India Visa Requirements for US Citizens
VISA REQUIRED — Apply online before travel
US citizens must get an e-Tourist visa (or consulate visa) before flying
US citizens need a visa to enter India — there is no visa on arrival. Apply online for an e-Tourist visa before you fly through the official India visa portal, or get a 10-year tourist visa through an Indian consulate. Your passport must be valid 6 months past the application date.
US citizens need a visa to enter India for any trip — there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. Most tourists apply online for an e-Tourist visa at the official India visa portal before flying. A 30-day e-Visa costs about $25, while 1-year and 5-year multiple-entry versions run about $80, plus a 3% bank charge; seasonal pricing applies, so check the portal. Apply at least 4 days before travel; most approvals come within 72 hours. US citizens can alternatively get a 10-year tourist visa through an Indian consulate. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months past the application date and carry 2 blank pages, and e-Visas are accepted only at designated airports and seaports. Flights from the US run nonstop to Delhi from Newark on United and Air India, about 7,300 miles and 14 hours, with Delhi 9.5 to 12.5 hours ahead of US time. Verify rules with the US State Department before booking.
US citizens need a visa to enter India — there is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option. The simplest route is the e-Tourist visa, applied for online at the official India visa portal before you fly. A 30-day e-Visa costs about $25, while 1-year and 5-year multiple-entry e-Visas run about $80, plus a 3% bank fee; fees can change seasonally. Apply at least 4 days ahead — most are approved within 72 hours. US citizens can also get a 10-year tourist visa through an Indian consulate. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your visa application and have 2 blank pages. e-Visas work only at designated airports and seaports. Buy travel insurance, since Medicare won't cover you abroad.
Entry requirements for India
- Visa
- Required before travel — apply online for an e-Tourist visa
- Max stay
- 30 days (e-Visa) or 90 days per visit on 1/5-year e-Visas
- Passport
- Valid 6+ months past visa application; 2 blank pages
- Vaccines
- Yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a risk country
- Entry fee
- e-Visa about $25 (30-day) or $80 (1/5-year), plus 3% bank fee
- Registration
- e-Visa applied online before travel; valid at designated airports/seaports only
- Return ticket
- Required — carry confirmed onward/return travel
- Proof of funds
- May be requested
- Travel insurance
- Recommended — Medicare won't cover you abroad
Step by step: getting into India
Before you fly
- 1Apply for your e-Tourist visa online — Use the official India visa portal at least 4 days before travel. A 30-day e-Visa is about $25; 1- and 5-year versions about $80, plus a 3% bank fee.
- 2Use only the official government portal — Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in or boi.gov.in. Third-party visa sites charge large markups for the same e-Visa.
- 3Check your passport and entry point — Your passport must be valid 6+ months past the application date with 2 blank pages. e-Visas work only at designated airports and seaports.
At immigration
- 1Present your e-Visa approval and passport — Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval. Immigration captures your fingerprints and photo on arrival.
- 2Show onward travel if asked — Have your return or onward ticket and hotel details ready. Officers may ask about your plans.
After you arrive
- 1Mind your stay limit — A 30-day e-Visa can't be extended. On 1- or 5-year e-Visas, each stay is capped at 90 days and 180 days per year.
- 2Carry your visa and passport — Keep digital and paper copies. Some hotels and domestic flights ask to see your visa.
Common mistakes to avoid
1.Can I get a visa on arrival in India?
→ No. There is no visa on arrival for US tourists. You must obtain an e-Tourist visa online, or a consulate visa, before you board your flight.
2.Which website is the official India e-Visa site?
→ Only indianvisaonline.gov.in (and boi.gov.in). Many lookalike sites charge big markups. Apply directly on the government portal to pay the real fee.
3.My passport expires in 5 months — can I apply?
→ No. India requires your passport to be valid at least 6 months past your visa application date, with 2 blank pages. Renew first.
4.Can I fly into any Indian airport on an e-Visa?
→ No. e-Visas are valid only at designated airports and seaports. Confirm your arrival point is on the approved list before booking.
If you need a visa
- Type
- e-Tourist Visa (online) or 10-year tourist visa (consulate)
- Cost
- About $25 (30-day) or $80 (1- or 5-year), plus a 3% bank fee
- Processing time
- Apply at least 4 days ahead; usually approved within 72 hours
- Apply at
- official site →
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- A passport-style photo
- A scan of your passport bio page
- A credit or debit card for the fee
- Return or onward travel details
You'll want a local SIM or eSIM on arrival:
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. India requires a visa for all US tourists. Most apply online for an e-Tourist visa before flying; there is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival.
How much does an India e-Visa cost?
About $25 for a 30-day e-Visa and about $80 for a 1- or 5-year multiple-entry e-Visa, plus a 3% bank fee. Fees can change seasonally, so check the official portal.
How long does the India e-Visa take?
Apply at least 4 days before travel. Most e-Visas are approved within 72 hours, but allow extra time before booking nonrefundable flights.
How long can US citizens stay in India?
Up to 30 days on the 30-day e-Visa. On 1- or 5-year e-Visas, each stay is limited to 90 days, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
What passport validity does India require?
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months past your visa application date and have 2 blank pages for stamps.
What's the time difference and flight time to India?
Nonstop Newark to Delhi is about 7,300 miles and 14 hours, with Delhi 9.5 to 12.5 hours ahead of US time. Expect heavy jet lag; Global Entry speeds your return.
Visa sorted? Book your flight:
Ready to plan your India trip?
Visa rules for nearby countries
Verified against official government sources · June 2026
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
- https://boi.gov.in/
Visa rules change. Always confirm with the official government source above before you book.
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