Visa, Entry & Documentation

Essential Travel Requirements for India

Before traveling to India, it is important to understand visa requirements, entry rules, and the documents you need to carry. Most international travelers must obtain a valid visa before arriving in India. Airlines will not allow boarding without an approved visa or e-Visa.

Who Needs a Visa for India

• Visa required for most travelers: Almost all foreign nationals must obtain a visa before entering India.
• No general visa on arrival: Visa on arrival is not commonly available for India.
• Transit rules apply: Even travelers transiting through India may need a transit visa depending on nationality and duration of stay.

Indian Visa Types

• Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, holidays, and visiting friends or relatives.
• e-Tourist Visa: Online visa available for short-term and long-term tourism.
• Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, and commercial activities.
• Medical Visa: For receiving medical treatment at Indian hospitals.
• Student Visa: For academic studies at recognized institutions.
• Employment Visa: For long-term professional or contractual work.
• Conference Visa: For attending government-approved events.
• Transit Visa: For short stopovers en route to another country.

Each visa category has specific conditions. Paid or unpaid work is strictly prohibited on a tourist visa.

India e-Visa (Online Visa)

• Official online application: The India e-Visa is the most convenient option for many travelers and must be applied for through the Government of India e-Visa portal .
• Visa durations: Tourist e-Visas are available for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year periods.
• Online process: Applications must be completed online before travel.
• Processing time: Usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
• Entry points: Valid for entry through designated international airports and seaports.
• Stay limits: Each visit is generally limited to 90–180 days depending on nationality.
• ETA required: After approval, travelers receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which must be printed and carried.

Passport & Entry Requirements

• Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
• Blank pages: At least two blank pages are required.
• Condition: Passport must be machine-readable and in good condition.
• Matching details: Passport details must exactly match the visa application.
• Damaged passports: Temporary or damaged passports may be refused entry.

Entry & Immigration on Arrival

• Valid passport and visa: Passport with approved visa or e-Visa.
• Printed e-Visa: Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval.
• Travel proof: Return or onward flight ticket.
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking or address of stay.
• Funds: Proof of sufficient funds may be requested.
• Basic questions: Immigration officers may ask about travel purpose and duration.

Visa Information

For US, UK & European Travelers

United States passport holders are eligible for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tourist e-Visas with multiple entry. Each visit is usually limited to a maximum of 180 days. United Kingdom passport holders are eligible for all tourist e-Visa categories. Multiple entry is allowed, and passport validity rules are strictly enforced.

Most European Union and Schengen country citizens are eligible for India e-Visa options, including long-term tourist e-Visas. Entry is permitted only through approved airports and seaports.

Visa rules may vary slightly by country and can change over time.

Visa Eligibility by Nationality

• United States passport holders: Eligible for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tourist e-Visas with multiple entry. Each visit is usually limited to a maximum of 180 days.
• United Kingdom passport holders: Eligible for all tourist e-Visa categories. Multiple entry is permitted, and passport validity rules are strictly enforced.
• European Union & Schengen citizens: Most EU and Schengen country nationals qualify for India e-Visa options, including long-term tourist e-Visas.
• Approved entry points: Entry is permitted only through designated international airports and seaports.
• Rule variations: Visa conditions may vary slightly by country and can change over time.

Health, Vaccination & Insurance

• Travel medical insurance: Coverage for medical emergencies is strongly recommended.
• Medications: Carry prescriptions for any personal medications.
• Health documentation: Vaccination or health certificates may be required depending on current regulations.
• Check updates: Health requirements may change, so reviewing official guidance before departure is advised.

Customs Rules & Restricted Items

• Cash declaration: Large amounts of cash must be declared upon arrival.
• Drones: Importing drones requires special permission.
• Restricted items: Certain electronics, medicines, and satellite phones are restricted.
• Food items: Some food products are prohibited from entry.
• Penalties: Failure to declare restricted items may result in fines or confiscation.

Registration & Long Stays

• Short-term tourists: Usually do not require local registration.
• Long-term stays: Some long-term visa holders must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
• Visa-based rules: Registration requirements depend on visa type and length of stay.

Overstay & Visa Rules

• Fines: Overstaying a visa may result in financial penalties.
• Deportation: Serious overstays can lead to deportation.
• Future visa issues: Overstays may affect future visa approvals.
• Exit clearance: Exit permits may be required in some cases.
• Extensions: Visa extensions are limited and not guaranteed.

Important Documentation Tips

• Apply early: Submit your visa application well in advance of travel.
• Carry copies: Keep both printed and digital copies of important documents.
• Check accuracy: Ensure passport and visa details match exactly.
• Follow conditions: Respect visa terms and length-of-stay limits.

Visa, Entry & Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ section answers common questions about visa requirements, entry rules, documentation, and stay conditions for travelers visiting :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Visa policies can change, so travelers should always confirm the latest requirements before departure.

General Visa Questions

• Do I need a visa to travel to India? Yes. Most foreign nationals, including travelers from the US, UK, and Europe, must obtain a valid visa before travel. Visa on arrival is generally not available.
• What is an India e-Visa? An India e-Visa is an electronic visa applied for online. After approval, travelers receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which must be printed and presented at immigration.
• Which nationalities are eligible for India e-Visa? Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, most European Union countries, Australia, and Canada, are eligible. Eligibility depends on nationality and passport type.

Tourist e-Visa Details

• What tourist e-Visas are available? India offers 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tourist e-Visas. The 30-day visa allows double entry, while the 1-year and 5-year visas allow multiple entries.
• How long can I stay in India? Most travelers may stay between 90 and 180 days per visit, depending on visa type and nationality. Long-term e-Visas allow multiple visits with a maximum stay limit per entry.
• How long does visa processing take? e-Visas are usually processed within 3 to 5 working days. Embassy or consulate visas may take several weeks.
• Can I extend my tourist visa? Tourist visas are generally not extendable. Extensions are rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Work, Activities & Compliance

• Can I work or volunteer on a tourist visa? No. Paid or unpaid work and volunteering are not permitted on a tourist visa.
• What happens if I overstay my visa? Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, exit restrictions, and difficulty obtaining future Indian visas.
• Can I re-enter India on the same visa? Yes, if your visa allows multiple entry. Long-term tourist e-Visas usually permit multiple visits.

Passport & Arrival Documentation

• Passport validity requirements: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival and have at least two blank pages.
• Return or onward ticket: Immigration officers may request proof of onward or return travel.
• Documents to carry: Passport, visa or printed e-Visa approval, accommodation details, and proof of sufficient funds.

Health, Registration & Customs

• Is travel insurance mandatory? Not mandatory, but strongly recommended due to medical and emergency costs.
• Health and vaccination rules: Requirements may change. Travelers should check official health advisories and carry certificates if required.
• Do I need local registration? Short-term tourists usually do not need to register. Long-term visa holders may need FRRO registration.
• Entry points: e-Visa holders must enter via approved airports or seaports. Land borders usually require a regular visa.
• Drones and restricted items: Drones, satellite phones, and special equipment require permission and must be declared.

Visa Application Issues

• What if my visa is rejected? You may reapply after correcting errors or apply for a different visa category. Application fees are usually non-refundable.