Visa requirements for India

Bhutan and Nepal nationals can enter India without a visa for an indefinite period. Maldivian citizens can enter India visa-free for up to 90 days, provided they arrive directly from the Maldives and hold a valid passport.

Nearly all foreign citizens need a visa to enter India, with the exceptions of those mentioned above. Please keep in mind you will need a valid passport with at least 6 months prior to expiration.

Visa On Arrival (VoA)

India offers a Visa on Arrival facility to nationals of the following of Japan, South Korea and United Arab Emirates (​only for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian e-Visa or regular visa)​.

The VoA is valid for up to 60 days and is available for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes. It can be obtained at six designated airports: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. ​

E-Visa

India offers several types of visas, but the most common for tourists is the e-Visa (electronic visa). This is ideal for those planning short stays and is valid for up to 30 days. You can easily apply online. The process is simple, since you only need to complete an online form. The visa has a cost of $25 approx. The E-Visa is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, most European Union countries, and others. The e-Visa is available for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. It allows a stay of up to 60 days, with double or multiple entries depending on the visa category.

Tourist Visa & Extended Stays:

This is the standard visa for tourism purposes and is available to citizens of most countries not eligible for the e-Visa and for those that wish to stay for longer than 30 days. This visa needs to be requested through the Indian embassy or consulate.

Medical Visa:

This visa is for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India. The Medical Visa can be extended based on the duration of treatment.

Transit Visa:

This visa is for travelers transiting through India to a third destination. It is available to citizens of all countries and is valid for a short duration, usually 15 days, with a single or double entry.

It is recommended to start the application for the E-Visa between 1 week and 30 days before your arrival. You will need a picture of your passport. You can easily do this yourself online (I did and I got approved within a couple days). Your visa will be valid for 30 days from the day of arrival. You can apply here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration.