India entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders don't need a visa for short visits to India, but you must get an electronic travel authorisation (e-Visa) online before you fly. In 2026, the e-Visa is the standard way to enter for tourism, business, or medical reasons.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The eVisa costs $25–$80 USD depending on the type (tourist, business, 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 at least 6 months validity | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination. If you cannot show one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host in India. Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed copy avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
e-Visa not for all purposes
The e-Tourist Visa covers tourism, short business meetings, and medical visits. If you plan to work for an Indian employer, study, or volunteer, you need a regular visa from the Indian embassy in Berlin. Also, e-Visas are not valid for entry via land borders (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan).
Old visas invalid
If you have an old paper visa or a visa-on-arrival from earlier years, it's no longer valid. Use the official e-Visa portal for all new applications.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill in the form, upload a recent digital photo (square, white background) and your passport data page. Pay the fee (approx. $25 USD for the 30-day tourist e-Visa). You'll get the approved e-Visa by email within 4–5 business days.
2
Print or save the e-Visa
Once approved, print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
At check-in
When checking in for your flight to India, the airline will verify your e-Visa. Have it ready. They may also ask for a return ticket.
4
Arriving in India
At immigration, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and printed e-Visa. The officer stamps your passport – no visa sticker needed. They may ask where you're staying, how long, and the purpose of your visit.
5
After immigration
Collect your luggage and pass through customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, red if you do.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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
Cost₹6,000 (~$72 USD)
Requires application at Indian embassy. Longer stay than eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost₹12,000 (~$144 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1-5 years
Cost₹15,000 (~$180 USD) for 1 year
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Medical visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost₹6,000 (~$72 USD)
For medical treatment; requires hospital documents.
work visa
Employment Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €92) plus processing
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold. Allows multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
$50 USD (approx. €46) plus processing
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €92) plus processing
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Multiple entry allowed.
Apply retirement visa
Senior Citizen Visa (not officially retirement)
Up to 5 years, renewable
$80 USD (approx. €74) plus processing
For individuals aged 60+ with sufficient funds. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long stays but not permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (30 days, single entry)For tourism, business, or medical visits. Valid for 30 days from arrival. | ₹3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| eVisa fee (1 year, multiple entry)Allows multiple entries, max 90 days per stay. | ₹6,000 (~$72 USD) |
| eVisa fee (5 years, multiple entry)Long-term option, max 90 days per stay. | ₹12,000 (~$144 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Applies to overstays beyond visa validity. Must be paid at FRRO. | ₹1,000 (~$12 USD) per day, max ₹50,000 (~$600 USD) |
| Extension fee (if eligible)Extensions are rare for eVisa; apply at FRRO with valid reason. | ₹2,000 (~$24 USD) plus processing |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Germany passport holders do not need a transit visa for India if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases (check with airline).
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid FeverHigh risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travelers to rural areas. Urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai have lower risk.
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
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
East Block VIII, Level 2, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110022
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension or overstay clearance. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles eVisa issues and extensions. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for DE 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
The standard tourist e-Visa (30 days, double entry) costs about $25 USD. There are also 1-year and 5-year options with multiple entries and longer stays – roughly $40 and $80 respectively. Fees can change, so check the official website.
With the standard tourist e-Visa, up to 30 days per visit, double entry allowed. The 1-year and 5-year e-Visas allow stays of up to 90 days per visit for German citizens (some nationalities get 180 days).
No – e-Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, apply for a regular tourist visa before you travel. Overstaying leads to fines and future visa issues.
e-Visas are valid at 28 designated airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, and many more. Also valid at 5 seaports (Mumbai, Kochi, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai). Not valid for land border crossings.
If you stay airside and your layover is less than 24 hours, you typically don't need a visa. But if you need to change terminals or leave the transit area, you'll need an e-Visa. Check with your airline – some require a transit visa.
No – you must apply before you travel. The e-Visa is issued before boarding your flight. Applications are processed outside India.
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.