India Visa Guide
How to Apply for an Indian Visa - Step by Step
To apply for an Indian visa, go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, choose the e-Visa category, fill in personal and passport details, upload your passport bio page and a white-background photo, pay the fee (USD 10 to 200), and receive the e-Visa by email in 72 hours to 4 business days. For sticker visas, apply at an Indian embassy, consulate or visa application centre.
- Processing time
- e-Visa: 72 hours to 4 business days
- Cost
- USD 10 to 200
- Validity
- Per category
- Eligibility
- 170+ nationalities for e-Visa
- How to apply
- Online portal or visa application centre
Step-by-step process
- Open indianvisaonline.gov.in and select e-Visa Application.
- Choose the category matching your purpose.
- Fill personal, passport and travel details exactly.
- Upload passport bio page (PDF) and photo (JPEG).
- Pay the fee and receive the e-Visa by email.
- Print the e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
Requirements
| Passport | 6 months validity, 2 blank pages. |
|---|---|
| Photo | White background JPEG 10 KB to 1 MB. |
| Bio page | PDF 10 KB to 300 KB. |
| Category proof | Invitation / hospital letter / onward ticket. |
| Payment | International card or approved gateway. |
Common mistakes
- Wrong category
- Non-compliant photo
- Name mismatch
- Applying too close to travel
Expert tips
- Apply at least 7 days before departure.
- Use only the official portal.
- Double-check photo size.
- Print the e-Visa before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for an India e-Visa?
On the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in.
How early should I apply for an India visa?
At least 7 days before travel for the e-Visa; 4 weeks for sticker visas.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, but the details must be yours and the fee is paid on the official portal.