Do You Need a Visa to Visit India? Country-wise Simple Guide

Planning your first trip to India? India’s visa rules can seem complicated, but this guide is here to help. It’s written for foreign travelers – families, couples, solo adventurers from the USA, UK, Europe (Schengen), Australia, Canada and elsewhere – who want clear, friendly answers about Indian tourist visas. We know all the details can be confusing, so we break them down step by step.

Visas and entry rules often change, and they vary by country and visa type. Our goal is to give beginners an easy, up-to-date overview. We cover who needs a visa (and who doesn’t), explain e-Visas vs. paper tourist visas, list documents, and walk through the process. We also point out common mistakes to avoid and special cases (like Protected Area Permits). Our sources include official government websites and travel advisories to keep everything accurate.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit India? 

Quick answer: Yes, most foreign visitors need a visa to enter India. The only exceptions are citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, who can enter India without a visa when coming via Nepal or Bhutan. (Nepalese/Bhutanese visitors should carry a valid passport or approved ID. Note that if they arrive via a third country, a passport is still required.)

All other foreign nationals must obtain a visa before or on arrival. There are different visa categories (tourist, business, etc.), so make sure to apply for a tourist visa if you’re visiting for sightseeing, friends or family, or general tourism. Using the wrong visa type can lead to denial of entry. In short, unless you’re a Nepalese/Bhutanese visitor, plan on needing an Indian visa.

 According to official Indian immigration rules, most foreign nationals must obtain a valid tourist visa or e-Visa before entering India, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan under specific conditions.

Country-wise Visa Requirements for India

Visa rules and options vary by nationality. Below is a snapshot for travelers from major countries. In all cases you need a valid visa (or an OCI card, see FAQ) to enter India. Tourist visas can be paper visas issued by an Indian consulate or electronic e-Visas applied online.

• United States
  
  Visa required. U.S. citizens can get a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing stays up to 180 days per visit. India also offers electronic Tourist Visas for U.S. citizens (30-day, 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist visas). These e-Visas are valid for tourism and must be obtained online in advance. (U.S. travel advisories confirm that U.S. travelers must enter India with a visa or e-Visa.)
  
• United Kingdom
  
  Visa required. British citizens may apply for an Indian 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa (typically allowing up to 180 days per visit). E-Tourist visas are also available (for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years). All travel on the right visa – UK Gov’t advice stresses that having the correct visa is mandatory.
  
• Canada
  
  Visa required. Canadian citizens qualify for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa (180-day limit per trip). Long-term visas (5 to 10 years) are now commonly issued. Canada is also eligible for Indian e-Tourist visas. Make sure to apply through the official Indian consulate or visa website.
  
• Australia
  
  Visa required. Australians can obtain a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa (each stay up to 90 days, unless otherwise noted by the embassy). E-Tourist visas are available for Australians as well. As with others, arriving without a valid visa will be denied.
  
• Europe (Schengen Countries)
  
  Visa required. Citizens of Schengen or EU countries also need an Indian visa. The typical visa is a 5-year tourist visa with up to 90 days per visit (note: for British citizens it’s 180-day stays). Electronic Tourist Visas (1-year or 5-year multi-entry) are available to most Europeans. Always double-check with the Indian consulate or official visa site before travel.

 Country-wise Indian Tourist Visa Summary

In summary: Visa required for most countries (except Nepal/Bhutan). Some countries (USA, Canada, Japan) get 10-year visas, others (UK, EU, Australia) get up to 5-year visas. Short-term e-Visas (30 or 60 days) and longer 1-year or 5-year e-Visas cover many travelers, but per-visit limits and entry points apply.

What Is an Indian Tourist Visa? 

An Indian Tourist Visa lets you enter India for vacation, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends. There are two main types:

• Regular (Paper) Tourist Visa: You apply at an Indian embassy or visa center. It’s a sticker in your passport. These visas can be issued for several years (often up to 5 or 10 years, depending on nationality) and allow multiple entries. For example, U.S. or Canadian tourists often get 10-year multiple-entry visas, while most other foreign tourists get a 5-year multiple-entry visa. Each visit can usually last 90 or 180 days (check your visa label for the exact limit).
  
• Electronic Tourist Visa (e-Visa): Introduced in 2014, this is an online visa you apply for and receive electronically. It is typed or printed and shown at arrival. There are sub-categories: e-Tourist (for leisure, recreation, visiting family), e-Business, and e-Medical. The e-Tourist visa is for sightseeing, casual visits, yoga courses, etc.
  

Key differences:

• Application: Tourist visas (paper) go through embassies/consulates. E-Visas are applied on the Indian visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in).
  
• Duration: A short-term e-Tourist visa is valid for 60 days (double-entry). Longer e-Tourist visas (1-year or 5-year) also exist, usually allowing up to 180 days per visit. Regular tourist visas can be valid up to 5–10 years with multiple entries.
  
• Entries: An e-Tourist visa for 60 days allows two entries. Paper tourist visas are typically multi-entry (often noted as “multiple entry”).
  
• Processing: E-Visas are usually quicker to obtain (online, typically within a few days) while paper visas can take weeks.
  

In practice, many travelers now choose the e-Visa for convenience. However, e-Visas come with restrictions (see below) and are only valid at certain airports/seaports.

India e-Visa Explained (Eligibility, Duration & Entry Rules)

India’s e-Visa is an easy online visa system for short visits. Key points:

• Who can apply: Citizens of over 150 countries are eligible for an Indian e-Visa. (However, e-Visas are not available if you or your parents/grandparents were born in Pakistan, or if you hold certain travel documents. Pakistani nationals must use a regular visa.) Essentially, most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, etc. nationals can get an e-Visa. Always check the official list on the Indian visa website.
  
• Validity & Duration: As of 2024, India offers multiple e-Tourist visa options:
  
  • 30-day e-Tourist visa: Valid for 30 days from first entry, double entry permitted.
    
  • 60-day e-Tourist visa: Valid 60 days, double entry.
    
  • 1-year e-Tourist visa: Multiple entry for 1 year, each stay up to 180 days.
    
  • 5-year e-Tourist visa: Multiple entry for 5 years, each stay up to 180 days.
    (Note: The 30/60-day categories are for shorter visits, while the 1- and 5-year e-Visas let frequent travelers re-enter for up to 6 months at a time.)
    For business travel, similar 1-year and 5-year e-Business visas exist. The e-Medical visa is also available for patients.
    
• Entry Points: E-Visas are valid only at designated ports of entry. This means major international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Amritsar, Varanasi, Gaya, Calicut, Pune, Nagpur, Mangalore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam) and five seaports (Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, New Mangalore. E-Visas cannot be used at land borders. If you arrive by land (e.g., from Nepal or Myanmar), you must have a traditional visa.
  
• Restrictions: E-Visas cannot be extended or converted into other visa types. You must leave India before the visa expires. You can use an e-Visa up to two times per calendar year. (If you need to stay longer or visit more frequently, get a paper visa or a fresh e-Visa.) Always carry copies of your e-Visa and passport during travel. Also note the e-Visa’s per-visit duration limits (60 or 180 days, depending on category).

As per official guidelines issued by Indian immigration authorities, e-Tourist visas are non-extendable and must be used only through designated airports and seaports.

In short, the e-Visa is great for eligible tourists because it’s simple and online. Remember the key points: not for all nationalities, only for specific entry points, limited stays, and up to two issues a year. Check eligibility on the official Indian visa site before you apply.

Documents Required for an Indian Tourist Visa

When applying (online or at an embassy), you’ll typically need:

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in India, with at least 2 blank pages.
  
• Passport-size photo: Recent color photograph (typically 2”×2”), on a white background, meeting the embassy’s photo guidelines.
  
• Completed visa application form: Fill out the official form (online for e-Visa or download for paper visa). Double-check all details match your passport exactly.
  
• Proof of travel itinerary: Copies of flight bookings into and out of India (round-trip or onward ticket).
  
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from your host, to show where you’ll stay.
  
• Personal documents: Some consulates ask for bank statements (proof of sufficient funds), a cover letter stating purpose of visit, or invitation letters. Requirements vary by country of application; consult the Indian embassy’s checklist.
  
• Other documents: If visiting family, you might need a letter from them; for a group tour, a letter from your tour operator. For children, include birth certificates or parental consent forms if required.
  

Keep copies of everything. Always follow the specific checklist for the Indian embassy or visa center where you apply. (For U.S. applicants, the U.S. State Department also reminds that India may refuse entry if documents or visa are incorrect.)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an India Tourist Visa

1. Decide on visa type: Choose Tourist Visa (paper) or e-Tourist Visa based on your needs. If you qualify and plan a short trip or multiple visits, an e-Visa is convenient. If you want a longer-term visa (5–10 years), go with a regular tourist visa via embassy.
   
2. Gather documents: As above, prepare your passport, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and any other required paperwork. Ensure your passport is current and in good condition.
   
3. Apply online (e-Visa) or at consulate (paper Visa):
   
   • For an e-Tourist Visa: Go to the Indian Visa Online portal. Fill out the application form, upload your photo and passport page scan, and pay the fee. Make sure all info is accurate. Apply at least a week before travel (shorter stays need at least 4 days prior).
     
   • For a paper Tourist Visa: Visit the website of the Indian embassy/consulate (or their partner like VFS Global). Fill out the online form (it will give a PDF to print), or complete the paper form. Book an appointment if required. Attend the appointment or mail your documents to the visa center. Pay fees in local currency (check the current fee schedule).
     
4. Wait for approval: E-Visas are usually processed in 3–5 business days if all is in order. Regular visas can take several weeks. You can often pay a bit extra for expedited processing. After approval, you will receive an e-Visa via email (print it out), or you’ll get your passport back with a visa sticker inside.
   
5. Check your visa: Once issued, review it carefully. Make sure your name, passport number, dates, and visa type are correct. Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa (if electronic) with your passport. Keep all original documents with you when you travel.
   

Tip: Always apply through official channels. Use only the Indian government’s sites (indianvisaonline.gov.in) or authorized visa centers (e.g. VFS Global in many countries).

Common Tourist Visa Mistakes & Rejection Reasons

Even honest mistakes can cause a visa denial. Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Passport or name mismatch: Double-check that every detail on your application (name spelling, passport number, expiration date) exactly matches your passport. A small typo can trigger rejection.
  
• Photo problems: Using the wrong photo format (size, background color, or too old) is common. Your photo must meet specifications (size, plain white background, clear face). A blurry or non-compliant photo often leads to rejection or request for re-submission.
  
• Wrong visa category: Make sure you apply for a Tourist visa, not a Business or Employment visa. Entering India on the wrong visa type can get you turned away. For example, if you go for sightseeing but applied for a conference visa, that’s a red flag.
  
• Incomplete documentation: Leaving out a required document (like proof of funds, return ticket, or hotel booking) will delay or deny your application. Always use the embassy’s checklist.
  
• Late application: Don’t wait until the last minute. If you apply only a few days before travel, there may not be enough time for processing, and rush fees are steep. Embassies advise applying weeks in advance.
  
• Multiple applications per year: Remember the e-Visa rule: you can only get it twice a year. If you’ve already used two e-Visas this year, your third visit needs a regular visa.
  
• Overlooking specifics: Some nationals (like those of Pakistani origin) face extra scrutiny or longer processing. If this applies to you, start even earlier.
  

In short, be thorough and accurate. The U.S. embassy warns that India will deny entry for invalid documents or the wrong visa.

After Your Visa Is Approved: What to Expect on Arrival in India

Congratulations, your visa is ready! Now get set for your trip. Here’s what happens at immigration:

• E-arrival Card: Before landing, fill out an e-Arrival Card online (up to 72 hours before arrival). This is the digital immigration form. (Alternatively, you’ll be given a paper arrival card on the plane to India.) The e-Arrival card replaces the old paper form, but it is not your visa – it’s just for immigration processing.
  
• Immigration check: At the airport, head to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa (or your printed e-Visa), along with the filled arrival card if applicable. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and “duration of stay.” This stamp is very important: it shows you legally entered India and how long you can stay.
  
• Stamp explanation: The entry stamp usually shows the number of days permitted (for example, “60 days” or “90 days” from entry date). Keep track of this; overstaying can cause fines or deportation. If you have a multi-entry long visa, each new entry will get its own stamp.
  
• Carry documents: Always keep copies (digital or paper) of your passport data page, visa, and arrival stamp with you. Some hotels or domestic flights ask for your passport and visa details. It’s wise to have extra passport photos and ID too, just in case.
  
• Stay registered if needed: If your visa stay exceeds 180 days, Indian rules say you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Most tourist visas are shorter, but be aware of this if you plan a longer trip.
  

Once through immigration, collect your baggage and enjoy India! Remember that even though your visa is approved, officials at the border have the final say. As a reminder: do not carry prohibited items (no drones without permission, avoid satellite phones, etc.) to prevent issues.

Special Rules & Restricted Areas

India has some protected and restricted areas where foreigners need an extra permit:

• Protected Areas (PAP): Certain states near international borders are “protected.” For example, all of Arunachal Pradesh requires a Protected Area Permit. Other parts of protected zones include sensitive regions in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, parts of Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Manipur. Foreigners cannot enter these areas on a regular tourist visa alone. If your travel plans take you to these places, you must apply for a PAP in advance (often through the Indian embassy or tour operator). Some group tours through Arunachal are allowed under special conditions.
  
• Restricted Areas (RAP): Parts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and some border islands require a Restricted Area Permit. If you want to visit, say, North Sentinel (Andamans) or certain villages near Myanmar/China borders, you’ll need a RAP. Most tourists won’t go to these remote spots, but it’s good to check if your destination is affected.
  
• How to get permits: In many cases, your travel agency can arrange a PAP or RAP. Otherwise, apply at an Indian consulate or through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in India. Always apply well ahead of travel.
  
• Be cautious: Even within allowed areas, stay on approved routes. The permit often lists the places you can visit. Venturing outside the permitted zone or overstaying the permit is illegal.
  

Bottom line: Apart from the visa, check if your destinations (mountains, islands, etc.) require special permits. The rules are strict in protected zones so factor in time and paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Can I visit India without a visa?
  Only citizens of Nepal and Bhutan enjoy visa-free travel to India (when entering directly from Nepal/Bhutan). Everyone else needs a visa. Even Oman and Maldives tourists need visas to enter India (there are some separate agreements, but generally yes). Note also: Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) travel on a lifelong multi-entry visa, but they must hold an OCI card – that’s a separate category, not a regular tourist visa.
  
• How long does an India e-Visa take to process?
  E-Visas are typically processed in 3–5 business days after submission. There are normal and expedited processing options (for example, “urgent” service in about 1–3 days). It’s best to apply at least a week before your trip. Last-minute applications (under 4 days) are not recommended. Check your email for the e-Visa approval (ETA) – no sticker will be in your passport, you must print it.
  
• Is an India visa valid for visiting the Taj Mahal (Agra)?
  Yes! Any valid Indian tourist visa (paper or e-Visa) allows you to travel anywhere in India, including Agra and the Taj Mahal. There are no additional permits needed for the Taj. Just ensure your visa covers the dates you’ll be in India, and respect the length-of-stay stamped by immigration. The Taj Mahal visit is fully allowed for tourists.
  
• Can children apply for an India e-Visa?
  Yes. Every foreign traveler, including children (even infants), must have their own passport and visa. Children are not included on a parent’s visa. On the e-Visa form, each child is an applicant. Some countries require minors to have additional consent letters, but generally, you fill out the same e-Visa form with the child’s passport details and photo.
  
• Can I extend my tourist visa in India?
  Generally no. Tourist visas (including e-Visas) are not extendable or convertible. You must exit India before it expires. In very rare cases (like medical emergencies) some people apply for a different visa category from within India, but that’s complicated. It’s safest to plan your trip within the visa’s validity and avoid any overstay.
  

Final Thoughts

Don’t let visa worries ruin your excitement! With the right information and preparation, getting an Indian tourist visa is straightforward. Take it step by step, start early, and double-check all details. Official sources to consult include the Indian Bureau of Immigration and your local Indian embassy or consulate website. Travel forums and recent travel advisories can also be helpful, but always verify with government sites.

Once your visa is in hand, you can focus on the fun parts: planning your India itinerary! India is a vast, diverse country with something for every traveler. Enjoy the rich culture, food, and sights, and rest assured, your visa questions are all cleared up.

Bon voyage – and welcome to India! Safe travels and enjoy your journey.

✍️ About the Author

This article is written and published by India Travel Bear, a travel guide platform created to help first-time foreign travelers explore India with confidence and clarity.

The content is based on official Indian immigration guidelines, current visa rules, and real questions frequently asked by international visitors planning their first trip to India.

India Travel Bear focuses on practical, experience-based travel information — from visa requirements and entry rules to destination tips — so travelers can plan their journeys without confusion or stress.