10-Year Indian Visa for US Citizens

	Validity	Stay	Entries
Tourist eVisa	30 Days / 1 Year / 5 Years	30 Days / 60 Days	Double / Multiple
Business eVisa	1 year	180 days	Multiple
Medical eVisa	1 year	60 days	Triple

Travelers from the United States can apply for a 10-year visa to India. If they plan to travel to India more than once in that time period, it may be worthwhile to get this kind of visa instead of an eVisa. While it does take longer to obtain a 10-year India visa, having one takes the hassle out of future travel plans.

How to get a 10-Year India Visa for US Citizens

In order to obtain a 10-year India visa, us citizens will need to gather the following documentation:

A completed India visa application form (this can be done at an Indian Mission).
A valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity left and 2 completely blank pages.
Proof of their plan to travel to India. This should be computer-generated.
Proof of residency in the United States. They can use a color copy of a driver’s license or a recent bill.
A recent passport-sized photo clearly shows the front of the applicant’s face.

Travelers applying for this visa will also need to pay the India travel visa fee before they can submit their application. Applicants will need to submit their documentation via mail to the Indian consulate that has jurisdiction over the state or area where they live. They may need to have an in-person meeting before the visa can be granted.

The processing time for their visa depends on the jurisdiction in which they live, and applicants are welcome to contact the appropriate consulate to ask how long it will take.

Step by Step for 10 Year India Visa for Americans

To apply for a 10-year Indian visa for U.S. citizens, you need to follow these steps:

Visit the Indian Visa Online website: Go to the official Indian Visa Online website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in) to start your visa application process.
Complete the online application form: Click on the "Regular Visa Application" link on the website, and fill out the required details, such as your nationality, high commission or consulate location, visa type, and other personal information. Ensure that the information provided matches your passport details.
Upload a digital photograph: You need to upload a recent color photograph with a white background, meeting the specific size and format requirements mentioned on the website.
Schedule an appointment: After submitting the application form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with an Application ID. Use this ID to schedule an appointment at your nearest Indian Visa Application Center (VAC) managed by Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) or VFS Global, depending on your jurisdiction.
Prepare required documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application, which may include: Your original, valid U.S. passport with at least two blank pages and six months of validity remaining. A printed copy of the completed online application form, duly signed. Two recent 2" x 2" color photographs with a white background, meeting the specific requirements. Proof of residence in the U.S., such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Proof of your itinerary, such as flight and hotel bookings (if available). Payment receipt for the visa application fee. Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., business, conference, or medical treatment).
Submit your application: Visit the Indian VAC on your appointment date with all the required documents, your signed application form, and passport. The VAC staff will verify your documents, take your biometric data, and accept your visa application for processing.
Pay the visa fee: You will need to pay the visa application fee at the VAC. The fee for a 10-year tourist visa may vary, so check the current fee structure on the official website or at the VAC.
Track your application: You can track the status of your visa application on the Indian Visa Online website or the respective VAC website using your Application ID.
Collect your passport and visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a notification to collect your passport with the stamped visa from the VAC. You can also opt for the courier service offered by the VAC to have your passport delivered to your address.

Remember that visa processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. The 10-year visa generally allows multiple entries, but the duration of each stay is typically limited to 180 days.

What Happens if I Get a New Passport?

Getting a new passport is part of the process of being a traveler. There are different reasons one gets a new passport. Maybe the passport is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. In regards to the 10-year visa, if a new passport is acquired and the visa remains valid in the old passport, visitors can travel with both passports. This way, when authorities ask for a visa to enter India, a valid visa can be displayed on the old passport. Indian authorities will stamp the new passport.

It is important to note that Indian officials will not transfer the old 10-year visa to the new passport. Travelers will need to carry the old passport for the duration of the old visa. Also, full name and date of birth need to match the visa, old passport, and new passport.

Facts About the 10-Year Visa

There are a few things that all travelers should know about the 10-year India visa before they decide whether it is the best option for them.

The 10-year India visa for us citizens is only good for tourists. People traveling for business or other purposes will need to obtain a different visa with a different validity period attached to it.
The 10-year India visa is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued, not for 10 years from the date on which it is first used.
Travelers with a 10-year India visa can stay in the country for up to 6 months at a time.
Travelers with this visa need to wait at least 2 months between visits to India.
It is essential for traveler to have their visa to India before they try to enter the country. India no longer offers visas on arrival except in a few, very specific, circumstances.
The name on the application for a 10-year visa to India, as well as other relevant information, must exactly match what is on the traveler’s passport. Mistakes made here will require submitting another application and paying the application fee again.

For travelers who love India and plan to return more than once in any 10-year period, this visa saves time and money. Getting a 10-year visa to India can take a couple of weeks, but it is worthwhile when visitors can enter the country as often as they want to.

Fees Associated with 10 Year Visa

The fees for this type of visa are dependent on the purpose of the visits. American travelers can choose between the Tourist Visa (T) and the Business Visa (B) for their travels. Both these visa types cost 160.00 USD.

Other Available Indian Visa Options

American travelers often choose to apply for a tourist visa when planning a trip to India, as they seek to experience the country’s natural beauty in its unadulterated form. Additionally, there are individuals who visit India for medical tourism, which has become increasingly popular in recent times. Regardless of one’s preferences, India is a welcoming destination that warmly receives all who arrive at its shores. In addition to the 10-Year Indian Visa, visitors from the United States can explore and select from several other visa options mentioned below.

5-Year India Visa

This type of visa is ideal for people who are only interested in tourism in India. The best part about this type of visa is that it allows multiple entries. However, each entry with this visa is for a stay of a maximum of 60 days.

1-Year India Visa

This is a visa type that allows people to enjoy tourism, business, and medical visits within India. For tourism, the stay is for a maximum of 60 days (multiple entries). For business, a person can stay for a maximum of 180 days (multiple entries). For medical visits, the stay is a maximum of 60 days (3 entries).

30-Day India Visa

Through this form of visa, applicants can enjoy tourism-related activities for a maximum of 30 days (2 entries allowed).

In conclusion, the 10-year India visa offers a convenient and cost-effective option for US citizens planning multiple trips to India within a decade. Although obtaining this visa takes longer, it simplifies future travel plans. With valid passports, documentation, and fees, applicants can acquire the visa and enjoy India’s beauty multiple times. Alternative visa options such as the 5-year, 1-year, and 30-day visas cater to various travel needs and durations, ensuring travelers have ample choices for their Indian adventures.

This content has been reviewed

The content on this page has undergone a thorough review by Rency C D, ensuring its accuracy, relevance, and quality. It’s important to always check with relevant authorities as entry policies can change.

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10-Year Indian Visa for US Citizens

How to get a 10-Year India Visa for US Citizens

Step by Step for 10 Year India Visa for Americans

What Happens if I Get a New Passport?

Facts About the 10-Year Visa

Fees Associated with 10 Year Visa

Other Available Indian Visa Options

5-Year India Visa

1-Year India Visa

30-Day India Visa

This content has been reviewed

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