India Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know Before You Go
When planning a trip to India, the India visa requirements, the official rules set by the Government of India for foreign visitors entering the country. Also known as India entry rules, these rules determine whether you can fly in, how long you can stay, and what documents you must carry. Getting this wrong can mean getting turned away at the airport—no second chances.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU can apply for an e-Visa, an online travel authorization that replaces the old paper visa for tourism, business, or medical visits. It’s fast, simple, and usually approved in under 72 hours. But not all visas are the same. A tourist e-Visa lets you stay up to 180 days, while a business e-Visa is shorter and requires an invitation letter. If you’re planning to volunteer, work, or study, you need a different type—e-Visas won’t cover those. And don’t forget: your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. One expired page can cost you your trip.
Some countries still need to apply through Indian embassies or consulates, especially if you’re traveling for journalism, research, or long-term stays. And while many assume India’s visa rules are chaotic, they’re actually quite clear—if you read them. For example, you can’t enter through land borders with an e-Visa. You must fly into one of the 30 designated airports or 5 seaports. Also, e-Visas are non-extendable. If you overstay, even by a day, you could face fines, detention, or a ban. It’s not a game.
What about kids? Same rules apply. Every child, no matter how young, needs their own visa. No exceptions. And if you’re transiting through India—say, flying from Dubai to Bangkok with a layover in Delhi—you still need a visa unless you stay airside. No leaving the terminal without one.
The good news? Once you have your visa, entry is usually smooth. Border officers don’t ask for return tickets or bank statements unless something looks off. But they will check your e-Visa printout and passport. Keep both handy. No one wants to be stuck at immigration while everyone else moves forward.
Below, you’ll find real traveler stories and practical tips that cut through the noise. You’ll see how much a visa costs, what documents actually matter, and which mistakes most people make—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Jaipur or a month-long trip through Kerala, the right visa is your first step. Get it right, and the rest of your journey starts easy.
