India

India visa guide: e-Visa and regular visas

9 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for India work

India requires a visa from almost all foreigners. Nationals of about 175 countries can obtain an e-Visa fully online on indianvisaonline.gov.in, for tourism, business, conferences, medical treatment, study and transit. Eligibility depends on the nationality of your passport, not on where you live; Türkiye, for example, is not on the list.

For stays the e-Visa does not cover, or if your nationality is not eligible, you apply for a regular visa: fill in the online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submit the application with passport, documents and biometrics at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence. Each mission sets its fees, which depend on nationality, and its way of submission.

On arrival, every foreigner submits the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before landing. Long-term visa holders, such as students and employees with visas valid over 180 days, register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days.

Which visa do I need?

Sightseeing, visiting friends or a short yoga or language course: tourist visa. Meetings, trade and sales: business visa. Treatment at an Indian hospital: medical visa, plus up to two medical attendant visas. Government or private conferences: conference visa.

Working for an Indian company: employment visa. Degree studies: student visa. Spouse or children of a long-term visa holder, or foreign spouse of an Indian citizen: entry (X) visa. Passing through India: transit visa of up to 15 days.

Visa types for India

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Tourist visa (regular, T)
Visiting India for sightseeing, family visits, short yoga or language courses or short unpaid voluntary work needs a tourist visa.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Medical treatment visa Medical visa (M-1) and medical attendant visa (M-2)
Foreigners travelling to India for medical treatment at a recognised hospital apply for the M-1 medical visa; relatives accompanying them apply for M-2 medical attendant visas.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Culture, sports and events visa Conference visa
The conference visa is for attending international conferences, seminars and workshops in India.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Transit visa
The transit visa is for travelling through India to a destination outside India and is issued for up to 15 days with single or double entry.
Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Business and self-employment

Business visa Business visa (B-1)
The business visa covers business activities in India such as meetings, sales and purchases, technical discussions and sports engagements on contract; cultural performances and conferences have their own categories.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

Student visa Student visa (S)
The student visa is for formal studies in India, including higher education, short-term courses, exchange programmes and Ayush, yoga, Vedic, music and dance studies at recognised institutions.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

Work visa Employment visa (E-1)
The employment visa (E-1) covers all employment in India, including intra-company transfers, except for categories with their own visas.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

Family reunification visa Entry visa (X) for family members, PIOs and spouses of Indian citizens
India's entry (X) visa is given to spouses and dependants of foreigners holding long-term visas such as employment or business visas, to foreign spouses and children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, and to persons of Indian origin.
Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

e-Visa India e-Visa (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical and other sub-categories)
India's e-Visa lets nationals of around 175 countries apply fully online.
Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

Frequently asked questions

Who can get an Indian e-Visa?

Nationals of about 175 countries on the official list; eligibility depends on your passport, not on where you live. Türkiye, for example, is not on the list, so Turkish citizens apply for a regular visa.

How much is an Indian visa?

Regular visa fees depend on your nationality and are set by the Indian mission where you apply; they are not refunded if the visa is refused. e-Visa fees also depend on nationality, plus a 3 percent bank charge.

How long does an Indian visa take?

Apply for an e-Visa at least four days before arrival. For regular visas, processing times are set by the Indian mission where you apply.

Where do I apply for a regular visa?

Fill in the online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submit the printed, signed application with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence; its website gives appointments, fees and the way of submission.

Do I need to fill in an arrival card?

Yes. Foreigners submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival; it is not a visa.