Planning a trip to India? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from India's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to India need e-tourist visa, with an official government fee of USD 80.
India visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | e-Tourist Visa |
| Government fee | USD 80 |
| Processing time | Typically 3-5 business days |
| Validity | 5 years from grant (multiple entry) |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for India?
e-Tourist Visa: Citizens of eligible countries for multiple tourist visits over five years
India e-Tourist Visa (1 year): Citizens of 180+ eligible countries visiting for tourism, meeting friends/relatives or short recreation
India e-Tourist Visa (5 years): Citizens of eligible countries for multiple tourist visits over one year
India e-Business / e-Medical / e-Conference Visa: Eligible nationals travelling for business, medical treatment (patient/attendant) or conferences
India visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | USD 80 | 90 days | Typically 3-5 business days | https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html |
| India e-Tourist Visa (1 year) | USD 25 | 30 days | Typically 3-5 business days (apply min. 4 days before travel) | https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html |
| India e-Tourist Visa (5 years) | USD 40 | 90 days | Typically 3-5 business days | https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html |
| India e-Business / e-Medical / e-Conference Visa | — | 180 days | Typically 3-5 business days | https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html |
Documents required
For the e-Tourist Visa:
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport-style digital photo
- Scanned passport bio page
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- e-Tourist Visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html — allow Typically 3-5 business days.
- India e-Tourist Visa (1 year): https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html — allow Typically 3-5 business days (apply min. 4 days before travel).
- India e-Tourist Visa (5 years): https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html — allow Typically 3-5 business days.
- India e-Business / e-Medical / e-Conference Visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html — allow Typically 3-5 business days.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
India visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling India visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for India.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your India application.
- Processing: allow Typically 3-5 business days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to India
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Entry only via designated airports/seaports. Beware look-alike sites.
India visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a India visa?
e-Tourist Visa: USD 80. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$50.
How long does it take?
e-Tourist Visa: Typically 3-5 business days.
Apply for your India visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: e-Visa: USD 80 · India e-Tourist Visa: USD 25 · India e-Tourist Visa: USD 40. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Official sources
- Bureau of Immigration India — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.