Is an India tourist visa required for US citizens?

The types of visa available for India include tourist, business and medical visas, each with specific validity periods and conditions. For US citizens, the visa application can be made easily via the official portal or through a private service provider, and the processing time is generally fast, around 72 hours. This page will provide you with all the information you need to apply for an Indian visa, from the documents required to costs, including advice on how to avoid visa refusals. With this guidance, you can plan your trip with peace of mind and enjoy the incredible cultural and historical diversity that India has to offer.

Do US citizens need a visa?

• Requirement: US citizens must obtain a visa, whether paper or electronic (e-visa), before entering India.
• e-Visa: e-Visas are available for tourism, business and medical purposes, and can be obtained online.
• Price: the cost varies according to the type of visa requested. For example, a 30-day e-tourist visa costs between USD 10 and USD 25, depending on the season.
• Processing time: the processing time for an e-Visa is generally 72 hours or more.
• Period of validity: the e-Tourist visa may be valid for 30 days, one year or five years, depending on the user's choice.

→ India visa for US citizens ←

How do I apply for an India eVisa from the USA?

For US citizens, applying for an eVisa for India is a simple process that takes place entirely online. The eVisa is available for several types of stay, including tourism, business, and medical care. Here are the steps to follow to apply.

Documents required by US citizens to apply for an India tourist visa

To obtain an India eVisa, US citizens must provide the following documents:

• Passport: must be valid for at least six months at the time of application, with at least two blank pages available for immigration stamps.
• Recent passport photo: the photo must be of the front, with a white background.
• Passport page : a digital copy of the page containing the passport's personal details.
• Proof of sufficient funds: travellers must prove that they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Return or onward ticket: A ticket proving that the traveller will leave India at the end of their stay is required.

How much does the India eVisa cost for US citizens?

The price of the eVisa depends on the type and duration of visa requested. For example:

• 30-day tourist visa: the cost varies from USD 10 to USD 25, depending on the time of year.
• One-year visa: approximately USD 40. It is important to note that fees are non-refundable and vary slightly depending on the period and type of visa chosen.
• 5-year visa: approximately USD 80.

US citizens can easily submit their eVisa application via the Indian government's official portal or through an assisted private service provider.
 

India eVisa processing time for US citizens

The processing time for obtaining an eVisa to India as a US citizen is generally quick and convenient. Once the application is submitted online through the official portal, it is usually processed within 72 hours. However, this time may vary depending on the volume of applications and the time of year. Travellers are advised to apply for an eVisa at least four days before their planned departure date to ensure that their visa is received on time.

For 30-day e-Tourist Visa applications, travellers can submit their application up to 30 days in advance of their expected date of arrival, while for longer tourist visas (one year or five years), the application can be made up to 120 days before travel. Applications submitted in advance minimise the risk of delays due to missing documents or administrative errors.

If processing takes longer than expected, applicants can track the progress of their application on the portal using the ‘Check your visa status’ option. If they have any questions, applicants can also contact the eVisa helpdesk via the e-mail address or telephone number provided on the official website.

Visa duration and validity for US citizens

Visas for India offer varying flexibility in terms of duration and validity, allowing US citizens to choose a visa that suits their needs, whether for a short stay or for regular visits.

Number of entries into India from the USA

US citizens opting for an e-Tourist Visa have several options when it comes to the number of entries:

• 30-day e-Tourist Visa: this visa allows two entries into the country during the 30-day validity period.
• One-year or five-year e-Tourist Visa: these visas allow multiple entries, which is ideal for travellers who wish to visit India several times during the validity period.

How long can I stay in India as a US citizen?

• 30-day tourist visa: US citizens can stay in India for up to 30 days with double entry permitted.
• One-year or five-year tourist visas: for these visas, the maximum stay in India is 180 days per calendar year, with no need to register with the Indian authorities. This type of visa allows extended stays, but not consecutive stays of more than six months without re-entry.

Renewing your Indian visa

eVisas for India are neither renewable nor convertible. Once the validity of the visa has expired, US citizens must leave the country and submit a new visa application if they wish to return to India. For longer stays, it is advisable to reapply after leaving India.

Refusal of India visas for US citizens

Although the majority of visa applications for India are accepted, some applications may be refused. Visa refusals are often due to errors or non-conformities in the application. Here are some common reasons for refusal and what you can do if you are refused:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents: one of the main reasons for visa refusal is the submission of incomplete or incorrect documents. It is crucial to check that all the required documents (passport, photo, tickets, etc.) are provided in the correct format and comply with the requirements listed on the official website.
• History of refusal: if a US citizen has been refused before or has a history of breaking Indian laws, this may also result in a visa refusal. The Indian authorities take into account the history of each applicant before issuing a visa.
• Security concerns or national security reasons: any information suspected of posing a risk to national security may result in a visa refusal. For example, missing information about the applicant's background or suspicious behaviour during a previous visit to India may be grounds for refusal.
• Non-compliant photos: failure to comply with photo standards (e.g. white background, recent photo) is a frequent reason for rejection of the application. It is advisable to follow the guidelines carefully to avoid delays or outright rejection.
• Financial problems: lack of evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself during one's stay in India can also be a reason for refusal. Citizens must demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to cover their expenses during their stay.

In the event of a refusal, it is possible to submit a new application after rectifying the errors or providing the missing documents. It is also advisable to contact the Indian authorities or the visa processing centre to obtain more precise information about the reasons for the refusal. This will ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated the next time the application is submitted.
 

Is India safe for US citizens?

India is generally considered a safe destination for US citizens, but as with any trip abroad, it is advisable to take certain precautions. India attracts large numbers of tourists every year, and the majority of visits are uneventful. However, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in large cities and busy tourist areas.

To ensure their safety, US citizens should follow local safety guidelines and avoid high-risk areas, particularly certain border regions or specific areas of Jammu and Kashmir, which may be subject to geopolitical tensions. It is advisable to follow the travel advice provided by the US Department of State, which issues regularly updated recommendations on the security situation in India.

In addition, it is advisable to take health precautions, such as protecting yourself from mosquitoes in areas where vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever or malaria are present. US citizens should also be vigilant about their valuables, especially in crowded areas such as markets and railway stations.