At a glance
E-visa available
Yes
Visa-free countries
3 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
India expanded its e-Visa program to 165 nationalities through 2024-2025. The 5-year multi-entry tourist e-visa (introduced 2019) was made available to more nationalities in 2024. India launched the Bharat Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) as the consolidated visa-application portal in 2023, replacing the previous multiple e-visa channels.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist E-Visa (60 days) | 60 days, single or double entry | USD 25 (low season) to USD 50 (peak) | Passport scan, photo, application via indianvisaonline.gov.in | 3-5 business days |
| Tourist E-Visa (1 year) | 1 year, multiple entry, max 90 days per visit | USD 40-80 | Same as 60-day | 3-5 business days |
| Tourist E-Visa (5 years) | 5 years, multiple entry, max 90 days per visit | USD 80-100 | Same | 3-5 business days |
| Tourist Visa (Embassy) | 6 months to 10 years | USD 40-150 | Application, passport, photo, financial proof | 5-10 business days |
Visa-free countries (3)
Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives.
India Visa Overview 2026
India operates one of the most expanded e-visa programs globally, covering 165 nationalities through indianvisaonline.gov.in. The tourist e-visa comes in three durations: 60 days (the standard), 1 year multiple-entry, and 5 years multiple-entry. Prices range USD 25-100 depending on duration and season.
The 60-Day Tourist E-Visa
The standard option. USD 25 in low season (April-June, October-December) or USD 50 in peak season (January-March, July-September). Single or double entry. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in with passport scan, recent photo, intended dates, and basic application information. Processing 3-5 business days.
The e-visa is electronic; print and present at immigration on arrival at one of the 30+ approved airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, and others) or 5 seaports. Note: e-visa entry is not available at land borders; if entering by land from Nepal, Bhutan, or Bangladesh, you need an Embassy Tourist Visa.
The 1-Year and 5-Year Multi-Entry Options
For travelers planning multiple India visits:
- 1-year e-visa: USD 40-80, allows multiple entries with each visit limited to 90 days
- 5-year e-visa: USD 80-100, allows multiple entries with each visit limited to 90 days
Both are excellent for frequent travelers and business visitors. The 90-day-per-visit limit is firm; staying longer requires exiting and re-entering.
The Embassy Tourist Visa
For stays longer than 90 days per visit, or for nationalities not on the e-visa list (very few remain), the traditional Embassy Tourist Visa is the alternative. USD 40-150 depending on nationality. Up to 10 years multiple-entry duration for some nationalities (notably the US). Apply at any Indian embassy or consulate. Processing 5-10 business days.
Working in India
Tourist visas (e-visa or embassy) explicitly prohibit work, including remote work technically. For employment, you need a Business Visa (B) or Employment Visa (E) sponsored by an Indian employer. India does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026; remote workers occupy a gray zone.
Practical Notes
The official Indian visa portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs site is mea.gov.in. The biometric collection (for 5-year e-visas) happens at any Indian visa application center on your first visit to India; a one-time process. The e-visa is granted in approximately 90 percent of applications; rejections are typically due to incomplete documentation rather than substantive issues.
Avoid the commercial visa sites (india-visa.com, evisa-india.com, ivisa.com) that charge USD 50-100 markups. The official portal is straightforward and processes the same applications at the standard rates. Customer support via the portal's email contact is generally responsive within 24-48 hours.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG India country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.