Is an India tourist visa required for US citizens?

Traveling to India as a US citizen requires obtaining a valid visa before departure. The Indian government has simplified the process through an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, available entirely online. US passport holders can apply for different categories, such as tourist, business, or medical visas, depending on their trip purpose. The application requires basic personal information, passport details, and supporting documents. Most approvals are issued within a few days. In this guide, we explain the visa requirements for American citizens, the step-by-step application process, and practical tips to ensure a smooth entry into India.

Do US citizens need a visa?

• Requirement: US citizens must obtain a visa, whether paper or electronic (e-visa), before entering India.
• e-Visa: e-Visas are available for tourism, business and medical purposes, and can be obtained online.
• Price: the cost varies according to the type of visa requested. For example, a 30-day e-tourist visa costs between USD 10 and USD 25, depending on the season.
• Processing time: the processing time for an e-Visa is generally 72 hours or more.
• Period of validity: the e-Tourist visa may be valid for 30 days, one year or five years, depending on the user's choice.

✈️ How do US citizens apply for an India e-Visa?

For US citizens, applying for an India e-Visa is quick and 100% online. This electronic visa is available for tourism, business, and medical travel.

📑 Required documents for US citizens applying for an India eVisa

To obtain an India tourist e-Visa, American travelers must provide:

• 📘 Valid passport – At least 6 months validity from the date of application, with 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.
• 🖼 Recent photo – A front-facing passport-style photo with a white background.
• 📄 Passport page scan – A clear digital copy of the page showing personal details.
• 💳 Proof of funds – Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in India.
• 🎫 Return or onward ticket – Document proving the traveler will leave India before the visa expires.

💲 India eVisa cost for US citizens

The price of the India eVisa for US citizens depends on the type and duration of the visa requested. Fees are non-refundable and may vary slightly depending on the season:

• 🎫 30-day tourist visa – From USD 10 to USD 25, depending on the time of year.
• 📆 One-year visa – Around USD 40.
• 🌍 Five-year visa – Around USD 80.

Applications can be submitted online via the official Indian government portal or through an authorized private provider that offers support during the process.

⏱ India eVisa processing time for US citizens

The processing time for US citizens applying for an India eVisa is generally fast and convenient. Most applications are approved within 72 hours after submission. However, processing may take longer during peak seasons.

• ✔️ 30-day eTourist Visa – Applications can be submitted up to 30 days before arrival.
• ✔️ 1-year and 5-year eVisas – Applications accepted up to 120 days before travel.

💡 To avoid delays, travelers should apply at least 4 days before departure and ensure all documents are correct.

Applicants can also track their visa status on the official portal using the Check your visa status option. If issues arise, the eVisa helpdesk is available by email or phone for assistance.

🕒 Visa duration and validity for US citizens

The India visa for US citizens offers different levels of flexibility depending on the type of e-Tourist Visa chosen. Travelers can select the option that best suits their needs, whether for a short visit or for repeated trips over several years.

🔁 Number of entries into India from the USA

When applying for an India eVisa from the USA, travelers can choose a visa that matches their travel frequency:

• 🎫 30-day eTourist Visa – Valid for 30 days, with two entries permitted. This option is best for short holidays or combined travel in the region.
• 📆 1-year eTourist Visa – Grants multiple entries during the 12 months of validity. This is useful for business trips, family visits, or repeated leisure travel.
• 🌍 5-year eTourist Visa – Allows multiple entries for up to five years, designed for frequent travelers or those with ongoing ties to India.

With the 1-year and 5-year eVisas, US citizens can enter India as many times as they like within the visa’s validity period, offering great flexibility for regular travelers.

⏳ How long can US citizens stay in India?

• 🗓 30-day eVisa – US citizens can stay up to 30 consecutive days, with double entry allowed during the validity period.
• 📅 1-year and 5-year eVisas – Each visit permits a stay of up to 180 days per calendar year. Travelers are not required to register with the Indian authorities for these visits.

⚠️ Important restriction: Even with long-validity visas, US citizens cannot stay for more than six consecutive months in India. They must exit the country before re-entering. This rule ensures compliance with India’s immigration policies.

🔄 Renewing your Indian visa

The Indian eVisa is not renewable, extendable, or convertible. Once the visa’s validity has expired, US citizens are required to:

• Leave India before the expiry date.
• Submit a new visa application online before their next trip.

For travelers planning long-term or frequent visits, it is advisable to choose a 1-year or 5-year eVisa from the beginning, rather than relying on multiple 30-day visas.

In cases where a stay needs to be extended due to medical or emergency reasons, US citizens must contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India, although approvals are rare and subject to strict rules.

❌ Refusal of India visas for US citizens

Although most India visa applications from US citizens are approved, some are refused. Rejections are usually linked to errors, missing documents, or non-compliance with the official requirements. Understanding the main causes helps applicants avoid common mistakes.

⚠️ India Visa Refusal: Common Causes for US Citizens

Even though most India visa applications from US citizens are approved, some may be rejected. The main causes are usually linked to missing documents, incorrect details, or non-compliance with official requirements.

• 📄 Incomplete or incorrect documents : Submitting missing or invalid documents (passport, photo, flight tickets) is the most common cause of rejection. All files must be uploaded in the correct format and comply with the official guidelines.
• 🚫 Previous refusal or law violations : A past refusal, overstaying in India, or breaking Indian laws may influence future applications. Immigration officers check each applicant’s history carefully.
• 🔒 Security concerns : Any doubt about an applicant’s background, missing details, or suspicious behavior during a past trip may result in rejection for security reasons.
• 🖼 Non-compliant photos : Visa photos must be recent, front-facing, and with a white background. Incorrect photo formats often cause delays or outright refusals.
• 💳 Insufficient financial proof : US citizens must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves in India. Failure to provide financial evidence can lead to rejection.

✅ India Visa Refusal: What US Citizens Should Do Next

If an India visa application from a US citizen is refused, the applicant can:

• Correct mistakes and submit a new application with the missing or corrected documents.
• Contact the Indian eVisa helpdesk or processing center for clarification on the reasons for refusal.
• Ensure all documents (passport, photo, tickets, financial proof) strictly follow the official requirements to avoid repeating errors.

A refusal does not prevent reapplication, but applicants must carefully review all requirements before submitting again.

📱 Tips for Filling Out the India eVisa Application Online (for US Citizens)

Filling out the India eVisa application form as a US citizen may look simple, but many travelers face delays or rejections due to small mistakes. To avoid complications, here are practical tips and best practices that go beyond the basic requirements.

• Use exact passport details: One of the most common mistakes is entering information that does not exactly match the passport. Always write your full name as it appears in your passport, including middle names. Double-check the passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Even a small typo can lead to rejection.
• Answer the security questions carefully: The application form includes security-related questions about your travel history and background. US citizens should answer them truthfully and consistently. Incomplete or contradictory answers may raise concerns and slow down approval.
• Follow technical requirements for uploads: The system only accepts specific file sizes and formats. Photos must be clear, with a plain white background, and under the size limit specified on the portal. Blurry or oversized files are one of the most frequent causes of application errors. Rename your files clearly (e.g., passport-scan.jpg) before uploading.
• Optimize your application session: The form is time-sensitive. If you take too long, your session may expire, and you’ll need to start again. To avoid this, prepare all details and documents before you begin. Using a computer instead of a phone or tablet often provides a smoother experience.
• Save confirmation and track status: After submission, US citizens receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number, as it allows you to track your visa status online. Check your spam folder if the confirmation email does not appear quickly.
• Apply early to reduce stress: Although the average processing time is around 72 hours, it is wise to apply as soon as possible — ideally two weeks before your flight. This leaves time to correct any issues if the application is flagged.
• Extra tip for families: Each traveler, including children, must complete a separate eVisa application. Parents should create individual forms for minors, using the child’s own passport and photo.