🇮🇳 India visa requirements

India’s eVisa is your only real option if you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or most of Europe. And yes, you absolutely need one before you even think about booking a flight.

Who Actually Gets a Visa-Free Stamp?

Let's cut to the chase: If you're from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, UAE, or Qatar, you're looking at the eVisa. It's not a visa on arrival, it's not visa-free. Apply online, get approved, print it out, and carry it with you. For everyone else? It's a traditional visa application at an Indian embassy or consulate. This means appointments, paperwork, and waiting. It’s a pain. The eVisa simplifies things immensely, but remember to apply at least 4 days before your trip, though 7 days is safer.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

The standard eVisa gives you 30 days. That's it. It's a single-entry visa, meaning once you leave India, even for a day trip to Nepal or Sri Lanka, your visa is kaput. You’ll need a new one to get back in. Longer stays? You can apply for a 1-year or 5-year multiple-entry eVisa, but these have stricter requirements and longer processing times. Overstaying is where things get ugly. While the official penalty can be a fine of INR 300 per day, combined with potential detention and deportation, the real issue is future travel bans. A minor overstay can make it impossible to get future Indian visas. Don't mess around with this. Ensure your exit stamp is clear and dated correctly.

What's New in India's Visa World?

India has been pushing the eVisa hard. They rolled out an e-Tourist Visa for a huge range of nationalities, covering tourism, short-term yoga retreats, and even short medical treatment. The fees are generally reasonable, around $25 USD for the 30-day visa, but they fluctuate. The 1-year and 5-year eVisa options are also relatively recent additions, aiming to capture longer-term tourists and, hopefully, future digital nomads. Keep an eye on the official Indian eVisa portal for the most up-to-date information, as programmes can change. They’ve also expanded the list of eligible airports and seaports for eVisa entry. Double-check that your arrival airport is on the approved list before you book anything.