India entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
If you're an Australian passport holder heading to India for tourism, business, or medical reasons, you'll need an e-visa. Apply online at least four days before your flight. The e-visa is the standard way to enter for stays up to 30 days (or longer for certain visa types).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Indian airports enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination. Budget airlines may also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving on a tourist eVisa without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500–$1,000 USD for a short trip. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
E-Visa is valid for specific purposes only
Make sure you apply for the correct category: tourist e-Visa (for sightseeing, visiting friends/family), business e-Visa (for meetings, conferences), or medical e-Visa (for treatment). Choosing the wrong one can cause rejection at immigration.
Don't use e-Visa for land border crossings
The e-Visa is only accepted at airports and designated seaports. If you plan to enter India overland (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan), you must get a regular visa from an Indian consulate in Australia.
Multiple entries allowed
The 30-day tourist e-Visa allows double entry (two entries into India within the 30-day window). The 1-year tourist e-Visa allows multiple entries (up to 90 days each stay). Perfect if you want to visit India, then pop over to a neighbouring country for a few days.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for India e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill in the application form (personal details, travel dates, port of entry), upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around AUD $25–$100 depending on visa type and duration). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days – don't book flights until you receive the approval.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. Also download a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at an eligible Indian airport (or seaport)
The e-Visa is valid at 30 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, and many others) and a few seaports. Do not try to enter via land borders unless you have a regular visa. At immigration, join the 'e-Visa' queue and present your passport and printed approval.
4
Receive entry stamp and biometrics
The officer will scan your passport, take your fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The stamp will show the allowed stay (typically 30 days from arrival for a tourist e-Visa). No additional paperwork is required on entry.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostAUD 100 (USD ~68)
Apply at Indian embassy/consulate; requires physical submission.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostAUD 200 (USD ~136)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Employment Visa
Max stay1 year (extendable)
Validity1 year
CostAUD 150 (USD ~102)
Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 100 (USD ~68)
Requires admission to a recognized Indian institution.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~AU$200 (~USD 134)
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
~AU$250 (~USD 167)
For enrolled students at recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~AU$200 (~USD 134)
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (not officially available)
N/A
N/A
India does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Long-term stays are typically via other visa types like tourist or business.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – 30 daysSingle entry, non-extendable, valid for 30 days from arrival. | AUD 25 (USD ~17) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 1 yearMultiple entries, max 90 days per stay, non-extendable. | AUD 40 (USD ~27) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 5 yearsMultiple entries, max 90 days per stay, non-extendable. | AUD 80 (USD ~54) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration or FRRO; may affect future visas. | USD 10 per day (max USD 500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Insufficient funds for stay20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for India if transiting through an Indian airport without passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or clear immigration, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water. Practice good hygiene and avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during the monsoon season (June–September). Prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline is recommended for travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
FRRO Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension and registration; online appointment recommended.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, Commissioner of Police Building, 3rd Floor, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai 400001
Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
Handles eVisa extensions and registration; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.67 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 7 days during peak travel seasons. Apply at least one week before departure to be safe. You can check your application status online with your application ID.
Fees vary by visa type and duration. A 30-day tourist e-Visa costs approximately AUD $25–$40. A 1-year tourist e-Visa is around AUD $60–$80. There's also a non-refundable bank transaction fee of about AUD $2. Payment is online via credit/debit card.
No, e-Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days (tourist) or 1 year (long-term tourist), you must apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate in Australia before you travel. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
You can use any of India's 30 designated international airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and others. See the complete list on the official e-Visa website. Entry by land is not permitted with an e-Visa.
If you plan to leave the airport transit area (go through immigration), you need an e-Visa or a regular visa. If you stay airside (don't go through immigration), no visa is needed. For short stopovers where you stay in the transit zone, you're fine without a visa.
Rejections are rare for Australian citizens if you meet all requirements. If rejected, you'll get a reason (e.g., incorrect photo). You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded. Alternatively, apply for a regular visa at the Indian High Commission in Canberra.
No. The e-Visa is for tourism, business (meetings, conferences), or medical visits. Any form of paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a different visa. If discovered, you could be deported and banned from re-entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.