Service guide
India Visa & e-Visa Guide: Types, Eligibility, e-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals need a visa — or an OCI — to enter India. For most travellers the fastest route is the e-Visa. Here is how to pick the right category and apply safely.
Your options at a glance
| Route | Best for | How |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa | Tourism, business, conferences and medical treatment, for eligible nationalities | Fully online on indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Regular (paper) visa | Employment, study, journalism, long stays, or nationalities not eligible for e-Visa | Through the Indian mission or its visa centre where you live |
| Visa on arrival | Nationals of Japan, South Korea and certain UAE nationals | At selected Indian airports |
| OCI | People of Indian origin and eligible spouses who visit often | See the OCI guide |
e-Visa categories
- e-Tourist — sightseeing, visiting friends and family, short yoga or wellness programmes.
- e-Business — meetings, sales, recruiting, trade fairs and technical visits (not employment).
- e-Conference — attending conferences organised by government bodies or with required clearances.
- e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant — treatment at a recognised hospital, and family members accompanying the patient.
- Other e-categories listed on the portal (such as AYUSH treatment) for specific purposes.
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check eligibility for your nationality and purpose on the official portal.
- Prepare your files: a square digital photo with a plain light background (test it with our photo checker), a scan of your passport bio page and any category documents.
- Complete the online form. You can save a partial application and come back with your temporary ID.
- Pay the government fee on the portal. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
- Receive your ETA by email, check every detail, and carry a printout.
Timing: apply at least four days before arrival — two to three weeks is safer. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from arrival with two blank pages.
The e-Arrival card
India’s e-Arrival card is a free online arrival form, submitted within 72 hours before you land. It is not a visa, and you should never pay a third party to file it. The government’s Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app also supports visa services.
Regular visas
Employment, student, research, journalist, entry (X) and long-term visas are applied for through the Indian mission responsible for where you live — usually via its outsourced visa centre. Expect an in-person appointment, biometrics and longer processing than an e-Visa. Use the consulate finder to find your mission.
Common reasons for refusal or delay
- A photo that isn’t square or has a shadowed, coloured background
- Choosing the wrong category — e.g. e-Business for actual employment
- Passport validity under six months, or details typed differently from the passport
- Previous Indian citizenship not disclosed — former Indian citizens may need a surrender certificate
Official links
- Indian Visa Onlineindianvisaonline.gov.in — e-Visa, regular visa, e-Arrival
- Your Indian missionFor regular visas
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert an e-Tourist visa to another category inside India?
Generally no. e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible in most cases; apply for the right category before you travel.
I’m of Indian origin — should I get an e-Visa or an OCI?
If you travel to India often and are eligible, an OCI saves repeated applications. If your trip is soon, an e-Visa is usually faster while your OCI is processed.
Is the e-Arrival card mandatory?
Check the official portal for the current requirement for your nationality and port of entry. It is free to submit online.