Apply for an Indian e-Visa is an exciting part. Whether you’re heading there for a spiritual journey, a business deal, or a medical visit, obtaining your visa in advance is crucial. Fortunately, India has simplified the process with its e-Visa system, a fully online, fast-track option for eligible travellers.
If you’ve been wondering how to apply for an Indian e-visa, this guide outlines every step clearly, helping you avoid mistakes, delays, and frustration.
What Is an Indian e-Visa?
An Indian e-Visa is a digital travel authorization that enables foreign nationals from over 160 countries to enter India without requiring a traditional stamp in their passport. It’s issued electronically and linked directly to your passport for applying for an Indian e-Visa.
Depending on your reason for visiting, you can apply under different categories such as tourism, business, medical, or attending conferences. Understanding which category to choose is your first win in getting approved without hiccups.
Before You Start: Understand Your Visa Type
Here’s a mistake people often make, rushing into the application without knowing their correct visa type for applying for an Indian e-Visa.
- If you’re sightseeing or visiting family, consider applying for a tourist e-Visa.
- If you’re attending business meetings, trade fairs, or launching a venture, apply for the business e-Visa.
- IIf you are going for medical treatment, then choose the medical visa.
It seems obvious, but choosing the wrong category is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected.
- Apply from the Official Portal Only
You should only use the government’s official portal to apply for an Indian e visa:
indianvisaonline.gov.in. Stick to the government website unless you need extra assistance.Check your visa schedule regularly. Visa wait times can vary greatly depending on the visa type.
Documents You’ll Need
Gather everything before you begin for applying for an Indian e-Visa:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- A digital passport-style photo on a plain background
- A PDF scan of your passport’s bio page
- Travel details like your destination and flight info
Depending on your visa category, you might also need:
An invitation letter from an Indian business or hospital (for business/medical e-Visas)
Organizing these ahead of time helps speed up the visa application time and reduces the chance of rejection.
Fill the Application with Attention to Detail
The form is long but not complicated. Read each field carefully and ensure that the names, passport numbers, and dates match exactly with the information on your documents.
Take your time applying for an Indian e-Visa.
A simple typo can cause your application to be rejected without a refund. Once submitted, you’ll receive a temporary application ID. Please note it down or take a screenshot so you can return to your form later if needed.
Pay the Visa Fee Online and Track It
After submission, you’ll be directed to pay the visa fee. This varies by nationality and type of visa. The payment must be made online using a debit or credit card.
Once paid, you’ll get an application reference number and this is what you’ll use to track your application status. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
However, it’s advisable to apply at least 7 to 10 days before your flight to ensure safety. Holidays, system errors, or missing info can cause slight delays in applying for an Indian e-Visa.
Understanding E Visa India Processing Time
On average, the e-visa processing time for India is between 72 hours and 5 business days. That’s relatively fast in comparison to many other global visa systems.
Want some context? Here’s how other visa timelines stack up:
- K1 visa processing time: Around 12–15 months
- H1B visa processing time: 4 to 6 months
- U visa processing time: Can exceed 5 years
- K3 visa processing time: Typically 6 to 9 months
- Fiancé visa processing time: 13 months or more
- PERM processing times and USCIS processing times vary drastically
So, if you’ve ever dealt with U.S. immigration or the National Visa Center processing time, the Indian e-Visa feels like a breeze.
Once approved, Print Your e-Visa
Once approved, your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Print at least two copies and keep both with you, one for the airline staff and one for Indian immigration when you land.
- Note: Your e-Visa starts from the date of issue, not your travel date. So don’t apply too early in applying for an Indian e-Visa
Entry Points Matter
Before applying for an Indian e-Visa, you must arrive in India through one of the approved airports or ports that accept e-Visas. This includes major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Trying to enter through a non-approved location may result in being denied entry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These slip-ups delay or derail applications more than you’d expect:
- Uploading a photo with a busy or colored background
- Spelling errors in your name or passport number
- Ignoring the format guidelines for photo and passport scans
- Not checking your spam folder for the approval email
- Applying under the wrong visa type
- Assuming approval starts from your travel date
A Quick Look at Global Immigration Timelines
It helps to keep tabs on visa updates, even if you’re travelling short-term. The February 2025 visa bulletin provides insight into green card backlogs and availability. If you’re also pursuing long-term immigration goals, knowing your place in the immigration visa bulletin is helpful.
Current updates:
- The USCIS national benefits center is taking 6–12 months to apply for citizenship application
- Wondering how long it takes to renew my green card? Typically 8 to 10 months
- How long does it take to get a green card? That depends, for some, it’s a year. For others, five.
In contrast, the e visa for India processing time seems refreshingly fast.
Conclusion:
If you’re ready to apply for an e-visa to India, ensure your documents are organized, your information is accurate, and you select the correct category. Compared to most visa processing times, India’s system is surprisingly efficient and doesn’t leave it to the last minute.
Let your next adventure start with applying for an Indian e-Visa that’s simple, digital, and fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Indian e-Visa while I’m already in India?
No. You must apply from outside India. The e-Visa cannot be issued or extended from within the country.
What if I made a typo on my application?
Unfortunately, you can’t edit it. You’ll need to reapply with the correct details.
Is the Indian e-Visa valid for multiple entries?
Yes, depending on the visa type and your nationality. Double-check the terms before applying.
What’s the fastest way I can get my Indian e-Visa?
In some cases, approval is received within 72 hours, but it’s best to plan for at least 3–5 working days.
Do all airports in India accept e-Visas?
No. Only specific airports and seaports are authorized for e-Visa entry. Always confirm your point of entry before booking travel.