India
India visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
Yes, all six nationalities need a visa for India. Most travellers qualify for the e-visa, which you apply for online on the official Indian government portal before flying. Apply at least a week ahead, carry a printout, and check your passport is valid for six months with two blank pages.
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GuideIndia
Key facts
- Visa required
- Yes, for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
- Main route
- e-Visa (online application on the official Indian government portal)
- Apply before
- At least 7 days before travel
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages
- Fee
- Varies by nationality and duration; roughly US$25–100 (2026 estimate)
- Entry points
- e-Visa valid at major airports and seaports; check official list
Visa types and who they suit
The e-Visa covers tourism, business and medical visits, and is valid for entry at designated airports and seaports. For a standard tourist trip of up to 30 days, the e‑Tourist Visa is the simplest option. Longer stays of up to one year are possible with the e‑Visa, but the fee rises and the application asks for more detail. If you plan to work, study or stay beyond a year, you need a regular visa from an Indian embassy or consulate, which requires an in‑person appointment and more paperwork.
| Visa type | Who it suits | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| e‑Tourist Visa (30 days) | Most holiday travellers | 30 days from arrival | Apply online; fee around US$25–40 |
| e‑Tourist Visa (1 year) | Longer trips, multiple entries | 1 year | Higher fee; more questions in the form |
| e‑Business Visa | Meetings, conferences | Up to 1 year | Requires a business invitation |
| Regular visa | Work, study, stays over 1 year | Varies | Apply at an embassy or consulate in person |
Fees and rules change; confirm on the official portal before applying.
How to apply for the e-Visa
Go to the official Indian e‑Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and fill in the application. You will need a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, a recent digital photo, and a payment card. The form asks for travel dates, Indian address and a few personal details. Most applications are processed within a few days, but allow at least a week to be safe. You receive an email with the e‑Visa; print it and carry it with your passport.
- Check passport validity: at least 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages.
- Prepare a digital photo (square, white background) and a payment card.
- Apply on indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 7 days before travel.
- Print the e‑Visa email and keep it with your passport.
- On arrival, go to the e‑Visa counter at the airport.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. There is no visa-free entry for these passports. Most travellers use the e-Visa, which you apply for online on the official Indian government portal before flying.
How long can I stay in India without a visa?
You cannot stay without a visa. The e-Tourist Visa allows up to 30 days for most visitors; longer e-Visas cover up to one year. Overstaying any visa is a serious offence.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to India?
Yes, in effect. The e-Visa is the electronic authorisation you need before boarding. Without it, airlines will not let you check in, and you will be refused entry on arrival.
How long does the e-Visa application take?
Most are processed within a few days, but apply at least a week before departure. The official portal says to allow 72 hours to 4 days, but delays happen, especially around holidays.
Can I enter India overland with an e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is valid only at designated airports and seaports. If you enter overland from Nepal or Bangladesh, you need a regular visa from an Indian embassy.
What if my passport expires soon?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have two blank pages. If it does not, renew it before applying for the e-Visa.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialIndian e-Visa official portal
- officialUS State Department – India travel
- officialUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – India
- officialGovernment of Canada – India travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller India
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – India
- officialIreland DFA – India travel advice
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialIndian e-Visa official portal
- officialUS State Department – India travel
- officialUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – India
- officialGovernment of Canada – India travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller India
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – India
- officialIreland DFA – India travel advice
Ask about India
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