Visa Types for Visiting India in 2025

Overview of Visa Types

A visa is an official authorization from the Government of India allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay for specific purposes. Most travelers require a visa, except citizens of Bhutan, Nepal, and Maldives. Below is a summary of the main visa types for 2025:

e-Tourist Visa

The e-Tourist Visa is an electronic visa for tourism, offering a convenient online application for citizens of 171 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

• 30-Day e-Tourist Visa: Double entry, 30-day stay from entry, fee ~USD 10-25.
• 1-Year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entries, 90-day stay per visit (180 days for USA, UK, Canada, Japan), fee ~USD 40.
• 5-Year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entries, 90-day stay per visit (180 days for USA, UK, Canada, Japan), fee ~USD 80.
• Application: Apply online, upload passport scan and photo, receive e-Visa via email within 2-4 days.
• Entry Points: Valid at 30 airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai) and 6 seaports.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages.

Note: e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. Not valid for restricted/protected areas.

Regular Tourist Visa

The Regular Tourist Visa is suitable for longer stays or nationalities not eligible for e-Visas (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan), issued through Indian embassies or consulates.

• Validity: 6 months to 1 year, single or multiple entries.
• Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit, extendable in some cases with approval.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy, consulate, or visa center (e.g., VFS Global) with documents and biometrics.
• Fees: ~USD 100-200, varies by nationality and duration.
• Processing Time: 1-2 weeks, longer for restricted nationalities.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of funds, return tickets.

Note: Ideal for complex travel plans or restricted nationalities. Additional scrutiny may apply.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Bhutan, Nepal, and Maldives can enter India without a visa for tourism or short visits.

• Bhutan and Nepal: Unlimited stay with valid ID (e.g., voter ID, citizenship card). No passport required.
• Maldives: Up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months.
• Requirements: Proof of return tickets and sufficient funds may be requested at entry.
• Entry Points: Any authorized land, air, or sea port.

Note: Exclusive to these three countries. Other nationalities must apply for a visa.

e-Business Visa

The e-Business Visa is for business-related activities, such as meetings, trade fairs, or establishing ventures, available to citizens of 171 countries.

• Validity: 1 year, multiple entries.
• Stay Duration: Up to 180 days per visit.
• Application: Apply online, upload passport scan, photo, and business documents (e.g., invitation letter, business presidium).
• Fees: ~USD 80-100.
• Processing Time: 2-4 days.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of business purpose.

Note: Not for employment. Non-extendable and non-convertible.

e-Medical Visa

The e-Medical Visa is for individuals seeking medical treatment in recognized hospitals or treatment centers in India.

• Validity: 60 days from first entry, triple entry.
• Stay Duration: Up to 60 days total.
• Application: Apply online, upload passport scan, photo, and hospital letter confirming treatment.
• Fees: ~USD 80-100.
• Processing Time: 2-4 days.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, medical documents.

Note: Non-extendable. Valid only for treatment in recognized institutions.

e-Medical Attendant Visa

The e-Medical Attendant Visa allows up to two individuals to accompany an e-Medical Visa holder for support during treatment.

• Validity: 60 days from first entry, triple entry.
• Stay Duration: Up to 60 days total, aligned with e-Medical Visa holder.
• Application: Apply online, upload passport scan, photo, and proof of relationship or hospital letter.
• Fees: ~USD 80-100.
• Processing Time: 2-4 days.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of association with patient.

Note: Non-extendable. Must enter/exit with e-Medical Visa holder.

e-Conference Visa

The e-Conference Visa is for attending conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by the Indian government or its ministries.

• Validity: 30 days from entry, single entry.
• Stay Duration: Up to 30 days.
• Application: Apply online, upload passport scan, photo, and invitation letter from organizers with government clearance.
• Fees: ~USD 80-100.
• Processing Time: 2-4 days.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, conference details.

Note: Non-extendable. Limited to government-approved events.

Employment Visa

The Employment Visa is for skilled professionals employed by Indian companies or organizations.

• Validity: Up to 1 year, extendable based on contract.
• Stay Duration: Continuous stay as per visa validity.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy with employment contract, company registration, and tax documents.
• Fees: ~USD 150-500, varies by nationality and duration.
• Processing Time: 1-4 weeks.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of employment, qualifications.

Note: Requires company sponsorship. Not for voluntary or unpaid work.

Student Visa

The Student Visa is for individuals enrolled in recognized educational institutions in India.

• Validity: Duration of course or 5 years, whichever is shorter, extendable.
• Stay Duration: Continuous stay as per visa validity.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy with admission letter, proof of funds, and academic records.
• Fees: ~USD 50-150, varies by nationality.
• Processing Time: 1-4 weeks.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of enrollment.

Note: Limited to recognized institutions. Part-time work may require approval.

Journalist Visa

The Journalist Visa is for media professionals engaged in journalism or filming activities in India.

• Validity: 3-6 months, single or multiple entries.
• Stay Duration: Up to visa validity, extendable in some cases.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy with media accreditation, assignment letter, and filming permits if applicable.
• Fees: ~USD 50-200, varies by nationality.
• Processing Time: 2-6 weeks, due to additional scrutiny.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, proof of media purpose.

Note: Requires clearance for sensitive areas. Filming may need additional permits.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is for travelers passing through India en route to another destination.

• Validity: 15 days, single or double entry.
• Stay Duration: Up to 72 hours per transit.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy with confirmed onward tickets and visa for final destination.
• Fees: ~USD 20-50, varies by nationality.
• Processing Time: 3-7 days.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, travel itinerary.

Note: Not required if staying in airport transit area without immigration clearance.

Entry Visa

The Entry Visa is for special purposes, such as for persons of Indian origin, their families, or other long-term stays not covered by other visas.

• Validity: 6 months to 5 years, multiple entries.
• Stay Duration: Varies, up to 180 days per visit or longer with approval.
• Application: Submit at Indian embassy with proof of Indian connection or purpose (e.g., marriage certificate, OCI card).
• Fees: ~USD 100-300, varies by nationality and duration.
• Processing Time: 1-4 weeks.
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, supporting documents.

Note: Suitable for non-specific purposes or extended family visits. Subject to scrutiny.

Choose Your Visa for India

From the convenient e-Tourist Visa to specialized options like Medical or Employment Visas, India offers flexible visa types for travelers in 2025. Select the right visa and embark on your journey to explore the Taj Mahal, Goa’s beaches, or Delhi’s bustling markets.

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