United States to India tourist visa
Complete India e-Tourist Visa requirements, fees, processing times, and application guide for US citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- India e-Tourist Visa
- Fee
- $25 ($10 Apr-Jun)
- Processing time
- 2–5 business days
- Length of stay
- Up to 30 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India
- Digital Photograph — Recent passport-style photograph in digital format
- Passport Bio Page Scan — Clear scan or photo of your passport’s information page
- Valid Email Address — Active email address to receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- Payment Method — Credit or debit card for online fee payment
- Travel Information — Basic details about your planned trip to India
How to apply
- Valid travel document — US passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages 1
- Legitimate purpose — Tourism, visiting family, short-term yoga programs, or medical treatment 1
- Onward travel — While not strictly required, having a return ticket can smooth entry 2
- Print the ETA — Carry a printed copy to present at immigration
- Verify details — Check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct
- Book travel — Now is the time to finalize flight and accommodation bookings
Common questions
- Do American citizens need a visa for India?
- Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. The e-Tourist Visa is the most convenient option for tourism, allowing you to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy.
- How long does India e-Visa processing take?
- Most e-Tourist Visa applications are processed within 2–5 business days. It’s recommended to apply at least 4 days before your planned travel date. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed.
- What is the India tourist visa fee for Americans in 2025?
- The 30-day e-Tourist Visa costs $25 (April-June) or $40 (July-March). The 1-year multiple entry e-Tourist Visa is $40, and the 5-year multiple entry visa is $80. Traditional visas through the embassy cost $160 for 10-year validity.
- How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?
- The e-Tourist Visa allows continuous stays of up to 90 days (for US citizens) per visit. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year. Each entry must be through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports.
- Can I extend my India tourist visa?
- The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa. For extended stays, consider applying for a regular tourist visa through the embassy, which offers more flexibility.
- What airports can I enter India with an e-Visa?
- US citizens with an e-Tourist Visa can enter through 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Cochin. Entry is also permitted at 5 designated seaports.