Visas for India

Securing a visa for India is usually a smooth affair, and processing times are generally short. If you plan on visiting or moving to India, it is best to start by identifying the right visa for your situation and sorting out your paperwork and photos for the application. It is best to start this early to avoid any last-minute hurdles.

Visa regulations for India change frequently, so you must consult the Bureau of Immigration website and contact your nearest embassy for the most current information.

From October 2025, the Bureau of Immigration introduced a mandatory e-Arrival Card for all foreign nationals entering India. This digital form takes the place of the old paper disembarkation card, speeding up your passage through international airports.

How to apply for a visa to India

You have several options when applying for a visa, ranging from e-visas and visas on arrival to standard paper visas. Most nationalities can apply online for an e visa, although you should check the government’s IndianVisaOnline website for the full list of eligible countries.

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India unless arriving from China. Nationals from the Maldives also have specific exemptions. If you are from Japan, South Korea or the UAE, you may be eligible for a visa on arrival. If you do not meet these criteria, you must apply for a standard paper visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.

Useful links

• IndianVisaOnline Website
• Bureau of Immigration
• Ministry of External Affairs, India

General visa requirements for India

When applying online, you must submit your e visa application at least four days before your intended arrival date. If you have your documents ready, the online form is brief – you can usually finish it in about 15 minutes. All documents must be in English or translated into English.

Fees depend on your citizenship, visa type and how long you intend to stay. These fees are non-refundable, so check the official visa application website for the current fee structure.

You generally need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. If you are arriving from certain countries, you will need yellow fever and polio vaccinations and must carry a certified card as proof.

The e-Arrival Card

As of October 2025, all foreign travellers and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders must complete an e Arrival Card within 72 hours of travel. This requirement covers everyone, whether you are on an e visa, tourist, business, employment or student visa. Indian passport holders are exempt.

You will need to provide your passport details, arrival information, countries visited in the last six days, purpose of visit and contact details in India. Once submitted, you will receive a digital confirmation (QR code or reference number) to present at immigration.

A transition period is in place for six months following the launch, during which physical arrival cards are still accepted, but using the digital system will speed up your clearance.

Registration

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register with the Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO). While e visas are typically non-extendable, other visa types and residential permits can be renewed before they expire. If you overstay, you risk heavy fines and could be barred from revisiting India.

Useful links

• e-Visa Application

Tourist visas for India

You will need a tourist visa to visit friends or family, or simply travel around India. India offers several types of tourist visas with different validity periods:

• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. This usually allows double entry.
• e-Tourist Visa (one year): Valid for 365 days from the date of grant. This allows multiple entries.
• e-Tourist Visa (five years): Valid for five years from the date of grant. This allows multiple entries.

Continuous stay limits apply even on long-term visas. For most nationalities, your continuous stay during each visit must not exceed 90 days. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada and Japan are generally allowed a continuous stay of up to 180 days per visit. You should verify which category you fall into before you travel to avoid penalties.

Nationals of Japan, South Korea and the UAE can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism. This permit grants a stay of up to 60 days with double entry.

Student visas for India

You can apply for a student visa if you are attending a regular study programme at a recognised institution. These visas are valid for the duration of your course or up to five years. You will need to show proof of admission to an Indian institution and evidence that you can support yourself financially.

If you need to extend your student visa, you should apply online via the e FRRO portal, uploading your current visa, passport and proof of enrolment. Physical visits to the FRRO are generally not required unless you are specifically called for an interview. Submit your extension request at least 60 days before your visa expires to avoid gaps in your legal status.

Medical visas for India

India attracts many medical tourists thanks to its private healthcare sector, which provides high-quality treatment at costs that are often lower than in the West. Validity depends on your visa type. An e-Medical visa allows you to stay for 60 days with triple entry, while a standard paper visa is generally valid for one year or the duration of your treatment. You can extend these visas if your hospital recommends it. If you are accompanying a patient, you can apply for a Medical Attendant visa, which has the same validity and entry rules as the patient’s visa.

You will need a recommendation letter from a recognised medical institution in India to apply. This letter must confirm the need for specialised treatment in the country. The authorities have simplified the application process to make it easier for international patients to get the care they need.

Healthcare in India

Useful links

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India

Work visas for India

To take up a job in India, you generally need an Employment Visa. While Business and Conference visas allow for professional visits, they do not allow you to earn a salary in India. You rarely need a separate work permit document if you hold a valid Employment Visa.

Employment visas

You will need an employment visa if a registered Indian company or organisation has hired you. You are eligible if you are a highly skilled professional and the role cannot be filled by a qualified Indian citizen. You typically need to earn above a minimum annual salary threshold (currently INR 16.25 lakhs, although exceptions exist for ethnic cooks, language teachers and embassy staff) to qualify.

Employment visas are usually valid for one year or the duration of your contract. In some cases, they may be granted for up to five years. You can often renew an employment visa from within India.

Business visas

Business visas are designed for entrepreneurs or investors who need to attend meetings or explore opportunities in India. You must show proof of your financial status and professional expertise. Requirements include an invitation letter from the host organisation in India alongside your standard application forms.

Paper business visas can be valid for up to five years with multiple entries, whereas e-Business visas are usually limited to one year. Continuous stays during each visit must usually not exceed 180 days. If you need to stay longer, you must register with the FRRO within two weeks of the 180-day mark.

Conference visas

You will need a conference visa to attend a seminar or workshop in India. The e Conference visa grants a single entry for 30 days, while a paper visa covers the duration of the event plus travel time.

Working in India

Useful links

• Bureau of Immigration

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, so you should always contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.