How to Apply for the Indian e-Tourist Visa in 2026 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated: 2026 | Valid for: USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France & 160+ Countries

Planning a trip to India? The single most important thing you need to sort out before you book your flights and start designing your itinerary is your visa. The good news: India's e-Tourist Visa system has become one of the most streamlined, accessible, and genuinely easy online visa systems in the world.

India continues to be one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The government offers an India e-Tourist Visa, allowing travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy. In 2026, the eVisa system has become faster, more accessible, and widely used by travelers worldwide.

This guide covers everything you need — step-by-step application instructions, current fees by country, required documents, processing times, common mistakes to avoid, and the most frequently asked questions from international travellers planning their India trip.

What Is the India e-Tourist Visa?

The India e-Tourist Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism purposes. This visa is completely online and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or embassy visits.

You can use the India e-Tourist Visa for:

• Sightseeing and holiday travel (Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, Kerala, etc.)
• Visiting friends and family in India
• Short-term yoga and wellness retreats
• Attending cultural and heritage events
• Short courses in arts, cooking, music, dance, or Indian medicine (under 6 months, non-qualifying)
• Brief medical treatment including traditional Indian medicine
• Short business meetings and conferences

Under the e-Visa scheme, citizens from over 180 countries and territories are now able to apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa before arriving in India, including America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and more.

Who Is Eligible for the India e-Tourist Visa?

The e-Tourist Visa is available to citizens of 160+ countries, making India's system one of the most accessible visa systems globally.

Eligible nationalities include (but are not limited to):

• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Germany
• France
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Most EU countries, Gulf nations, Southeast Asia, and Latin America

Who is NOT eligible for the e-Tourist Visa:

The e-visa is not available to holders of Pakistani passports or anyone of Pakistani origin. Afghan nationals must apply through the dedicated AFGHAN portal instead. You are also not eligible if you have a defence, military, security, or police background (serving or retired), or if you hold an official, diplomatic, or laissez-passer travel document.

Types of India e-Tourist Visa — Which One Should You Choose?

India offers three durations of e-Tourist Visa. Here is a clear breakdown to help you choose the right one:

Important rules for all e-Tourist Visas:

• Maximum 2 entries permitted on the 30-day visa
• Multiple entries permitted on 1-year and 5-year visas
• The e-Tourist Visa allows continuous stays of up to 90 days (for US citizens) per visit. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
• The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended — if you need to stay longer, you must exit India and re-apply
• Entry must be through a designated e-Visa airport or seaport

My Dream India Tour Recommendation: For most international travellers from the USA, UK, Canada, France, and Germany visiting India for a holiday of 2 to 4 weeks — the 1-Year Multiple Entry e-Tourist Visa at $40 is the best value choice. It gives you complete flexibility to return to India within 12 months without needing to re-apply, and costs only $40 regardless of how many times you visit within the year.

India e-Tourist Visa Fees 2026 — By Country

Most eligible countries, including America, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand, pay the same fees for e-Tourist Visas.

Important 2026 Fee Notes:

A few nationalities pay different rates for the 5-year visa — UK passport holders pay US$484 for the 5-year visa, and US citizens pay US$160, per the official fee list.

Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel otherwise application will not be processed. e-Visa fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Note: Always verify the exact fee for your nationality on the official Indian government website indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying, as fees are periodically updated on a reciprocal basis.

Documents Required for India e-Tourist Visa

Before you begin your application, gather these documents:

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

1. Valid Passport

• Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date in India
• Must have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps
• Must be a regular passport — diplomatic, official, and service passports require a different process

2. Passport-Size Photograph

• Recent colour photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
• Plain white background — no patterns, no shadows
• Face must be clearly visible, front-facing, with a neutral expression
• Size: 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm)
• No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
• JPEG format, file size between 10KB and 1MB

3. Passport Scan (Bio-data Page)

• Clear scan or high-quality photo of the personal details page of your passport
• Must show your photo, name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date clearly
• JPEG format, file size between 10KB and 1MB

4. Valid Email Address

• Your e-Visa approval (ETA — Electronic Travel Authorization) will be sent to this email
• Use a reliable email address you check regularly

5. Valid Debit or Credit Card

• For payment of the visa fee online
• Most major international cards accepted — Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Additional Documents (Country-Specific / May Be Required)

• Return or onward flight ticket (you may be asked to show this at immigration)
• Hotel booking confirmation for your first night in India
• Travel itinerary (recommended — having your My Dream India Tour itinerary ready is helpful)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statement may be required in some cases)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for India e-Tourist Visa Online

The entire India e-Tourist Visa application is completed online at the official Indian government portal. Here is the complete process:

Step 1 — Go to the Official Website

Visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Critical Warning: Only use the official Indian government website. There are many unofficial third-party websites that charge inflated fees (sometimes $100+ extra) and create unnecessary delays. The official URL ends in .gov.in — if it does not, leave the site immediately.

Step 2 — Select "Apply for e-Visa"

Click on "Apply for e-Visa" on the homepage. You will be directed to the online application form.

Step 3 — Fill in the Application Form

The form has several sections — fill each carefully and accurately:

Section A — Personal Details

• Full name (exactly as it appears in your passport — including middle names)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
• Country of issue

Section B — Travel Details

• Expected date of arrival in India
• Port of arrival (the airport or seaport through which you will enter India)
• Purpose of visit — select "Tourism / Recreation / Sightseeing"
• Countries visited in the last 10 years
• Whether you have previously been to India

Section C — Residential & Contact Details

• Current residential address
• Email address
• Phone number

Section D — Family Details

• Father's name and nationality
• Mother's name and nationality
• Spouse details (if applicable)

Section E — Professional & Other Details

• Current occupation
• Whether you hold any military, government, or diplomatic position

Section F — Reference in India

• Name and address of a contact in India
• If you have booked with My Dream India Tour, you can use our details: Name: My Dream India Tour / Mr. Mukesh Sain Address: 48, Manbagh Banada, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 302027 Phone: +91-87695-95984

Step 4 — Upload Your Documents

Upload your:

• Passport photograph (JPEG, white background, 10KB–1MB)
• Passport scan (bio-data page, JPEG, 10KB–1MB)

Check both uploads carefully before proceeding — blurry or incorrectly sized uploads are one of the most common reasons for e-Visa rejection or delays.

Step 5 — Review and Verify

Before submitting, carefully review every detail you have entered. Common errors that cause rejection:

• Name not matching passport exactly
• Passport number entered incorrectly
• Photograph with incorrect background
• Expired passport details
• Wrong date format

Step 6 — Pay the Visa Fee

• Click "Make Payment" to proceed to the payment gateway
• Enter your debit or credit card details
• A 2.5% to 3% bank transaction charge is added on top of the visa fee
• The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel, otherwise the application will not be processed. e-Visa fee once submitted is non-refundable.

Step 7 — Save Your Application Reference Number

After payment, you will receive an Application ID / Reference Number. Save this immediately — you will need it to check your application status.

Step 8 — Wait for Approval

Processing takes 3–5 business days. Most applications from the USA, UK, Canada, France, and Germany are approved within 72 hours. You will receive your approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.

Step 9 — Download and Print Your e-Visa

Once approved, download your ETA from the official portal using your Application Reference Number. Print at least 2 copies — carry one in your hand luggage and keep one separate.

Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey.

India e-Tourist Visa Processing Time 2026

My Dream India Tour Advice: Always apply for your India e-Visa at least 10 days before travel — even though processing is typically 72 hours, this buffer protects you against any technical delays, document re-upload requests, or peak season backlogs.

Where Can You Enter India on an e-Tourist Visa?

US citizens with an e-Tourist Visa can enter through 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Cochin.

In early 2026, India officially increased the number of e-Visa-compatible gateways to 51, including major hubs and previously restricted entry points — a game-changer for cruise travellers and slow travellers who prefer to enter via sea or land.

Most popular e-Visa entry airports for international travellers:

Tip for My Dream India Tour Guests: Most international flights connect through Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). If your India tour starts in Rajasthan, Jaipur International Airport (JAI) now has direct connections from several international hubs — ask our team about the best arrival airport for your itinerary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid — India e-Visa Application

These are the most frequent errors that cause e-Visa rejection or delays:

1. Using a third-party website Only apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in — unofficial sites charge inflated fees and cause unnecessary complications.

2. Applying too close to your travel date For e-Tourist and e-Business visas, applicants may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival. However, always allow at least 10 days for safety.

3. Name mismatch with passport Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport — including all middle names and hyphenated surnames.

4. Wrong passport photograph The most common technical rejection reason. White background only, no glasses, correct size (2x2 inches), JPEG format.

5. Expired passport Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in India.

6. Assuming the visa is extendable The India e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended once in India. If you need more time, you must exit the country and re-apply.

7. Not printing the ETA Many travellers assume the digital copy on their phone is sufficient. Always carry printed copies — airline check-in counters and Indian immigration often request to see the physical printout.

India e-Visa vs. Regular India Visa — Which Is Better?

For tourism purposes, the e-Tourist Visa is recommended in place of a regular tourist visa, as the application process is more convenient and the visa fee is lower. Double or multiple entries allow you to combine an India tour with side trips to a neighbouring country such as Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka.

Verdict: For the vast majority of international tourists from the USA, UK, Canada, France, and Germany, the e-Tourist Visa is the clear choice — faster, cheaper, and genuinely easy to apply for from home.

India e-Visa Approval Rate — What Are Your Chances?

The approval rate for US citizens applying for India e-Tourist Visas is approximately 98%. Refusals are rare and typically due to incomplete applications or documentation errors.

The approval rate for UK, Canadian, French, and German applicants is similarly high. As long as your application is complete, your documents are clear, and your travel purpose is genuinely tourism — approval is virtually assured.

After You Get Your India e-Visa — What Next?

Congratulations — your India e-Visa is approved and your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is in your inbox. Here is what to do next:

1. Print 2 copies of your ETA Keep one in your hand luggage, one in your checked bag.

2. Check your ETA status says "GRANTED" Log in to indianvisaonline.gov.in and verify the status before your travel date.

3. Show ETA at airline check-in Present your printed ETA at check-in — the airline needs to verify it before boarding.

4. Present ETA at Indian immigration On arrival in India, present your printed ETA and passport at the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.

5. Contact My Dream India Tour With your visa sorted, the next step is planning the perfect India trip. Our Jaipur-based team specialises in customised India tour packages for international travellers from the USA, UK, Canada, France, and Germany — with private vehicles, licensed English-speaking guides, and 24/7 support throughout your journey.

Plan Your India Trip with My Dream India Tour

With your India e-Tourist Visa sorted, the real adventure begins. My Dream India Tour is a Jaipur-based private tour operator specialising in fully customised India tour packages for international travellers from the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and beyond.

We can help you with:

• Complete India tour itinerary planning — tailored to your dates, interests, and budget
• Rajasthan & Golden Triangle tours — from our Jaipur base, the heart of India's finest heritage circuit
• Wildlife safari packages — Ranthambore tigers, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh
• North & South India tours — Varanasi, Kerala, Ladakh, and beyond
• Airport transfers, hotel bookings, and licensed local guides at every destination
• 24/7 WhatsApp support throughout your India journey

Rated #186 of 1,161 Tours & Activities in Jaipur on TripAdvisor with 5-star reviews from hundreds of international guests.

Call / WhatsApp: +91-87695-95984 | +91-70625-12828, Email: mydreamindiatour@gmail.com, Website: www.mydreamindiatour.com 📍 Based in: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

My Dream India Tour — Crafting Journeys as Timeless as India Itself.

Disclaimer: Visa fees, processing times, and eligibility criteria are subject to change by the Government of India. Always verify current information at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying. My Dream India Tour provides this guide for informational purposes only and is not responsible for visa decisions made by Indian immigration authorities

Frequently Asked Questions — India e-Tourist Visa 2026

Q: How early should I apply for the India e-Tourist Visa?

Apply at least 10 days before your intended travel date for comfort. The minimum application window is 4 days before arrival, but applying early gives you time to correct any document issues without stress.

Q: Can I extend my India e-Tourist Visa once I am in India?

No — the India e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended inside India. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit India (to Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Thailand, for example) and apply for a new e-Visa before re-entering.

Q: Can I apply for an India e-Visa if I have previously been refused?

Previous refusals must be declared in your application. It does not automatically disqualify you, but the reason for the previous refusal will be reviewed. Contact the nearest Indian Embassy or consulate for guidance if you have a prior refusal.

Q: Is the India e-Tourist Visa the same as an ETA?

Yes — once your e-Tourist Visa is approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The terms are used interchangeably. The ETA is your proof of visa approval and must be printed and carried to India.

Q: Can I visit Nepal or Sri Lanka and re-enter India on my e-Tourist Visa?

Yes — the 1-year and 5-year multiple-entry e-Tourist Visas allow you to exit India and re-enter multiple times within the validity period. This makes it easy to combine your India tour with side trips to Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka.

Q: What if my India e-Visa application is rejected?

Rejection is rare for well-prepared applications from the USA, UK, Canada, France, and Germany. If rejected, the fee is non-refundable. Review the rejection reason, correct any errors, and re-apply. You may also apply for a regular visa through your nearest Indian Embassy.

Q: Which website should I use to apply for the India e-Visa?

Only use the official Indian government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in — this is the only legitimate website. All other websites claiming to process India e-Visas are unofficial third-party services that charge significantly higher fees.