India Tourist Visa: Requirements, Tips, and What to Expect
When planning a trip to India, the India tourist visa, a digital or sticker-based entry permit for short-term visitors traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or family visits. Also known as e-Tourist Visa, it’s the most common way travelers from over 160 countries enter India without needing an embassy visit. You don’t need to be a travel expert to get one—but you do need to know the basics before you book your flight.
The e-Tourist Visa, an online visa system introduced by the Indian government to simplify entry for foreign tourists is valid for 60 days and can be used for single or double entry. It’s not free, but it’s cheap—around $25 to $100 depending on your country and how fast you need it. You apply through the official Indian government portal, upload your photo and passport page, and pay with a credit card. No interviews. No courier fees. No waiting in line. Most people get approved in under 72 hours, but don’t wait until the last minute—some applications take up to five days during peak season.
What trips people up? First, the passport rule: it must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. Second, the photo: it has to be white background, no glasses, no smile. Third, the entry point: you can only land at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports. If you try to enter through a small border crossing with just a tourist visa, you’ll be turned away. And yes, you can’t use this visa to work, study, or volunteer. It’s strictly for tourism, yoga retreats, or visiting family.
The India visa process, the official digital system for foreign nationals seeking short-term entry for tourism purposes is straightforward, but the details matter. You’ll need to print your visa approval letter and carry it with your passport—even if you applied online. Immigration officers still check paper copies. You’ll also need proof of return flight and enough money to cover your stay. No one asks for bank statements, but they can if they want to. Play it safe: show a recent bank balance or a hotel booking.
There’s no such thing as a visa on arrival for most nationalities anymore. Don’t believe the rumors. If you show up at Delhi or Mumbai without an approved e-Tourist Visa, you won’t get in. And if you overstay—even by one day—you’ll face fines, delays, or worse. The Indian government tracks your exit through airline data. They know when you leave.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from travelers who’ve done this before. You’ll see how two days in Agra can feel like a full trip, how much $500 actually buys in Jaipur, and why the Palace on Wheels is worth every rupee—even if you’re not rich. You’ll learn what not to pack, where foreigners really go in Goa, and why Mumbai is called the City of Dreams. All of it ties back to one thing: getting your India tourist visa right so you can focus on the journey, not the paperwork.
