India entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 can travel to India with an e-Visa, which you apply for online before your trip. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few business days, so you can complete it from home. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for India eVisae-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical Visa. Apply 4+ days before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| India e-VisaYou must obtain an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to India. Apply online before travel | German passport holders are eligible for the India e-Visa. Apply at least 4 days before your intended arrival date via the official Indian e-Visa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/). The e-Visa is valid for entry within 120 days of issue (for tourist e-Visa) and allows a stay of up to 30 days (double entry) or 1 year (multiple entry) depending on the type. Check the website for the latest fees and processing times. | Required |
| Passport validityIndian immigration will deny entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months from arrival | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in India. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for the e-Visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp; without it, you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the immigration officer to stamp upon arrival. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid any issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIndian authorities require evidence that you will leave India before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket from India. This is typically checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration. The ticket must be for a date within your permitted stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration officers may ask to see that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | While not always requested, you should be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in India (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form; the e-Visa covers your entry. Not required | India does not require a separate arrival declaration for German passport holders. Your e-Visa and passport are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
Apply early
Even though processing is usually quick, apply at least a week before your flight to avoid any last-minute issues. The e-Visa is not issued at the airport, so you must have it approved before you travel.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
No visa sticker needed
The e-Visa is electronic — you don't need to visit an embassy or get a sticker. Just show your passport and the e-Visa approval at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Indian e-Visa website and fill out the application form. Upload your photo and passport bio page, pay the fee, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email with an application ID.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Check your email for the e-Visa approval. Once approved, you'll receive an e-Visa document (ETA) — print it or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport
At immigration, present your passport and the e-Visa (printed or digital). The officer will scan your passport and stamp your entry. The e-Visa is linked to your passport, so no separate visa sticker is needed.
4
Complete the arrival formalities
After immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods to declare, use the red channel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Regular Tourist Visa (paper visa)
Max stayUp to 180 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
CostVaries (approx. $100-150)
For longer stays or if e-Visa not suitable; apply at Indian embassy/consulate
Business Visa (paper visa)
Max stayUp to 180 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
CostVaries (approx. $100-200)
For business activities not covered by e-Business visa; apply at Indian embassy/consulate
Employment Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (or as per contract)
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostVaries (approx. $100-200)
For working in India; requires employer sponsorship and approval
Student Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (or course duration)
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostVaries (approx. $100-200)
For full-time studies at recognized institutions; requires admission letter
Medical Visa (paper visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100-150)
For medical treatment; may require supporting 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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (Tourist, 30 days)Valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $25 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Tourist, 1 year)Multiple entries, stay up to 180 days per visit | $40 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Tourist, 5 years)Multiple entries, stay up to 180 days per visit | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Business)Multiple entries, stay up to 180 days per visit | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Medical)Triple entry, stay up to 60 days per visit | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Conference)Single entry, stay up to 30 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Ayush)For wellness/ayurveda, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Film)For film production, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Intern)For internships, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Journalist)For journalists, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Research)For research, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Volunteer)For volunteering, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Employment)For employment, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Student)For studies, stay up to 180 days | $80 (plus bank charges) |
| e-Visa (Transit)For transit, stay up to 72 hours | $25 (plus bank charges) |
| Visa extension (for e-Visa holders)Only for medical, research, or special cases; apply at FRRO | Varies (approx. $100-200) |
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
German citizens are eligible for e-Transit Visa (e-TV) for India, which allows a stay of up to 72 hours for transit purposes. However, if you are transiting through an Indian airport without leaving the international transit area and your onward flight is within 24 hours, you may not need a visa. Always check with the airline and Indian authorities.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid visa for India, you do not need a separate transit visa.
- If you are a citizen of certain countries (not Germany), you may be exempt from transit visa requirements.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
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 = 95.39 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it's recommended to apply at least 4 days before your travel date. In peak seasons, it can take longer, so apply as early as possible.
The e-Visa fee varies depending on the duration and type (e.g., tourist, business). For a 30-day tourist e-Visa, the fee is around $25 USD, but check the official website for the current amount in your currency. Fees are paid online during the application.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. You must leave India before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for a different visa type from outside India.
The e-Visa is usually single-entry or double-entry depending on the type. For a 30-day tourist e-Visa, it's single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new e-Visa.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid for entry through 31 designated airports and 5 seaports in India. Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa are included. Check the official list to confirm your port of entry.
If rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply, but you must address the issue. Alternatively, you can apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy or consulate in Germany.
No, the e-Visa is for tourism, business, or medical visits. It's not valid for work, study, or long-term stays. For those, you need a different visa type.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.