India Visa for US Citizens | Logistics and More

India is a popular tourist destination for US citizens. Travelers from America must obtain a visa before traveling to the country. Tourists will need a visa to enter and stay in India for tourism, business, medical reasons, or other visits. 

Is a Visa to India Required for the US Nationals

Yes, a visa is required for short-term and long-term stays. Citizens of the United States can apply for a regular visa or an e-Visa for India. Please note India does not grant visa-on-arrival facilities to American travelers. 

Regular Visas Offered to Travelers

The following types of regular visas for India are available for Americans: 

• Transit visa 

• X visa (US citizens of Indian origin and those holding OCI Card) 

• Business visa 

• Employment visa 

• Student visa 

• Research visa 

• Journalist visa 

• Film visa 

• Entry visa for non-urgent travel 

• Intern visa 

• Mountaineering visa 

• Regular visa 

• 10-year long term regular paper tourist visa(it allows US tourists to stay in India for up to 180 days per calendar year) 

e-Visa Options for the US Citizens

The following e-visas are available for the citizens of the United States: 

India e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years) 

India offers the following visas for tourism: 

• 30-day e-Visa for tourism: It is a double-entry electronic visa. It is non-convertible and non-extendable. 

• 1-year Tourist e-Visa: It is a multiple entry visa, valid for 1 year (365 days) from the date of grant of ETA. 

• Tourist e-Visa for 5 years: It is a multiple entry visa, valid for 5 years from the date of grant of ETA. 

Visa Guidelines

US travelers must keep the following visa guidelines in mind: 

Limit on Stay in India 

US citizens visiting India on an e-tourist visa or a traditional paper tourist visa can stay 180 days within a calendar year. 

Entry Restrictions 

Applicants should note that entry into India via land routes is not permitted on an e-tourist Visa or a regular paper tourist visa. 

India’s Business eVisa enables international entrepreneurs and investors to engage in trade, consultations, and business-related activities within the country, fostering global collaborations and economic exchanges..

Other e-Visas Available to the US Passport Holders

The following electronic visas are also available to visit India: 

e-Business Visa 

Validity: 1 year (365 days) from the date it is issued. US passport holders can stay in India for up to 180 days in total on a business e-Visa. 

Entry Type: Multiple 

e-Medical Visa 

Validity: 60 days 

Entry Type: Multiple 

e-Medical Attendant Visa 

Validity: 60 days 

Entry Type: Multiple 

e-Conference Visa 

Validity: 30 days from the date of arrival in India 

Entry Type: Single 

Visa Requirements

US citizens who wish to travel to India for tourism are eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa. Here's a simplified breakdown of the visa requirements: 

• Valid passport: Applicants must have a US passport that remains valid for at least six months after their planned stay in India. It must have at least 2 blank pages. 

• Travel intent: The tourist visa is meant for those visiting for leisure, sightseeing, meeting friends or relatives, or attending yoga retreats. It is not for work or long-term stays. 

• Designated entry points: Travelers can enter India via specified airports and seaports, which must be identified in the visa application. 

• Visa validity: The tourist visa has a set validity and stay period determined by the visa type and Indian authorities' discretion. 

• Repeated visits: US nationals can apply multiple times for a tourist visa, but they must abide by the stipulated stay duration for each visit. 

• Adherence to the visa rules: Visitors must follow all Indian visa regulations, including the duration of stay and activities allowed. 

• Same Passport: Travelers must use the same passport on which the India e-Visa was sought. However, in some cases, entry into the country might be granted if the individual arrives with a new passport separate from the one on which the e-Visa was issued. American tourists must carry the old passport with the approved e-Visa. 

Note: The e-Visa is an additional service to the regular visa services provided by the Indian Embassy and Consulates. 

Restrictions

American travelers must pay attention to the following information: 

• The e-Visa scheme does not apply to holders of Diplomatic/Official passports or Laissez-passer travel documents. 

• The e-Visa facility is not available to individuals having their names endorsed on a parent's/spouse's passport. Every person must possess an individual passport. 

• Holders of International travel documents are also not eligible for the e-Visa service. 

Emergency Visa for Urgent Family Situations

Indian government issues emergency visa to US citizens. The details are mentioned below: 

Eligibility 

• US citizens with Indian heritage 

• Immediate family members of US citizens with Indian heritage 

Emergency Criteria 

• Severe illness of a family member 

• Death of a family member 

Application Process 

1. Provide documents proving the emergency 

2. Pay an emergency service charge 

3. Wait for the embassy for application processing 

4. Americans must make travel plans only after receiving the emergency visa for India 

Important Notes 

• The embassy may request additional documentation 

• The emergency visa is valid for up to six months 

Things To Keep in Mind

Tourists from the United States of America should keep the following things in mind before applying for Indian visas/e-Visas: 

• For tourist stays longer than 60 days or for any other purpose, apply for a visa from the embassy of India. 

• Diplomatic and official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. 

• Travelers must keep copies of their passports, visas, and immigration stamps with them at all times. 

• US citizens of Pakistani origin or descent may experience delays when applying for Indian visas. They are not eligible to apply for the Indian e-Visa. 

• Travelers visiting India to study, do research work, or as missionaries or who plan to stay more than 180 days must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. 

• Americans overstaying their Indian visa may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. This can take up to 90 days, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Why Trust Natvisa for Your Indian Visa Needs

US nationals can apply for an e-Visa in various categories through the Government of India visa portal. However, if you need assistance with reapplying or wish to expedite your visa, Natvisa can help. We have experts on our team who process Indian visas for American tourists on a daily basis. 

As a professional visa processing company, we have experience with visa applications for various countries, including India. We can reapply for you and ensure your application is complete and accurate. 

Note: The Indian embassy has the final say on visa applications. However, we can help you with the process and give you the best chance of success. Government fees will not be refunded. 

Conclusion

Indian visas for US citizens can be a complex process, but it doesn't have to be. Following the steps outlined in this guide and using our services, you can get your Indian visa quickly and easily. Remember, the Indian government is constantly revising and updating its visa regulations.  

It is important to check the website of the Indian Embassy for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about your Indian visa application, don't hesitate to contact Natvisa. Our team of experts is here to apply for the e-Visa and help you every step of the way.