# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Visas

Indian E-Visa Application: Complete Online Guide for Tourists

India's e-Visa system has transformed entry for 170+ nationalities. Fully online, no embassy visits, electronic approval. Here's your step-by-step guide to a smooth application.

Eligibility & Visa Types

e-Tourist Visa: 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple), 5 years (multiple) — check your nationality's options
e-Business Visa: 1 year, multiple entry
e-Medical Visa: 60 days, triple entry
e-Conference Visa: 30 days, single entry

Check eligibility at indianvisaonline.gov.in — some countries excluded or restricted.

Before You Start

Passport: 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages
Photo: Digital, 2×2 inches (51×51mm), white background, no glasses, face 70-80%
Passport scan: Bio page, clear, color, PDF/JPG <1MB
Payment: Credit/debit card (international enabled)
Time: Apply 4-30 days before travel (30-day visa: 4-30 days; 1/5 year: 4-120 days)

Step-by-Step Application

1. Register Account

Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in
Click "Apply for e-Visa" → "New Registration"
Enter: email, password, captcha
Verify email (OTP)

2. Fill Application Form

Sections:

Personal details (exact match passport)
Passport details
Travel details: dates, port of entry (28 airports, 5 seaports), purpose
Previous visa/visit history
Reference in India (hotel/tour operator name + address + phone)
Reference in home country

Critical: No edits after submission. Review meticulously.

3. Upload Documents

Passport bio page: Color scan, PDF/JPG, 10KB-1MB
Photo: Digital, specs above
Additional (if asked): Business card (business visa), hospital letter (medical), invitation (conference)

4. Pay Fee

Payment gateway: SBIePay, Axis Bank. Save transaction ID.

5. Submit & Track

Final review → Submit
Application ID generated — save it
Track status: "Visa Status" tab on portal
Processing: 2-4 business days (often 24-72 hrs)

6. Receive & Print ETA

Approval: Email with PDF attachment (Electronic Travel Authorization)
PRINT COLOR COPY — carry with passport
ETA ≠ visa stamp — it's authorization to board and seek entry

At Indian Immigration

Present: Passport + printed ETA + return ticket
Officer: Verifies, takes fingerprints, photo, stamps passport
Check stamp: Dates, "e-Visa" notation

Critical Rules & Restrictions

Entry ports: Only 28 designated airports + 5 seaports (list on website)
Non-extendable: Cannot extend e-Visa in India (except medical emergency)
Non-convertible: Cannot change visa type
Max stay: 90 days per visit (180 days for US/UK/Canada/Japan on 1/5 yr)
Re-entry: 30-day = double entry; 1/5 yr = multiple
Restricted areas: Arunachal, Sikkim, parts of HP, UK, J&K, Lakshadweep — need separate permit