India Visa For US Citizens: e-Visa Steps, Costs And Requirements (2026)
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit India. The good news is that for most trips you do not have to go anywhere near a consulate. India’s e-Visa lets Americans apply entirely online, usually in under half an hour, and approvals typically arrive within a few days.
This guide explains which visa US travelers need, how the e-Tourist Visa options compare, how to apply on the official portal, and what else to sort out before you fly, including India’s mandatory e-Arrival Card.
Do US Citizens Need A Visa For India?
Yes. To enter India, US passport holders need one of the following:
- An e-Visa (the easiest option for tourism, business, medical and conference trips)
- A regular visa issued through India’s consular network in the US
- An OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India), available to eligible people of Indian origin
India does not offer a general visa on arrival for US citizens. Arrange your visa before you travel.
The India e-Tourist Visa For Americans
The e-Tourist Visa covers sightseeing, visiting friends and family, short yoga programs and similar leisure trips. It comes in three lengths:
| Option | Entries | How long you can stay |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist Visa | Multiple, within 30 days of first arrival | Valid 30 days from first arrival; cannot be extended or converted |
| 1-year e-Tourist Visa | Multiple | Up to 180 days in a calendar year |
| 5-year e-Tourist Visa | Multiple | Up to 180 days in a calendar year |
How Much Does An India e-Visa Cost For US Citizens?
Fees are set by nationality and published in US dollars on India’s official fee schedule. The Embassy of India in Washington has announced the following rates for the e-Tourist Visa in the past:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa: US$25 (July to March), US$10 (April to June)
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: US$40
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: US$80
The fee table is updated from time to time, so confirm the current amount for US nationals on the official fee schedule at indianvisaonline.gov.in before you pay. A bank charge of around 3% is added to card payments. Third-party agencies charge their own service fees on top.
How To Apply For An India e-Visa
- Go to the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. It is the only government site for the e-Visa.
- Choose the visa type, such as e-Tourist, and fill in the online form.
- Upload a photo with a plain white background and a scan of your passport photo page.
- Pay the fee by card or another accepted method.
- Track your application and download the approval when it arrives by email.
- Print the approval and carry it with your passport.
Timing: apply at least four days before you arrive and no more than 120 days in advance. Pay at least four days before travel, or the application will not be processed.
Documents You Will Need
- A US passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least two blank pages
- A digital passport-style photo
- A scan of your passport’s photo page
- Your travel dates and port of arrival
- An address in India, such as your first hotel
- A card for payment
Arriving In India: The e-Arrival Card
Since April 1, 2026, all foreign travelers, including US citizens and OCI cardholders, must also complete India’s free e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. It replaces the old paper landing card and is separate from your visa. Our India e-Arrival Card guide walks you through it.
e-Visa holders must also enter India through one of the designated airports or seaports listed on the official portal, which include all the major international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Proof Of Onward Travel
When you check in for a flight to India, especially on a one-way ticket, airline staff may want to see that you will leave within your permitted stay. This is particularly relevant on a 30-day e-Tourist Visa. Have a return or onward booking ready to show. If your plans are open, read our guide to proof of onward travel.
When You Need A Regular Visa Instead
- Stays longer than the e-Visa allows
- Work, long-term study, journalism or missionary activity
- Arrivals at ports not on the e-Visa list
Regular visas are processed through India’s consular outsourcing partner in the US. Allow several weeks.
Tips To Avoid Problems
- Use only the official site. Lookalike sites charge far more than the government fee.
- Check your photo rules. Poor photos are a common reason applications are sent back.
- Match every detail to your passport. A typo can mean a rejected application or trouble at the border.
- Keep a printed copy of your approval as well as a digital one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in India?
No. Americans need an e-Visa, a regular visa or an OCI card before traveling.
How long does India e-Visa processing take?
Usually a few working days, which is why you must apply at least four days before arrival.
Can I extend a 30-day e-Tourist Visa?
No. The 30-day e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted. Choose the 1-year option if you might stay longer.
Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have an e-Visa?
Yes. They are separate requirements. The e-Visa lets you enter; the e-Arrival Card is a free declaration you submit before landing.
Can I enter India by land on an e-Visa?
Only through ports specifically listed on the official portal. Check the current list before planning an overland entry.
Before You Fly
Apply for your e-Visa at least four days ahead on the official portal, complete the e-Arrival Card in the 72 hours before you land, and carry proof of your exit plans. Visa rules and fees can change, so recheck the official sources and the US State Department’s India page shortly before your trip.