Visa Types for Visiting India in 2025
Explore India’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes in 2025 with the right visa. This guide details the visa types available for foreign nationals, including e-Tourist Visa, regular tourist visa, and visa-free entry, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Overview of Visa Types
A visa is an official authorization from the Government of India allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay for tourism or other purposes. Most travelers need a visa, except citizens of Bhutan, Nepal, and Maldives Andr Maldives. Below are the main visa types for tourists in 2025:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Eligibility | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family | 171 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia) | Online application, 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year validity, multiple entries for longer visas |
| Regular Tourist Visa | Tourism, extended stays | All nationalities | Applied via embassies, valid for 6 months to 1 year, single/multiple entries |
| Visa-Free Entry | Tourism, short visits | Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives | No visa required, unlimited stay for Bhutan/Nepal, 90 days for Maldives |
e-Tourist Visa
The e-Tourist Visa is an electronic visa for tourism, offering a convenient online application process 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.
Note: e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages.
Regular Tourist Visa
The regular tourist visa is ideal for longer stays or for nationalities not eligible for e-Visas (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan). It is issued through Indian embassies or consulates.
- Validity: Typically 6 months to 1 year, single or multiple entries.
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit, extendable in some cases with approval from Indian authorities.
- Application: Submit at an 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.
Note: Suitable for complex travel plans or countries with restricted e-Visa access. Additional scrutiny may apply for certain nationalities.
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 a 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: Visa-free entry is exclusive to these three countries. Other nationalities must apply for an e-Visa or regular visa.
Choose Your Visa for India
From the convenient e-Tourist Visa to visa-free entry for select countries, India offers flexible options for tourists in 2025. Select the right visa and start your journey to the Taj Mahal, Goa’s beaches, or Rajasthan’s palaces.
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