Indian Visa Cost: What You Really Pay and How to Save
When you plan a trip to India, the Indian visa cost, the official fee charged by the Indian government for entry, typically ranging from $25 to $160 depending on nationality and duration. Also known as India tourist visa fee, it’s just the start of what you’ll spend getting in—and staying—comfortably. Most travelers think the visa is the big expense, but it’s often the smallest line item on their budget. What matters more is how you navigate the process, when you apply, and which type of visa you choose.
The tourist visa India, a standard entry permit for short-term visitors, valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. Also known as e-Visa India, it’s the most common option for travelers from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU. You can apply online in minutes, pay with a credit card, and get approval in under 72 hours. No embassy visits. No courier fees. Just a clean digital process. But here’s the catch: if you’re applying through a third-party service, you might be overpaying. Many sites add service charges of $20–$40 on top of the government fee. Go straight to the official Indian e-Visa portal to avoid that.
Then there’s the visa application India, the full process including document checks, photo specs, and payment timing. Also known as India visa requirements, it’s not just about the price—it’s about timing. Apply too late, and you risk delays. Apply too early, and your visa might expire before your trip. The e-Visa is valid for 365 days from approval, but you can only stay 180 days per visit. So if you’re planning a long-term trip, you’ll need to plan renewals or consider other visa types, like the medical or business visa, which have different rules and costs.
And don’t forget the India travel requirements, the rules beyond the visa that affect your budget and comfort, like return tickets, proof of funds, and health declarations. Also known as India entry rules, they’re often overlooked until you’re at the airport. Some travelers get flagged because they didn’t print their visa confirmation. Others get asked for proof they can afford their stay—$50–$100 per day is the unofficial guideline. You won’t need bank statements, but having a hotel reservation and a return flight on your phone helps.
Here’s what most guides don’t tell you: the visa cost is the same whether you’re flying into Delhi or Goa. But the rest of your trip? That’s where you save. A budget traveler in India spends as little as $25 a day. A luxury train like the Palace on Wheels? That’s $1,000 a night. The visa doesn’t change—but your spending choices do.
Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what people actually pay—from first-time visitors to long-term explorers. You’ll see how much flights, food, and stays cost after the visa. You’ll learn which days to book, which services to skip, and how to stretch every rupee. No fluff. Just what works.
