India entry requirements for United States 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
US citizens need a visa for India. The easiest option is the India eVisa (e-Tourist Visa), which allows stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, or medical visits. Currently, you must apply online before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter India. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, renew before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Indian immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Without it, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. A simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Indian immigration rarely asks for this, but it's smart to carry proof you have at least $500–$1,000 for a short trip. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
eVisa must be applied before travel
Do not assume you can get a visa on arrival. The eVisa application must be submitted and approved before you fly. Some airlines may deny boarding without proof of an eVisa.
Use only the official eVisa website
Many third‑party sites charge extra fees. Use the official Indian government eVisa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) to avoid scams. The site is secure and straightforward.
No FRRO registration for short stays
For typical tourist stays under 180 days, US citizens do not need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. This only applies if you overstay your visa or get a long‑term visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport‑style photo (white background, 2x2 inches). Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Save the application ID for tracking.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Check the eVisa status using your application ID within 1–4 business days. Once approved, download and print the eVisa document. Verify that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at the airport
Upon landing at a designated airport (e.g., Delhi T3, Mumbai T2), proceed to the 'e-Visa' counters in immigration. Present your printed eVisa, passport, and boarding pass. The immigration officer will take your photo and fingerprints, then stamp your passport (usually granting a 30‑day stay).
4
Clear customs and collect baggage
After immigration, retrieve your luggage and pass through customs (green channel if you have nothing to declare). You are then free to exit into the arrival hall.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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) – Paper Visa
Max stayUp to 180 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. ₹2,100)
Apply at Indian embassy/consulate; requires in-person submission.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry) – Paper Visa
Max stayUp to 180 days per visit
Validity1 year or 5 years
Cost$40–$80 USD (approx. ₹3,350–₹6,700)
Apply at Indian embassy/consulate; allows multiple entries.
Business eVisa
Max stayUp to 180 days per visit
Validity1 year, multiple entry
Cost$80 USD (approx. ₹6,700)
Requires business invitation letter; extendable at FRRO.
Medical eVisa
Max stayUp to 60 days per visit
Validity1 year, triple entry
Cost$80 USD (approx. ₹6,700)
For medical treatment; requires hospital letter; extendable.
retirement visa
Senior Citizen Visa (for those 60+)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. ₹8,400) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with sufficient funds. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows multiple entries and long stays.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (under consideration)
Not yet available
N/A
India is exploring a digital nomad visa but has not launched one as of 2025. Currently, remote workers use tourist eVisa with 90-day limits.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (approx. ₹8,400–₹16,800)
For those with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
~$50–$100 USD (approx. ₹4,200–₹8,400)
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (for investors)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. ₹8,400)
For those investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – Single EntryFor stays up to 30 days, non-extendable. | $25 USD (approx. ₹2,100) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – Multiple Entry (1-year validity)For stays up to 90 days per visit, non-extendable. | $40 USD (approx. ₹3,350) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – Multiple Entry (5-year validity)For stays up to 90 days per visit, non-extendable. | $80 USD (approx. ₹6,700) |
| eVisa Extension (via FRRO)Only for medical, business, or special cases; not for standard tourism. | ₹2,000 (approx. $24 USD) per extension |
| Overstay FineApplies for overstays up to 30 days; longer overstays may require exit permit. | ₹1,000 per day (approx. $12 USD), max ₹10,000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
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
US citizens transiting through India do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US visa 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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in most regions except high-altitude areas.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in most regions except high-altitude areas (e.g., Ladakh, Sikkim). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; consult a travel clinic.
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
4th Floor, 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, Commissioner of Police Building, 1st Floor, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai-400001
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles extensions and registration; bring passport and visa copies.
Practical information for US 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
No. India does not offer visa on arrival for US citizens. You must obtain an eVisa or a traditional visa from an Indian embassy/consulate before travel. The eVisa is the easiest option.
For the 30‑day e-Tourist Visa, the maximum stay is 30 days from entry, with two entries allowed within that period. There are also 1‑year and 5‑year e-Tourist Visas that allow multiple entries and stays up to 90 days per visit.
As of 2026, fees vary: 30‑day eTV: about $10–$25; 1‑year eTV: about $40–$80; 5‑year eTV: about $80–$100. The exact amount depends on processing type (standard vs. urgent). Check the official site for current rates.
Standard processing is 1–4 business days. You can apply as early as 120 days before travel and as late as 4 days before. Avoid applying too close to departure.
Yes, the eVisa is only valid at 26 designated airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Amritsar, Jaipur, Varanasi) and 5 major seaports. If you arrive at a non‑designated airport, you need a traditional visa. Always check the list before booking flights.
Yes, each traveler, including infants and children, must have their own eVisa linked to their own passport. You can apply for multiple family members together on the same application portal.
Rejections are rare but can happen due to incorrect information or an invalid photo. If rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue. Alternatively, apply for a traditional visa at the Indian embassy/consulate in the US. Refunds are not typically given.
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.