Visa Requirements

India Visa Requirements 2026: e-Visa, Tourist & Medical Guide

8. August 2026•10 min Lesezeit•RiskVector Redaktion

# India Visa Requirements 2026: Complete e-Visa, Tourist & Medical Guide

India remains one of the world's most fascinating travel destinations, but navigating the visa process can be confusing. This guide covers everything you need to know about India visa requirements in 2026 — from the popular e-Visa to medical and business visa categories.

India e-Visa: The Standard Option for Most Travelers

The Indian e-Visa is the fastest and easiest way to get authorization to visit India. It's available to citizens of 169 countries and can be applied for entirely online without visiting an embassy.

e-Visa Categories

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e-Visa Processing Time

**Standard processing:** 3-5 business days

**Rush processing:** 1-2 business days (additional $40 fee)

**Recommendation:** Apply at least 7-10 days before travel

Processing times can extend during peak season (October-March) and Indian holidays. Never book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved.

Step-by-Step e-Visa Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

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**Passport:** Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages

**Photograph:** Recent passport-style photo, white background, JPEG format, 10KB-1MB file size

**Passport bio page scan:** PDF format, 10KB-300KB

**Return ticket:** Proof of onward travel

**Sufficient funds:** Proof of ability to cover stay

Step 2: Photo Specifications

India has strict photo requirements:

Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) or square JPEG

White background only

No glasses (removed in 2023)

Face occupies 60-80% of the photo

Neutral expression, mouth closed

No head coverings (except religious, with face visible)

Photo rejection is the #1 cause of visa delays. Use a [passport photo app](/go/amazon/B0B7VGRJDFY) or professional service to ensure compliance.

Step 3: Submit Application

Go to the [official Indian e-Visa portal](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/)

Create an account with your email

Complete the application form (have your passport and travel details ready)

Upload documents

Pay the visa fee via credit/debit card or PayPal

Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email within 3-5 days

Step 4: Print Your ETA

Print the ETA approval email and carry it with you. Indian immigration will verify it upon arrival. You should also have a digital copy on your phone.

Regular Tourist Visa (Sticker Visa)

If you're not eligible for an e-Visa (some nationalities are excluded) or need a longer stay, apply for a regular tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.

Regular tourist visa details:

Duration: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years

Processing time: 7-15 business days

Cost: Varies by nationality ($40-$150+)

Requires in-person appointment or visa service

Longer processing but more flexible entry/exit

India Medical Visa

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India is a major medical tourism destination, known for high-quality healthcare at a fraction of Western costs. The medical visa is specifically for travelers seeking treatment.

Eligibility:

Must have a letter from a recognized Indian hospital

Treatment must be for a serious condition (not cosmetic tourism)

Patient can bring up to 2 attendants on Medical Attendant Visas

Required documents:

Medical letter from Indian hospital/hospital

Recent medical reports from your home country

Proof of funds for treatment

Standard passport and photo requirements

**Important:** Medical visa holders must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. Comprehensive [travel insurance for India](/blog/travel-insurance-india) that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Common Visa Rejection Reasons

Understanding why visas get rejected can help you avoid the same fate:

**Photo non-compliance:** Wrong background, wrong size, glasses, shadows

**Passport validity:** Less than 6 months remaining

**Incomplete application:** Blank fields, missing documents

**Suspicious travel patterns:** Frequent visits without clear purpose

**Unclear itinerary:** Vague answers about travel plans

**Previous overstay:** If you've overstayed a visa to India before

**Passport damage:** Torn pages, water damage, faded data

**Tip:** Double-check every field before submitting. Indian visa applications are not forgiving of errors, and corrections require starting over.

India Visa Fees by Nationality (Selected)

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Note: Fees are subject to change. Some nationalities have reciprocal fee arrangements. Always check the [official portal](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/) for current rates.

Visa on Arrival (Limited)

India offers Visa on Arrival for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (with certain conditions). This is separate from the e-Visa system and available only at major international airports.

Safety Note for India Travelers

While India is generally safe for tourists, certain precautions are important, especially for solo female travelers. Read our comprehensive guide: [Is India safe for solo female travelers?](/blog/is-india-safe-for-solo-female-travelers-complete-guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my India e-Visa if I want to stay longer?

No. e-Visas cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit India and re-enter with a new visa (subject to the visa's entry limits). Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and future visa bans.

What happens if my e-Visa application is rejected?

If your e-Visa is rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can re-apply after correcting the issue (usually photo or document problems). If rejected again, you'll need to apply for a regular visa through an embassy. The e-Visa fee is non-refundable even if rejected.

Do children need a separate e-Visa for India?

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs an individual e-Visa. Children's applications require their own passport and photograph. A parent's visa does not cover a child. Ensure each child has their own passport before applying.

Can I work in India on a tourist or e-Visa?

Absolutely not. Tourist and e-Tourist visas strictly prohibit employment, paid work, journalism, and missionary work. Violating this can result in deportation and a permanent ban from India. For work, you need an Employment Visa (requires employer sponsorship and specific qualifications).

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