India Visa-on-Arrival: What’s the Buzz in 2025?

Planning to visit India in 2025? You may have heard a lot about the India Visa-on-Arrival. It’s become one of the easiest ways for some travelers to enter India without going through long visa application steps. But what is this visa exactly? Who can apply for it? How does it work? And is it safe to depend on it?
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the India Visa-on-Arrival in simple English. Whether you are a tourist, a business visitor, or someone visiting for medical treatment, this article will help clear all your doubts. We’ll also guide you on how to Submit India Visa Online and how to check your India Visa Status before you travel.
What is India Visa-on-Arrival?
The India Visa-on-Arrival is a facility offered by the Government of India that allows citizens of certain countries to get their visa after landing in India. This means you don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate in advance. Instead, you can get the visa stamped on your passport right at the airport in India.
But there’s a small catch—you still need to fill out an online form before your trip. This form gives you pre-approval, which makes your entry smooth when you arrive. So even though it’s called a “Visa-on-Arrival”, there is still an online part involved.
Who Can Apply for India Visa-on-Arrival in 2025?
As of 2025, the India Visa-on-Arrival is available to citizens of a few countries. These include:
- Japan
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – but only for those who have already visited India before using a regular visa or e-Visa
If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for the Visa-on-Arrival up to two times in a calendar year. The visa allows you to stay in India for up to 60 days.
If you’re not from one of these countries, don’t worry. You can still Submit India Visa Online through the Indian e-Visa portal, which is also simple and quick.
Where Can You Get the Visa-on-Arrival?
Not all airports in India offer this facility. The India Visa-on-Arrival is available at the following international airports:
- Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
If you land at any airport not on this list, you will not be able to get the visa on arrival. So be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Why is Everyone Talking About It in 2025?
The buzz around the India Visa-on-Arrival in 2025 is growing because India is trying to boost tourism and make travel easier. After the slowdown due to COVID-19, more people are now visiting India for vacations, business, and health treatments.
The government is making efforts to simplify visa rules, improve airport services, and go digital. That’s why the visa-on-arrival option is becoming popular. It saves time, removes paperwork, and makes travel less stressful.
How to Apply for the India Visa-on-Arrival?
Even though the visa is given at the airport, travelers still need to fill out an application online before arriving in India. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official Indian visa website.
- Submit India Visa Online application form with your personal details and travel plans.
- Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport.
- Wait for the confirmation email with the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
- Print out this ETA and carry it with you when you travel.
- After landing in India, go to the Visa-on-Arrival counter and show your documents.
- Pay the visa fee (usually around USD 25 or ₹2,000).
- Get your visa stamped and enjoy your stay!
What Documents Are Required?
To avoid any trouble at the airport, make sure you have the following:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Two blank pages in your passport
- A printed copy of your ETA confirmation
- A return flight ticket
- Proof of where you will stay in India (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
- Cash or card to pay the visa fee
How to Check India Visa Status?
If you’ve applied for the visa online, you can easily check your India Visa Status by visiting the official Indian visa website. You’ll need your application ID and passport number. This helps you know if your visa has been approved or if there’s any issue.
Always check your India Visa Status at least 2–3 days before your flight to avoid surprises.
What If You’re Not Eligible for Visa-on-Arrival?
If your country is not on the list, or if you’re visiting for longer than 60 days, you should use the e-Visa option. You can Submit India Visa Online through the Indian government’s official portal. This e-Visa is available for tourism, business, conferences, and medical reasons. It’s valid at many airports and seaports across India.
The steps are simple, and approval usually comes in 3–5 days. So even if you can’t use the India Visa-on-Arrival, traveling to India is still easy and stress-free.
Final Tips Before You Travel
- Apply at least 4 to 7 days before your flight.
- Double-check your details in the online form.
- Carry printed copies of everything—just to be safe.
- Arrive at the right airport that offers the Visa-on-Arrival service.
- Don’t overstay. The Visa-on-Arrival cannot be extended.
Conclusion
The India Visa-on-Arrival is one of the best options for eligible travelers in 2025. It’s fast, simple, and convenient. If you’re from Japan, South Korea, or the UAE, you should consider using this visa option. Just make sure you fill the form early, carry the right documents, and arrive at one of the listed airports.
If you’re not eligible, don’t worry. You can still Submit India Visa Online and check your India Visa Status easily through official websites.
With everything made digital, your journey to India is now smoother than ever. Get ready to explore India’s culture, food, history, and beauty—with peace of mind and the right visa in hand.