India entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

Dutch passport holders need a visa to visit India. The easiest option is the eVisa, which you apply for online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism, business, and medical visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Dutch passport must be valid for at least 6 months 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 at Indian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your departure from India within the eVisa validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Keep a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it printed avoids delays if they do.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash/credit to cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — a quick answer with a bank statement works fine.Recommended
eVisa not valid for land borders
You cannot enter India by land (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan) with an eVisa. You must arrive at one of the 28 designated airports. If you plan to enter overland, you need a regular visa from an Indian embassy.
Keep a copy of your eVisa
Print a paper copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need it at check-in and at immigration. A screenshot is fine, but a paper copy is more reliable if your phone dies.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, print a paper copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at Indian immigration.
3
Arrive at an eVisa airport
The eVisa works at 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Goa. At immigration, join the 'eVisa' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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/consulate; requires physical stamp.

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

For frequent travelers; apply at embassy.

Long-Stay Visa (Business/Employment)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

Requires employer sponsorship and documentation.

work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and minimum salary threshold. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
~$50 USD (approx. €46) plus university fees
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) plus investment proof
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires minimum investment (varies) and business plan. Allows multiple entries and longer stays.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Tourist) - 30 daysSingle 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.$50 USD (approx. €46) per day, max $500 USD

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

Netherlands passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports for up to 72 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.

MalariaHigh risk

Present in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.

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 affected regions.

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 eVisa extensions and visa-related issues; online appointment recommended.

Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30

Handles extensions and registration; bring passport and visa copy.

Practical information for NL 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 = 95.82 INR
updated May 15
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

7,111 kmgreat circle distance
~10hfrom Netherlands
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to India — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. In rare cases it can take longer, so don't wait until the last minute.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Dutch passport holders, a 30-day tourist eVisa costs around $25 USD. Check the official website for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave India before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside India.
28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), and many more. You cannot enter India by land or sea with an eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include incorrect information, criminal record, or previous overstay. You can reapply after fixing the issue, but you'll need to pay again.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have a long layover, you'll need a transit visa or eVisa.
Yes, the 30-day tourist eVisa allows double entry. The 1-year and 5-year eVisas allow multiple entries. Each stay is limited to 90 days (or 180 days for US citizens).

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.