India welcomes travelers from over 160 countries through its modernized e‑Visa system, INDIAN VISA FOR CITIZENS along with traditional paper visas issued at Indian embassies and consulates. Here’s a breakdown:
India, a country rich in culture, history, and economic opportunity, offers several types of visas to foreign nationals depending on the purpose of their visit. This article serves as a comprehensive overview of Indian visa options for citizens of various countries, whether traveling for tourism, business, medical treatment, study, or employment.
🌐 1. Indian e‑Visa
✅ Who Can Apply?
Foreign nationals from eligible countries listed on the official Indian e‑Visa website can apply. Pakistan passport holders are ineligible and INDIAN VISA FOR CITIZENS must apply through an embassy.
✳️ e‑Visa Categories:
- e‑Tourist Visa: Available in 30‑day (single entry), 1‑year, and 5‑year durations.
- e‑Business Visa
- e‑Medical / e‑Medical Attendant Visa
- e‑Conference Visa.
📋 Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages.
- Digital passport‑style photograph and scanned bio‑page.
- Return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Payment via credit/debit card (plus ~2.5% fee).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an infected zone.
⏱️ Timing & Fees:
- Apply at least 4 days before travel, up to 120 days in advance for some visa types.
- Fees vary (e‑Tourist: USD 10–80; Business/Medical: higher).
- Processing typically takes 3–7 business days .
🛂 Conditions:
- Valid at 28 major airports and 5 seaports .
- Entry permitted only via designated points; exit may be through any immigration checkpoint.
- Tourist/Business visas valid up to 90 days per calendar year (180 days for US/UK/Japan/Canada citizens) .
- e‑Visas are non‑extendable and non‑convertible, except for medical visas.
🏢 2. Regular (Sticker) Visa
✅ Who Needs It?
Those ineligible for e‑Visa or planning longer stays, employment, study, or official visits must apply at an Indian embassy or visa application center.
📝 Application Process:
- Apply online via official portal.
- Print and submit the form with required documents (photos, passport, invitation letters, etc.).
- Provide biometrics (for ages 12–70) .
- Attend in-person appointment (if required).
- Wait 3–10 days, then collect your visa or receive it by mail.
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Indian e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
The e-Visa is the most popular and accessible visa option for short-term travelers. It is available to citizens from over 160 countries.
✅ e-Visa Categories:
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e-Tourist Visa – for sightseeing, visiting friends/family, yoga retreats, etc.
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e-Business Visa – for attending meetings, exhibitions, or exploring business ventures.
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e-Medical Visa – for short-term medical treatments.
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e-Medical Attendant Visa – for family members of e-Medical visa holders.
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e-Conference Visa – for attending government-approved conferences in India.
📅 Validity and Stay:
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30-day e-Tourist Visa: Valid for 30 days from arrival; double entry allowed.
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1-year & 5-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entries allowed, with a stay of up to 90 days per visit (180 days for certain nationals).
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e-Business Visa: Valid for 1 year with multiple entries; maximum stay 180 days per visit.
📝 Requirements:
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Passport valid for at least 6 months.
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Digital passport-sized photograph and scanned passport page.
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Valid email address and credit/debit card for online payment.
🛫 Entry Points:
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Only valid at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports for entry.
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Can exit from any authorized immigration check post in India.
2. Regular/Paper Visa (Sticker Visa)
Travelers from countries not eligible for e-Visa, or those visiting for long-term purposes like work, study, or research, must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.
🏷️ Categories:
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Tourist Visa
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Business Visa
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Student Visa
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Employment Visa
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Research Visa
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Intern Visa
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Journalist Visa
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Film Visa
📍 Application Process:
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Fill out the application form at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
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Submit the form, passport, photos, and supporting documents to your nearest Indian embassy or visa application center.
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Schedule a biometric appointment if required.
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Pay the visa fee (varies by visa type and nationality).
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Wait for processing (usually 3–10 working days).
🌎 Indian Visa for Citizens – By Nationality
Although this article generally covers all foreign citizens, it’s important to note:
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US, UK, Canada, and Japanese citizens can stay longer (up to 180 days per visit) on e-Tourist or e-Business visas.
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Pakistan passport holders are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply for a visa directly through an Indian consulate.
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Citizens of SAARC nations (e.g., Nepal, Bhutan) have special provisions like visa-free entry or easier access for certain types of travel.
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🔍 Key Insights
- Passport validity: Minimum 6 months + 2 blank pages.
- Visa window: e‑Visas must be used within 120 days of approval .
- No agents: Only use the official govt portal—no intermediaries allowed .
- Land borders: e‑Visas not valid—use sticker visa instead.
- Registration requirement: Long‑term visa holders must register within 14 days at FRRO unless from select countries.
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Indian Visa for Citizens – By Nationality
Although this article generally covers all foreign citizens, it’s important to note:
-
US, UK, Canada, and Japanese citizens can stay longer (up to 180 days per visit) on e-Tourist or e-Business visas.
-
Pakistan passport holders are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply for a visa directly through an Indian consulate.
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Citizens of SAARC nations (e.g., Nepal, Bhutan) have special provisions like visa-free entry or easier access for certain types of travel.
🔐 Important Notes for All Citizens
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No extension or conversion of e-Visas is allowed except under special circumstances.
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Avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines, deportation, or future visa bans.
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Check eligibility for e-Visa before applying, as not all countries are eligible.
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Health-related travel requires additional documentation and sometimes vaccination certificates.
📞 Need Help?
If you’re a citizen looking to visit India and are unsure which visa applies to your purpose of travel, I can help you check eligibility and guide you through the process. Feel free to ask about your country-specific requirements.
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🧭 Final Takeaways
- The e‑Visa is the fastest, most convenient option for short-term visits—perfect for tourism, business, medical, or conference travel.
- For long-term stays, work, study, or other specialized purposes, a regular sticker visa is required.
- Applying early, ensuring your passport and photos meet government specs, and sticking to your visa category are key to a smooth entry.
Need help picking a visa type, reviewing your e‑Visa application before submission, or clarifying requirements? I’m here to help!
