How to Apply for an India eVisa in 2025 I Step-by-Step by step

Since November 2014, the India Government has offered an electronic visa (eVisa) to international tourists, making the process faster and more accessible. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for an Indian tourist eVisa via the official e-Visa India website.

What is the Indian evisa?

The e-visa (also known as an electronic visa or ETA) is an official document issued electronically by the Immigration Office of the Ministry of the Interior of the Government of India, which allows entry into the country. It is also called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

You can obtain it electronically through the official website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa

The evisa is available to over 170 countries, and you can check it HERE to know whether your country is on the list or not.

What types of eVisas are available for travelers to India in 2025?

Visa type	Purpose	Duration	Entries allowed
e-Tourist Visa	Tourism	30 days / 365 days / 5 years	30-day visa: Double entry 365-day & 5-year visa: Multiple entries
e-Business Visa	Business or commercial activities	365 days	Multiple entries
e-Medical Visa & e-Medical Attendant Visa	Medical treatment	60 days	Triple entry
e-Conference Visa	Attending a conference	30 days	Single entry

What are the required documents for an Indian eVisa?

To apply for an India E Visa, travelers must meet the following requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date

• Recent color photo (white background, JPG format)

• Passport information page scan (PDF format)

• Hotel booking or local contact details

• For an e-Business visa, you will need a business card and an invitation letter from the Indian company.

• For an e-Medical visa, you will need documents from the hospital where you are being treated.

India eVisa Fee and Processing Time

The cost of an Indian eVisa varies depending on nationality and visa type, ranging from USD 10–100. Payments are accepted online only through the official eVisa portal.

The processing time usually takes 3–5 business days from the date of submission. However, applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date, as express or urgent processing is not guaranteed.

Please note that visa fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected. Therefore, it is important to carefully review all information and ensure that your passport and required documents meet the official requirements before submitting your application.

Validity and entry rules

The validity period of an Indian eVisa depends on the visa type selected - it can be 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Travelers should check the specific duration mentioned on their visa approval before making a travel plan.

The India E Visa can be used to enter the country through designated airports and seaports. Currently, there are 28 airports and 5 seaports where E Visa holders can land. It is important to note that the E Visa is not valid for entry via land borders.

Please note that the eVisa is non-extendable and non-convertible, meaning it cannot be extended beyond its original validity period or changed to another visa category while in India. If you wish to stay longer or change your purpose of visit, you must leave India and apply for a new visa.

Finally, all travelers are required to carry a printed copy of their eVisa approval for immigration checks upon arrival.

How to apply for an Indian evisa on the official website by yourself?

Before you begin your India eVisa application, we highly recommend watching THIS VIDEO, which highlights the most common technical issues travelers face when submitting the form online. From upload errors and page timeouts to payment failures, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to avoid frustration.

Step 1: Visit the official India eVisa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa

Step 2: Choose the correct visa type

Select the type of eVisa that matches the purpose of your travel - Tourist, Business, Medical, or Conference. Each visa type has its own validity period and entry rules, so make sure to review the details before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form

Complete the digital form with your personal information, travel details, passport data, and contact address. Double-check every field for accuracy - even small errors can delay approval or result in rejection.

Step 4: Upload required documents

You will be asked to upload:

• A recent passport-size photo (white background, JPEG format).
  

• A scanned copy of your passport’s bio page (PDF format, under 300KB) showing your photo, personal details, and passport number.
  For business or medical visas, additional documents such as an invitation letter or hospital letter may also be required.
  

Step 5: Pay the visa fee online

Once your application form and documents are submitted, proceed to pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.

Step 6: Receive your application ID

After successful submission, you will receive an Application ID. Keep this number safe - it allows you to track your application status on the official website anytime.

Step 7: Get your eVisa approval by email

After processing, you’ll receive an eVisa approval notice (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA) via email, usually within 3-5 business days. The document will be in PDF format and should be downloaded and printed.

Step 8: Print and carry your eVisa when traveling

Print a hard copy of your eVisa approval and keep it with your passport. You’ll need to present it to airline staff before boarding and to Indian immigration officers upon arrival.

Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an India eVisa

Applying for an Indian eVisa is straightforward, but small errors can easily lead to delays or visa rejection. Here are some practical India eVisa tips and common mistakes to watch out for before submitting your application:

Apply early

Always apply at least 7 days before your travel date. Although most eVisas are processed within 3–5 business days, unexpected delays can happen due to system errors, document issues, or high application volumes - especially during holiday seasons.

Double-check your passport details

Your passport information must match exactly what you enter on the application form. Even minor spelling errors in your name, passport number, or date of birth can cause rejection at the visa or immigration stage.

Upload clear and correct documents

Many applicants face delays because of blurry or incorrectly formatted photos. Make sure your:

• The passport photo is recent, well-lit, and on a white background.
  

• The passport scan clearly shows all details and is within the size limit.
  For best results, use JPEG for photos and PDF for documents.
  

Check your email - including the spam folder

Your eVisa approval (ETA) will be sent via email in PDF format. Sometimes, it may land in your spam or junk folder, so remember to check there regularly after submitting your application.

By following these India visa tips and avoiding the common India eVisa mistakes, you can ensure a smooth application process and avoid unnecessary visa rejection or travel delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What should I do if the payment is not accepted by the e-Visa website?

Make sure you delete the browser history and cookies before trying to make a payment. Also, try to change the browser if the problem persists.

In case you have already tried more than three times, then you may have to resubmit the entire application form.

2. Can I enter India using the land border even if I have a valid e-visa for any other airport or seaport that is not listed for the e-Visa?

No, you can only enter through the designated airports/seaports, which are listed on the e-Visa website.

3. Can I enter India multiple times with one eVisa?

It depends on your visa type. Some eVisas, such as the 30-day e-Tourist Visa, allow double entry, the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas and Business eVisas enable multiple entries, while an e-conference eVisa only allows single entry. Always check the visa type and validity period stated on your approval letter before traveling.

4. Can I get a refund for the rejected e-Visa application?

The e-Visa processing fee, once submitted, is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either the grant or the Rejection of the Application.

5. Do children need separate eVisas?

Yes. Each traveler, including infants and minors, must have a separate eVisa linked to their passport. Parents can complete the online application on behalf of their children, ensuring all details match the child’s passport information.

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The India eVisa system offers a fast, convenient, and fully online way for travelers from around the world to visit India for tourism, business, medical treatment, or conferences. With just a few steps, applicants can complete their registration, make payment online, and receive their visa approval by email - no need to visit an embassy or submit physical documents.

If you’d rather avoid the stress of technical errors and slow processing, let’s handle your India eVisa for you - just contact us:

Hotline (Whatsapp/Wechat/Viber): +84 969 255 515

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com