India visa guidance · Reviewed 2026-11-02 · For foreign nationals travelling to India
How long can foreigners stay in India on a tourist visa?
This guide is for foreign nationals considering a trip to India. India’s visa rules depend on passport nationality, purpose and visa category. The e-Visa route is not available to every nationality or every travel purpose.
Short answer
The Government of India advises applicants to apply in advance and follow the current processing guidance on the e-Visa portal. Processing is not guaranteed by a fixed number of hours: incomplete applications, payment issues, public holidays or additional checks can delay a decision. Do not travel until the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been granted and its details have been checked.
What to check before you apply
Separate appointment waiting time, time to submit biometrics or attend an interview, authority decision time and passport return/courier time. These are different stages. Apply early, keep reference numbers and avoid relying on unofficial “guaranteed” processing promises.
Documents and information to prepare
- Passport matching the application and meeting the current validity rules
- Recent photograph in the format required by the selected category
- Correct visa category and completed online application
- Supporting evidence for tourism, business, medical treatment or study as applicable
- Payment confirmation and the granted ETA or visa before travel
Recommended application steps
- Confirm the traveller’s passport nationality, current residence and exact travel purpose.
- Use the official government source to select the correct category and verify eligibility.
- Prepare genuine documents and make sure names, dates and passport details match across the file.
- Submit through the official portal or an authorised channel, pay the correct fee and retain the receipt.
- Check the decision and every condition on the issued visa before travelling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an old fee, processing estimate or checklist copied from an undated website.
- Confusing visa validity with the permitted length of stay or number of entries.
- Submitting inconsistent information or documents that do not support the stated purpose.
- Assuming a visa, appointment or expedited service guarantees admission or approval.
- Booking non-refundable travel before the required visa or travel authorisation is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Which official website should I trust?
Start with the government source linked on this page. Commercial agents and information sites can explain the process, but the relevant immigration authority controls eligibility, fees and decisions.
Can Krosz guarantee visa approval?
No. Krosz is a private visa and travel assistance service, not a government authority. Only the destination government decides whether to issue a visa or admit a traveller.
When should I verify the information again?
Recheck the official source before submitting an application and again before travel, especially for fees, document rules, permitted stay, entry points and processing estimates.
Official government source
Government of India – Indian e-Visa portal – check current rules
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, fees and processing times can change. The relevant government authority makes all visa decisions. Last reviewed: 2026-11-02.
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