What do I need to travel to India?
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport, with a valid Indian visa, obtained from an Indian Mission or Post in their home country.
Applicants can apply for any of the below category of Visas from Australia to India basis their purpose of travel and by providing supporting documents, as per the related checklists.
- Tourist visa
- Business Visa
- Student Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Employment Visa
- Conference Visa
- Transit Visa
- Entry Visa
- Research Visa
- Medical & Medical Attendant Visa
- Visit Visa Application Pakistan
- Intern Visa
- Film Visa
Applicants are strongly advised not to finalise travel plans before receiving the service applied for.
How to Get a Visa to India
India has one of the world’s largest and most flexible visa systems. Most travellers must get a visa before arrival, but the process is now easier thanks to the e-Visa system for tourism, business, and medical travel. Longer-term stays (study, employment, residence) still require a regular visa from an Indian mission.
This guide explains who needs a visa, the main visa types, and the step-by-step application process.
1. Do You Need a Visa?
- Visa required:
Almost all foreign nationals need a visa to enter India, including travellers from the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, and most other countries. - Visa-free entry:
Only a handful of countries (e.g., Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives for short stays) have visa-free access. - e-Visa eligible:
Citizens of ~170 countries, including the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and many more, can apply online for an e-Visa for tourism, business, medical treatment, or conferences.
✅ Check eligibility at India’s official e-Visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
2. Main Visa Types
| Visa Type | Purpose | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Tourism, sightseeing, visiting family/friends | 30 days (double entry) or 1 year/5 years (multiple entry, max 90 days per visit) |
| e-Business Visa | Business meetings, trade, events | 1 year (multiple entry, max 180 days per visit) |
| e-Medical Visa | Medical treatment in India | 60 days (triple entry) |
| e-Conference Visa | Attending conferences/seminars | 30 days (single entry) |
| Tourist Visa (sticker) | Longer tourism stays | Up to 5–10 years (multiple entry, 90 days each stay) |
| Employment Visa | Working for an Indian company | 1 year (renewable in India) |
| Student Visa | Full-time study | Duration of course + 1 year |
| Entry Visa (X visa) | Spouse/children of Indian nationals, OCI cardholders | Up to 5 years |
| Medical Attendant Visa | Accompanying a medical visa holder | 60 days |
3. Applying for an Indian e-Visa (Most Common)
Step 1 — Apply Online
- Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
- Choose your visa type (Tourist, Business, Medical, etc.)
- Fill out the online application form (passport details, personal info, travel plan)
- Upload a recent passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page
Step 2 — Pay the Fee Online
- Fees vary by nationality and visa type (USD $25–100 typically)
- Payment can be made by credit/debit card or PayPal
Step 3 — Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- Processing time: usually 72 hours or less (sometimes 24 hours)
- Your ETA will be emailed — print it or keep a digital copy
Step 4 — Present ETA on Arrival
- Show your ETA and passport at Indian immigration
- Your passport will be stamped with the visa and entry permitted
⚠️ e-Visas are valid at 30 major airports & 5 seaports. If entering by land, apply for a regular sticker visa instead.
4. Applying for a Regular (Sticker) Visa
For employment, study, residence, long-term tourism, or if your country isn’t eligible for an e-Visa:
- Complete Online Application
- Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Select “Regular Visa Application”
- Prepare Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages)
- Passport photos (2×2 inch)
- Proof of travel (flights, itinerary)
- Supporting documents (invitation letter, admission letter, work contract, etc.)
- Book Appointment & Submit
- Schedule at your local Indian Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Center (VFS Global/BLS International).
- Submit your application, documents, biometrics, and fees.
- Pay Fees
- Varies by visa type & nationality (USD $80–200+)
- Processing Time
- Usually 5–10 working days, longer for complex visas.
5. Visa Fees (2025)
| Visa Type | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa (30 days) | USD $25–40 |
| e-Tourist Visa (1 year) | USD $40–60 |
| e-Business Visa | USD $80–100 |
| Regular Tourist Visa | USD $80–150 (varies) |
| Employment Visa | USD $120–200 |
| Student Visa | USD $80–150 |
| OCI/PIO Services | USD $275+ |
Fees vary by nationality and are non-refundable.
6. Tips for a Smooth Application
- Use the official site: Only apply through indianvisaonline.gov.in — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
- Apply early: At least 1–2 weeks before travel for e-Visa; 4+ weeks for regular visas.
- Check passport validity: Must be valid 6+ months beyond your arrival.
- Upload the correct photo: White background, 2×2 inch, no shadows.
- Print your ETA: Some airlines require a paper copy.
- Multiple-entry: Many tourist/business e-visas allow multiple entries within validity.
- Extensions: e-Visas cannot be extended — for long stays, get a regular visa.
Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Completed e-Visa or regular visa application
- Digital passport photo & scan of bio page
- Printed ETA (for e-Visa) or visa sticker
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation & funds
- Travel insurance (recommended)