🇮🇳 India visa requirements

If you’re a remote worker planning to base yourself in India, you’re walking into a grey area.

Who Can Actually Get In?

Most Westerners, including US, EU, UK, and Canadian citizens, need to apply for a visa before arriving. This usually means a standard tourist visa, which doesn't officially permit work. Some nationalities, like those from Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal, enjoy visa-free entry for a set period. For everyone else, you're looking at an application process. The Indian government recently expanded its e-Visa program, which is now available to citizens of over 160 countries. This is the easiest route for most tourists and, as we'll discuss, the de facto way many remote workers enter. Applying online saves a trip to the embassy, and processing times are generally quick, often within 72 hours for the standard e-Tourist Visa.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

The standard tourist e-Visa typically grants you 30 days of stay, with double-entry permission. If you need longer, you can apply for a 1-year or 5-year e-Visa, which allows for continuous stay of up to 180 days per visit. This means you can’t just hop over the border for a day and come back to reset your 180-day clock. Overstaying is where things get messy. While specific fines can vary and aren't always strictly enforced at every exit point, you can face penalties. Expect to pay a daily fine, potentially $30 USD per day, and you might be barred from re-entering India for a period. Always check your passport for exit stamps; these are crucial for tracking your days.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

Let's be blunt: India does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. The official stance is that working on a tourist visa is prohibited. However, the reality on the ground is different. Many remote workers use the e-Tourist Visa and work from cafes, co-working spaces, or their rented apartments without issue. Enforcement is inconsistent. You're unlikely to be questioned by local police or immigration officials about your laptop usage. The real risk comes if you need to interact with immigration for an extended stay or a visa renewal process, or if you're involved in some kind of official inquiry. The government is aware of the economic contribution of foreign tourists and remote workers, but the legal framework hasn't caught up. It’s a calculated risk, and most people don't face problems.

What's New in India's Visa World?

The biggest recent shift has been the significant expansion and streamlining of the e-Visa system. As of late 2023 and early 2024, the number of eligible countries for the e-Visa has grown substantially, making it the primary entry method for most tourists. There have been minor adjustments to visa fees, but these are generally stable. The government occasionally adds or removes countries from the e-Visa list, so always double-check the official Indian Bureau of Immigration website before applying. While there haven't been major policy overhauls regarding remote work specifically, the ease of obtaining an e-Visa has, in effect, made it easier for digital nomads to enter India for short to medium stays.