India entry requirements for France 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

French passport holders need an eVisa to enter India for tourism, business, or medical visits. The eVisa allows a 60-day stay from arrival with double entry. Apply online at least 4 days before your trip — the process takes about 10 minutes.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
India eVisa
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the eVisa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they will check it before stamping entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or at least $300 USD in cash or traveler's checks. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines may ask at check-in.Recommended
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying. Immigration will deny entry even if you have an approved eVisa.
eVisa is for tourism, business, or medical visits
The eVisa is not valid for employment, journalism, or long-term study. If your purpose falls outside these categories, apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy in Paris.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around €25–€80 depending on duration). You'll receive the eVisa by email within 72 hours.
2
Pack your documents
Print the eVisa approval email and keep a digital copy on your phone. Have your passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel confirmation ready. Save screenshots of everything.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport, follow signs for 'Foreigners' or 'eVisa' counters. Hand over your passport and eVisa printout. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for 60 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter India.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Download PDF

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$25 USD (approx. €23)

Apply at Indian embassy; requires physical submission.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)

Ideal for frequent travelers; same application process.

Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €74)

Requires invitation letter from Indian company.

Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)

Requires admission letter from recognized Indian institution.

work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100–$200 USD (approx. €92–€184)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold.
Apply
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
$50 USD (approx. €46)
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$80 USD (approx. €74)
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Apply
research visa
Research Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €92)
For researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires invitation letter and project details.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Tourist) – 30 daysFor single entry, valid for 30 days from arrival.$25 USD (approx. €23)
eVisa (Tourist) – 1 yearMultiple entry, max 90 days per stay.$40 USD (approx. €37)
eVisa (Tourist) – 5 yearsMultiple entry, max 90 days per stay.$80 USD (approx. €74)
Overstay finePayable at immigration or FRRO; may affect future visas.$10–$20 USD per day (max $500 USD)
FRRO extension fee (if applicable)For extensions beyond eVisa validity, subject to approval.$50–$100 USD (approx. €46–€92)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect eVisa application30%
Insufficient funds for stay25%
No return or onward ticket20%

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

France passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.

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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
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.

Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk

Caused by contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria risk is high in most regions, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travelers to affected areas.

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
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

For visa extension or re-entry permit; 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 extensions and registration; online appointment recommended.

Practical information for FR 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
updated May 13
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
Police100
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to India

7,369 kmgreat circle distance
~10hfrom Paris
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to India — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Usually 3–5 business days, but apply at least 4 days before your flight. In busy periods it can take up to a week. You'll get an email with the approved eVisa.
No. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from arrival and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Yes, print a copy and keep it with your passport. Also save a digital copy on your phone. The immigration officer will stamp it on arrival.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Goa. Also at 5 seaports (Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Mangalore).
Overstaying can result in a fine of up to ₹10,000 (about €110) and possible deportation. In serious cases, you may be banned from re-entering India. Always leave before your 60 days are up.
No, it's not required for the application or entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in India can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip disruptions.

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.