Essential Guide to India e-Visa for U.S. Citizens: Types and Application

India eVisa for US Citizens

Streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization with Multiple Entry Options and Expedited Processing

🚀

Fast Processing

Tourist eVisa processing within 4 business days, Business eVisa within 2-7 days

🌍

Multiple Entry Options

1-year and 5-year multiple entry eVisa options for extended travel flexibility

✈️

30 Entry Airports

Entry permitted through 30 designated airports and 5 major seaports including Mumbai and Chennai

📱

Digital Convenience

Complete online application process with digital photo upload requirements

Tourist eVisa Benefits

  • 30-day double entry from $25 USD
  • 1-year multiple entry with 90-day stays
  • 5-year multiple entry for frequent travelers
  • Tourism, yoga programs, and family visits

Business eVisa Features

  • 1-year validity with 180-day stays
  • Multiple entry permissions
  • Business meetings and conferences
  • Professional invitation letter guidance

India eVisa Eligibility and Requirements for US Citizens

Comprehensive qualification criteria and application prerequisites for electronic travel authorization to India

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid US passport with minimum 6 months validity
  • Passport must have at least two blank pages
  • Application submitted minimum 4 days before travel
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
  • Return or onward journey ticket
  • Recent passport-style digital photograph

Ineligible Passport Categories

  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • Official passport holders
  • International travel document holders
  • US citizens of Pakistani origin
  • Laissez-passer document holders
  • Endorsed documents on parent/spouse passport

Special Considerations for US Citizens

US citizens of Pakistani origin must apply for a regular embassy visa rather than an eVisa. Additionally, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders do not require any visa for travel to India. The eVisa allows entry through 30 designated airports and 5 major seaports, but land border entry is not permitted. Travelers must carry a printed copy of their eVisa approval for presentation upon arrival at designated entry points.

Required Supporting Documents

  • Scanned copy of passport bio page
  • Digital passport photograph meeting official specifications
  • Business card or invitation letter (for Business eVisa)
  • Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
  • Bank statements showing sufficient funds
  • Travel itinerary with entry and exit dates

Application Timeline Guidelines

  • Minimum 4 days advance application required
  • Standard processing: 3-5 business days
  • Expedited processing available through NATVISATRAVEL.COM
  • Tourist eVisa validity begins on approval date
  • Business eVisa valid for 1 year from issue date
  • Medical eVisa allows 60-day stays with triple entry

Application Process Overview

1

Complete online application with accurate personal and travel information

2

Upload required documents and passport photograph following technical specifications

3

Pay government fees and processing charges securely online

4

Receive approved eVisa document via email for printing and travel

Complete Guide to India eVisa Types for US Citizens

Comprehensive overview of all electronic travel authorization categories with validity periods, entry permissions, and specialized requirements

Tourist eVisa

Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, short-term yoga programs

Validity Options
30 Days, 1 Year, 5 Years
Stay Duration
30-180 Days per visit
Government Fee
$25-80 USD
Entry Type
Double/Multiple
  • US citizens eligible for 180-day stays on 5-year Tourist eVisa
  • 30-day eVisa requires entry within 30 days of approval
  • Activities include tourism, recreation, and casual business meetings
  • Cannot be extended or converted to other visa types

Business eVisa

Business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, establishing business ventures

Validity Period
1 Year
Stay Duration
180 Days per visit
Government Fee
$82-102 USD
Entry Type
Multiple Entry
  • Requires business invitation letter or conference registration
  • Perfect for conducting business meetings and negotiations
  • Can combine with Tourist eVisa activities during same visit
  • Comprehensive document requirements available

Medical eVisa

Medical treatment, specialized healthcare services, medical consultations

Validity Period
1 Year
Stay Duration
60 Days per visit
Government Fee
$80 USD
Entry Type
Triple Entry
  • Medical attendant eVisa available for accompanying persons
  • Requires letter from recognized Indian medical institution
  • Up to three separate entries within validity period
  • Detailed medical documentation requirements

Conference eVisa

Government-sponsored conferences, seminars, workshops

Validity Period
30 Days
Stay Duration
30 Days maximum
Government Fee
$25 USD
Entry Type
Single Entry
  • Exclusively for government-organized events
  • Can only combine with Tourist eVisa activities
  • Requires official conference invitation letter
  • Additional details in conference guidance

eVisa vs Embassy Visa Comparison

Application Method

eVisa: Complete online application with digital document upload

Embassy: In-person submission at consulate with physical documents

Processing Time

eVisa: 2-7 business days with expedited options

Embassy: 7-15 business days minimum processing

Entry Points

eVisa: 30 airports and 5 seaports only

Embassy: All air, land, and sea entry points permitted

Important: eVisa holders must carry printed copies for immigration verification. Digital copies are not accepted at Indian entry points. Processing through NATVISATRAVEL.COM ensures compliance with all technical requirements and expedited service delivery.

Step-by-Step India eVisa Application Process

Complete walkthrough for US citizens applying for electronic travel authorization with document requirements and processing timelines

1

Complete Online Application Form

Begin your India eVisa application by completing the comprehensive online form with accurate personal, passport, and travel information. The application must be submitted at least 4 days before your intended travel date.

Personal Information Required

  • Full name as on passport
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality and citizenship details
  • Current residence address

Travel Details Required

  • Purpose of visit to India
  • Intended arrival and departure dates
  • Port of arrival (from 30 designated airports)
  • Accommodation details in India
2

Upload Required Documents

Upload high-quality scanned copies of your passport and a recent photograph meeting Indian government specifications. Document quality is crucial for application approval.

Passport Requirements

Photograph Specifications

  • Recent color photograph (within 6 months)
  • White background, square format
  • Face covering 70-80% of image

Essential Travel Tips and Entry Requirements

Critical information for US citizens traveling to India with eVisa authorization including entry points, documentation, and compliance guidelines

Pre-Travel Preparation Tips

  • Print multiple copies of your eVisa approval document in color
  • Verify passport validity extends 6 months beyond travel dates
  • Confirm your arrival airport is among the 30 designated eVisa entry points
  • Book accommodations and prepare proof of sufficient funds
  • Research restricted areas that cannot be visited with eVisa

Important Restrictions and Limitations

  • Land border entry is NOT permitted with eVisa
  • Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas are off-limits
  • eVisa cannot be extended or converted to other visa types
  • Overstaying eVisa validity results in penalties and complications
  • Digital copies of eVisa are NOT accepted at immigration

Best Practices for Smooth Entry

  • Arrive with printed eVisa document readily accessible
  • Ensure all application details exactly match passport information
  • Carry supporting documents like hotel bookings and return tickets
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose
  • Review comprehensive travel management guidelines

Duration and Stay Limits

  • 30-day Tourist eVisa: Maximum 30 days continuous stay
  • 1-year Tourist eVisa: Up to 90 days per visit, multiple entries
  • 5-year Tourist eVisa: Up to 180 days per visit for US citizens
  • Business eVisa: Up to 180 days per visit, 1-year validity
  • Medical eVisa: 60 days maximum stay, triple entry permitted

Emergency and Support Resources

  • Contact nearest US Embassy or Consulate for assistance
  • Register with US State Department STEP program
  • Keep emergency contact information readily available
  • Understand local laws and customs to avoid complications
  • Access 24/7 NATVISATRAVEL.COM support for visa-related issues

Special Considerations

  • OCI cardholders do not require any visa for India travel
  • US citizens of Pakistani origin must use embassy visa process
  • Conference eVisa activities can only combine with tourism
  • Medical attendant eVisa requires accompanying medical patient
  • Review specific requirements for minor travelers

Designated eVisa Entry Points

30 Authorized Airports

Ahmedabad
Amritsar
Bagdogra
Bengaluru
Bhubaneswar
Calicut
Chandigarh
Chennai
Cochin
Coimbatore
Delhi
Gaya
Goa
Guwahati
Hyderabad
Jaipur
Kannur
Kolkata
Lucknow
Madurai
Mangalore
Mumbai
Nagpur
Port Blair
Pune
Trichy
Trivandrum
Varanasi
Visakhapatnam
Vijayawada

5 Major Seaports

Chennai
Cochin
Goa
Mumbai
New Mangalore

Critical Compliance Reminder

eVisa validity begins immediately upon approval for 30-day tourist visas, requiring entry within 30 days. For longer validity periods, the eVisa remains valid from the approval date. Travelers must strictly adhere to their stated purpose of visit and cannot engage in activities not permitted under their specific eVisa category.

Your India Travel Journey Starts Here

With proper preparation and accurate documentation, US citizens can enjoy streamlined entry to India through the eVisa system. NATVISATRAVEL.COM provides expert guidance throughout the application process, ensuring compliance with all requirements and successful approval for your Indian adventure.