India Tourist eVisa Fees, Processing Time and Validity

If you are planning to visit India for sightseeing, meeting friends or family, or short holiday trips, the India Tourist eVisa is often the quickest and easiest option. In this article I’ll explain, in simple language, how much it costs, how long it takes, how long it lasts, and what documents you need. I’ll also give clear, friendly tips so you don’t get stuck. If you follow this, you should finish the article with no doubts.

What is the India Tourist eVisa?

The India Tourist eVisa is an electronic permission to enter India. You apply online and, if approved, you get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email. Carry that ETA and your passport when you travel. The official application page is the India e-Visa portal — often called India Visa Online.

Fees — how much will you pay?

India has a clear fee list for the India Tourist eVisa. There are three common tourist options:

30-day e-Tourist Visa — seasonal price (cheaper in April–June; higher July–March).
1-year e-Tourist Visa — a fixed fee.
5-year e-Tourist Visa — a larger fixed fee.

The government publishes a country-wise fee table in a PDF on the official site. Always check that PDF to see the exact dollar amount for your country before paying. The portal may also add small bank or transaction charges at checkout.

Tip: Do not trust random sites for the final price. Use the official indian visa online portal to confirm the fee.

Processing time — how long until you get approval?

Processing is usually quick, but it can vary:

Many travelers get a decision in 3–7 working days.
Official advice is to pay at least 4 days before travel — but apply earlier if you can.

Practical note: in busy seasons or if extra checks are needed, it may take longer. Watch your email and the application status on the India Visa Online page.

Validity & allowed entries — what the visas let you do

Different visas let you stay for different lengths:

30-day India Tourist eVisa: Valid for 30 days from the date of first entry. It is usually a double-entry visa (enter, exit, re-enter once).
1-year India Tourist eVisa: Valid for 365 days from grant. It allows multiple entries, but each visit usually has a limit on continuous stay (often 90 days).
5-year India Tourist eVisa: Valid for five years and allows multiple entries, with limits on continuous stay depending on nationality.

Important: Total stay in India on tourist visas in one calendar year is generally limited (for some visas the rule is a maximum 180 days in a year). Always check rules that apply to your passport.

India Visa Requirements — documents you must have

Common India Visa Requirements for the eVisa are simple but strict:

Passport: valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and with two blank pages.
Photo: recent passport-style digital photo that meets the portal’s specs.
Scanned passport bio page (clear, color scan).
Return or onward ticket and travel plan details (may be requested).
Payment method for the fee (cards are accepted; small bank charge may apply).

Also note: eVisas usually do not allow entry through all land border crossings. Check the list of authorized entry points on the India Visa Online site before planning an overland route.

Common mistakes — short and easy to avoid

These small errors cause big delays:

Typing your name or passport number wrong. Double-check every field.
Uploading a blurred photo or scanned passport. Use clear files.
Applying too late. Apply as soon as you know travel dates.
Using unofficial sites or paying extra to agents. Only use the official India Visa Online portal. There are fake sites — embassies warn travelers about scams.

Practical step-by-step (simple)

Go to the official India Visa Online site.
Select e-Tourist Visa, choose 30-day / 1-year / 5-year.
Fill the form carefully (exact name as in passport).
Upload passport scan and photo.
Pay the fee and save the payment receipt.
Watch email for ETA/grant letter and print or save a copy for travel.

Final checklist before you hit “submit”

Passport valid 6+ months and two blank pages.
Good-quality photo and passport scan.
Exact travel dates and arrival airport/port.
Card ready for payment.
Print or save ETA when granted.