duration: Five years from the date of grant of ETA.
  • entries: Multiple

Stay duration:

  • continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days for countries except the USA, UK, Canada and Japan. 
  • for the USA, UK, Canada and Japan, continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days.

The five-year tourist visa must be applied for 120 days in advance from the proposed date of travel.

India tourist visa status check

You can check the status of your India tourist visa by following the steps given below:

  • visit the indianvisaonline website.
  • enter your “Application Id” and “Passport Number”.
  • enter the Captcha accurately.
  • click “Check Status” for normal visa applications and “Advanced search for e-visa only” for e-visa applications. 

Please note that:

For Regular visa

  • Visa Status Enquiry can be used to know visa status.
  • Application ID can be seen on your receipt issued by the Indian Mission/Agent where you have submitted your application.

For e-Visa

  • Visa Status Enquiry can be used to know visa status and payment status and to print an e-Visa (ETA).
  • Application ID can be seen in the Acknowledgement email and also in the printed application form.

India tourist visa price

The fee for an Indian tourist visa varies depending on your nationality and type of tourist visa. Based on some sources, it can range from $25 to $80.

[Total: 210 Average: 4.5]