Processing Time & Fees for India Visas

Overview of India visa processing times, fees, and tips for planning travel. Includes typical durations for online and embassy applications.

Why Processing Time & Fees Matter

Understanding processing times and fees helps in planning appointments, travel, and accommodation. Duration and fees vary by visa type, nationality, and government rules.

Processing Times: Typical Scenarios

Non-immigrant Visa (Online / Interview)

India visa applications are processed in varying timeframes. Schedule appointments well in advance.

Tourist / e-Tourist: 2–7 working days online; 7–15 days embassy.
Business Visa: 5–10 working days.
Student Visa: 7–20 working days depending on consulate.
Medical / Employment: 10–30 working days.

Start clock after completing online application and fee payment.

Fee Structure: General Overview

Visa Category	Typical Fee (INR/USD)
Tourist / e-Tourist	₹2,000 / ~$25
Business Visa	₹6,000 / ~$75
Student Visa	₹1,000–5,000 / ~$15–65
Medical / Employment	₹3,000–10,000 / ~$40–130

Fees may vary by nationality; check official sources before payment.

Additional Costs & Notes

Service Charges: Some visa centers charge handling fees.
Bank/Card Fees: Online payments may incur minor charges.
Urgent Applications: Premium or Tatkal processing may cost extra.
No Refunds: Paid fees are non-refundable.

Factors That Affect Processing Speed

Consulate Workload: Peak travel seasons.
Nationality: Certain countries require extra verification.
Incomplete Files: Missing documents or photos.
Special Categories: Employment, long-term visas.
Technical Issues: Payment or portal delays.

Best Practices for Applicants

Apply early: Schedule interviews or online submissions well before travel.
Pay fees using valid international or local cards and save receipts.
Complete application accurately and upload required documents.
Track status on official portal.
Avoid non-refundable travel bookings before visa approval.

Estimate Your India Visa Processing Date

Select your visa type and approximate submission date to get an estimated approval date:

Visa Type:

Application Date:

Pro Tips for a Smooth Visa Application

Double-check all passport details before submission to avoid delays.
Use a dedicated email for visa communication to prevent missing notifications.
Keep digital and physical copies of all documents handy for consulate visits.
Track public holidays in both your country and India; processing may be paused.
Sign up for official alerts from Indian Visa Portal.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Submitting outdated or blurry passport photographs.
Missing signature or mismatched information across forms.
Applying too close to travel dates.
Paying through unofficial services, risking fraud.
Ignoring consulate-specific instructions for special visa categories.

Quick Highlights

Fastest processing for e-Tourist visas: 2–7 days.

Business visas may require invitation letters from India.

Student visas can take up to 3 weeks depending on documents.

Medical visas require hospital confirmation from India.

Processing Time & Fees — FAQs

Typically 2–7 working days online; 7–15 working days via embassy.

Fees depend on bilateral agreements and visa type.

No. Fees are non-refundable, even if visa denied or withdrawn.

Tatkal or urgent processing available for certain visa types; normal processing cannot be sped up for e-Tourist visas.

Retry payment or contact support via official portal.

Career Finder