India entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to visit India in 2026. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Apply online before you travel — processing can take up to 4 days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical). Approval usually comes 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 Zambian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Carry at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from India | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone showing your departure from India within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask for your first night's address — have it ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have sufficient funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's safer to carry a printout of your last 3 months' statements. | Recommended |
eVisa only at airports and seaports
The Indian eVisa is not valid for land border crossings. You must arrive by air or sea at one of the designated entry points. If you're planning to enter overland from Nepal or Bangladesh, you'll need a regular visa from the embassy.
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in India, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Indian eVisa website (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 $10–$80 depending on duration) with a credit or debit card. You'll get a confirmation email within 72 hours — sometimes sooner.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Print your eVisa approval email, or save it on your phone. Also print or screenshot your return ticket and hotel booking. Pack your passport — make sure it has that blank page.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport
The eVisa works at 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. At immigration, join the 'eVisa' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa printout (or show the email on your phone). The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel confirmation — have them ready.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and the allowed stay (usually 60 days for tourism). Double-check the stamp before walking away. You're in.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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$25 USD (approx. INR 2,075)
Apply at Indian embassy in Zambia.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$40 USD (approx. INR 3,320)
For frequent travelers.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days
Validity1 year
Cost$80 USD (approx. INR 6,640)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$50 USD (approx. INR 4,150)
Requires admission letter from recognized institution.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$80 USD (approx. INR 6,640)
For skilled professionals 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 USD (approx. INR 4,150)
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Long-term)
1 year, renewable
$80 USD (approx. INR 6,640)
For investors or entrepreneurs establishing a business in India. Requires business plan and investment proof.
research visa
Research Visa
1 year, renewable
$50 USD (approx. INR 4,150)
For researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires invitation letter and project details.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist, 30 days)Standard fee for Zambia passport holders. | $25 USD (approx. INR 2,075) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 1 year)Multiple entry, max 90 days per visit. | $40 USD (approx. INR 3,320) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 5 years)Multiple entry, max 90 days per visit. | $80 USD (approx. INR 6,640) |
| Overstay finePay at FRRO before departure. | $50 USD per day (max cap $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Zambia 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 leave the transit area.
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), 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., Zambia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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)
East Block-VIII, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extension and overstay clearance.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe-II, CIDCO Bhavan, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handle eVisa extensions and registration.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 95.2 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–4 business days, but can be faster. Apply at least 4 days before your flight to be safe. You'll get an email with the approval or rejection.
The fee depends on the eVisa type and duration. For a 30-day tourist eVisa, it's around $10. For a 1-year tourist eVisa, about $40. For a 5-year tourist eVisa, about $80. Medical and business eVisas have different fees. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave India before your allowed stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from your home country.
Rejections happen — common reasons include incorrect photo, mismatched passport details, or criminal record. You can reapply with corrected info, but you'll pay the fee again. If you're unsure, contact the Indian embassy in Lusaka before reapplying.
India requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Zambia is not on that list, so you don't need it for direct travel. But if you've been in another African country recently, check the requirements.
The eVisa is accepted at 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi. It also works at 5 major seaports. You cannot use it at land borders.
Your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), the eVisa approval email (printed or on phone), your return ticket, and your first night's hotel booking. Keep them all in one folder or on your phone for quick access.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.