Think of a visa as a “purpose tag” on your passport. It defines why you’re entering India, how many times you can enter, and how long you can stay. This page explains the essentials in plain language so you can choose the right permission, apply without errors, and arrive confident at immigration.
A visa lets you travel to India and ask the immigration officer for entry. Your permission lists the category (tourist, business, medical, conference, student, etc.), number of entries (single, double, multiple), and validity window (dates during which you can use the visa). Your duration of stay per visit may be specified differently and can be shorter than overall validity. You must always follow the activity limits of the category you hold—for example, a tourist visa does not allow paid work or formal academic enrollment.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. If you hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you generally do not need a separate visa, but you must travel with your valid passport and OCI document. For short, purpose-specific trips (tourism, short business meetings, short medical visits), many travelers use a streamlined digital path. Long-term work, study, research, or projects typically require a traditional application through your nearest Indian Mission/Consulate with more in-depth documentation.
Categories are purpose-driven. Choose the one that exactly matches what you’ll do in India. If your plans span multiple activities, prioritize the primary purpose or check if you need a different category. Some popular categories at a glance:
| Category | Typical Use | Key Pointers |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Leisure travel, sightseeing, meeting friends/family | No paid work or long study; respect stay limits; ensure onward/return travel |
| Business | Meetings, exploratory visits, short trainings | Invitation letters help; no salaried employment |
| Medical / Medical Attendant | Treatment in India / accompanying a patient | Hospital letter required; follow stay & reporting requirements |
| Conference | Official conferences, seminars | Event invites/approvals may be needed; check lead times |
| Student / Research / Employment | Formal education, research projects, jobs | Usually via Mission/Consulate; additional clearances possible |
India offers two broad channels: a fully online path for eligible short trips, and a Mission/Consulate route for longer or specialized purposes. The online path is convenient for tourism, short business, or medical visits for eligible nationalities; longer or work/study/research permissions generally go through the Mission route.
Create a small folder named INDIA_VISA_[LASTNAME] with subfolders for Passport, Photo, Travel Plans, Support Letters, and Extras. Name files clearly (e.g., Passport_Scan.pdf, Photo_35x45.jpg, Hotel_Booking.pdf). Ensure that your name, date of birth, and passport number are consistent across all documents and in the online form.
Fees vary by category, nationality, number of entries, and processing channel. Some routes offer faster handling at a higher price. Keep a buffer for unavoidable add-ons such as service fees or courier charges if the Mission route is used. Always consult the official calculator or checklist for the latest amounts before paying.
| Driver | Examples | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Tourist vs Business vs Medical vs Student | Exact purpose documents (invites, letters, enrolment, hospital) |
| Entries & Validity | Single / Double / Multiple; 30–365+ days validity | Itinerary logic; realistic stay plan; onward travel |
| Processing Path | Online vs Mission/Consulate | Appointment slots, biometrics, courier options |
Your visa has a validity window (when you can arrive) and a permitted stay (how long you can remain per entry). Many travelers mix these up. Overstaying, even unintentionally, can lead to fines, exit permit hassles, or future application issues. Track your dates, set calendar reminders, and give yourself a safe departure buffer.
Yes, most foreigners need a visa to enter India. India offers several types of visas, including e-Visas for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Citizens of a few neighboring countries have visa exemptions under specific agreements.
You can apply online through the official Indian e-Visa Portal. After filling the application and uploading documents, you need to pay the visa fee online. Approved visas are sent via email.
– A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival – Recent passport-size photograph – Scanned copy of the passport’s bio page – Additional documents depending on visa type (e.g., invitation letter for business visa, hospital letter for medical visa).
e-Visa processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Applicants are advised to apply at least 7 days before travel to avoid delays. Confirmation and approval are sent by email.
The tourist e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the option chosen. Each visit usually allows a stay of up to 90 days (except for US, UK, Japan, and Canada citizens who may get 180 days).