How to Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
- Nishit Kagalwala
- Apr 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 17
Planning a trip to India in 2025?
Before you dive into colorful bazaars, ancient temples, and serene backwaters, there’s one important thing to check off your list: your Indian visa.
Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Whether you're coming for a short vacation, a spiritual retreat, or an extended cultural odyssey, this guide walks you through:
Here’s your traveler-friendly guide to getting an Indian visa—without the jargon.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit India?
Yes, foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. Luckily, India offers several types of tourist visas.
Types of Indian Visas for Tourists
1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa) – Most Popular
(This is the one you will typically choose)
Available to citizens of 170+ countries.
Check the latest list of countries here 👉 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ under "Countries/Nationalities eligible for eVisa".
Apply online—no embassy visits needed
Great for short trips (up to 90 days)
Valid for tourism, business, or short medical visits
When Should You Apply?
30-Day Tourist e-Visa: You can apply 4 to 30 days before arrival. The 30-day e-Tourist Visa starts from your first arrival, allowing double entry before the ETA expires.
1-Year & 5-Year Tourist e-Visas: You can apply 4 to 120 days before arrival.
We suggest you apply at least 7-10 days before arrival to ensure enough time for processing.
2. Visa on Arrival – Only for a Few Countries
Only available to nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (UAE nationals must have previously held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa)
3. Regular Visa (Sticker Visa) – For Longer or Multi-Entry Trips
If you're not eligible for an e-Visa, you'll need to apply for a regular visa, even for short stays or business visits.
Apply through your local Indian embassy or consulate
Ideal for longer stays or multiple visits over time
Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible—ideally several weeks or months in advance. For latest information please check: Regular Visa website
In this blog, we’re focusing specifically on the Indian e-Tourist Visa—the most convenient and widely-used option for travelers visiting India for leisure.
Before You Begin: Requirements Checklist (for e-Visa)
To apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa, you’ll need:
A passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
A digital passport photo with white background (JPEG, 10KB–1MB)
Scanned passport Bio page (PDF, 10KB–300KB)
* Use online tools to resize or compress your files if needed. Unclear uploads can lead to rejection.
A valid email address
A payment method (credit/debit card)
Accommodation information in India
The e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. Ensure you choose the correct visa type when applying.
Enter India through one of the designated airports or seaports that accept e-Visas.
How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Step 2: Select Your e-Visa Type
Choose Tourist e-Visa > Subcategory: Tourism / Sightseeing / Recreation
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
Details to include:
Personal Information (exactly as on passport)
Travel dates & arrival port
Accommodation or reference address in India. If traveling with WizTrek, we will share the reference details!
Upload your scanned passport and photo as per guidelines.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Visa fees vary depending on your nationality, visa type, and duration of stay. The figures below are illustrative and based on U.S. nationals.
These are just ballpark estimates—always confirm the latest fees with the nearest Indian consulate or the official Indian visa website.
Visa Type | Validity & Entry | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
e-Tourist Visa | 30 Days (Double Entry) | $10 (Apr–Jun) / $25 (Jul–Mar) | Valid from date of issue. Non-extendable. |
1 Year (Multiple Entry) | $40 | Each stay up to 90/180 days depending on nationality. | |
5 Years (Multiple Entry) | $80 | Up to 90 days per visit (180 days for select nationalities). | |
e-Business Visa | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) | $100 | Requires business/invitation letter. |
e-Medical Visa | 60 Days (Triple Entry) | $80 | For medical treatment only. |
e-Medical Attendant Visa | 60 Days (Triple Entry) | $80 | Up to 2 attendants allowed per patient. |
e-Conference Visa | 30 Days (Single Entry) | $10 | Requires event invitation and clearance from Indian authorities. |
Note: A 2.5% bank transaction charge applies on top of the visa fee.
The visa fee can be paid online using credit/debit cards or payment wallets.
Once you've completed and submitted your Indian visa application online, the system will automatically generate a unique Application ID. This ID is crucial for tracking your application status, making payments, and any future correspondence with the Indian authorities. So save your Application ID!
Step 5: e-Visa Approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Once approved, you will receive the e-Visa via email. Print a copy to carry with you on your trip to India.
Tip: If the site freezes, clear cookies or try a different browser.
Watch Our Video Guide: If you'd prefer a video guide to walk you through the process, just watch our video here.
Important Notes Regarding Visa Applications
Always check your eligibility for e-Visa. Citizens of certain countries, and those of Pakistani origin, need to apply for a regular visa through the nearest Indian consulate.
All visa approvals are solely at the discretion of the Government of India. WizTrek does not have any role or influence in the decision-making process.
We are here to assist you with the application process, but we cannot guarantee approval or expedite the outcome in any way.
Double-check all details before submission, as errors could lead to delays or rejection.
Your passport photo must be clear, with a white background, and taken in the last six months. Follow the guidelines provided on the e-Visa website for photo specifications.
Check your spam folder for approval email in case it doesn’t appear in your inbox.
If you encounter any issues, contact the Indian e-Visa support via their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need to give biometrics for an Indian e-Visa?
No. If you're applying for an Indian e-Visa, there’s no need for biometrics. That’s only required for regular visas through consulates or embassies.
2. Do I need a return ticket to enter India?
Yes, Indian immigration may ask to see your return or onward travel ticket. A printed or digital copy will work—just have it ready.
3. What address do I need to give in my visa application?
You’ll need to list a local Indian address—a hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb is totally fine.
4. Can I work or volunteer on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas don’t allow work or volunteering, even if it’s unpaid. If you're planning to do either, apply for a visa that fits that purpose.
5. Do I need any special permits beyond the e-Visa?
Yes, certain regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh border areas, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands require Restricted or Protected Area Permits (RAP/PAP). If you’re booking with us at WizTrek, we can help arrange these.
6. What should I do if the payment is not accepted by the e-Visa website?
If you're facing issues while making the payment, start by clearing your browser history and cookies, then try again. If the problem still persists, switch to a different browser. In case you've already attempted the payment more than three times without success, you may need to re-submit the entire application form. Payment Support helpline :-
Axis Bank Technical support. Email address: ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com
Contact No Toll free Numbers from:
USA : 18552055577
UK : 0808178 5040
Singapore : 8001206355
Australia : 1800153861
UAE : 8000 3570 3218
Saudi Arabia : 8008500000
Qatar : 00800 100348
Bahrain : 80011300
For rest of the countries: + 91-40-6717-4100
SBI ePay payment support provides technical support for all payment related transactions at +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7).
7. When should I apply for my Indian e-Visa?
Depends on the type of e-Visa you are applying for. We suggest you apply at least 7-10 days before arrival to ensure enough time for processing.
8. Do I need to fill out the Air Suvidha form?
No! The Air Suvidha self-declaration form was discontinued. No extra paperwork before boarding.
9. Can I stay in India a bit longer if my visa is about to expire?
No. Do not overstay your visa—not even by a day. It can lead to fines, deportation, or future visa bans. Always stick to your visa validity.
10. Can I extend my tourist e-Visa once I’m in India?
Unfortunately, tourist visas cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave India and apply again from outside. For any special cases you can contact the FRRO (Foreigners Registration Office).
11. Do tourists need to register with the FRRO before traveling?
Not at all. FRRO registration is only for long-term visas (like work or student visas). If you're on a tourist visa, you're good to go.
12. Is it safe to apply for an Indian visa online?
Yes—as long as you use the official government site. There are many fake websites out there, so always double-check the URL: 👉 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
13. Can I enter India with an e-Visa at any airport?
No. You must enter through one of the designated e-Visa airports. Please refer to the list on the official e-Visa website under “Authorized Immigration Checkposts through which eVisa holders can travel”.
14. Can I use an e-Visa if I’m arriving by cruise?
Yes, but only through approved seaports. Please refer to the list on the official e-Visa website under “Authorized Immigration Checkposts through which eVisa holders can travel”.
15. Can I enter India by land with an e-Visa?
No. Overland entry (e.g., from Nepal or Bhutan) is not allowed on an e-Visa. You’ll need a regular/paper visa for that.
16. Do children need a visa to enter India?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own visa. You’ll need to submit a separate e-Visa application for each child, even if they’re traveling on a parent’s passport.
17. What are the photo requirements for the e-Visa?
Your photo must be clear, have a white background (JPEG, 10KB–1MB), and be taken within the last 6 months. Follow the official e-Visa site for full specs.
18. I haven’t received my e-Visa email. What should I do?
First, check your spam or junk folder—sometimes the approval email ends up there.
19. Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
If you run into issues or need help, reach out to Indian e-Visa support through their official website.
Need Help with Your Visa?
If you're unsure or just need a little extra support, WizTrek’s got your back.
📩 Email us at hello@wiztrek.com
📱 Or DM us on Instagram: @wiztrek
If you need help planning your trip for a smooth journey, reach out to us. We’ll ensure your visa application and travel experience go seamlessly.
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