Planning a trip to India? Whether you're heading there for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or to attend a conference, getting your visa sorted is the first step. And honestly, we know the process can feel overwhelming with all those forms, document requirements, and technical specifications.
That's exactly why we're here at IVC visas — to make your Indian e-Visa application smooth, stress-free, and successful.
This guide will walk you through everything: what an e-Visa is, whether you're eligible, what documents you'll need, and exactly how our service works to get your visa approved without the usual headaches.
What is an Indian e-Visa?
An India e-Visa (Electronic Visa) is an online authorisation that allows you to enter India without visiting an embassy or consulate. Once approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email — print it, carry it to India, and present it at immigration on arrival.
The Indian government offers the following e-Visa categories:
India e-Tourist Visa:
For sightseeing, visiting friends or family, short yoga programmes, or recreational short-term courses (not exceeding 6 months).
Available in three durations: 30 days (double entry, valid from first arrival), 1 year (multiple entry, valid from date of ETA grant), and 5 years (multiple entry, valid from date of ETA grant). For both the 1-year and 5-year options, the total stay within India must not exceed 180 days in any single calendar year.
India e-Business Visa:
For business meetings, trade visits, industrial tours, or commercial activity. Valid for 1 year from ETA grant date, multiple entries. Continuous stay per visit must not exceed 180 days. If intending to stay beyond 180 days continuously, registration with FRRO/FRO is required within two weeks of the 180-day mark.
India e-Medical Visa:
For medical treatment at a recognised Indian hospital. Valid for 60 days from first arrival, triple entry. Requires a letter from the treating hospital in India.
India e-Medical Attendant Visa:
For companions accompanying an e-Medical Visa holder. Up to two attendants permitted per patient. Validity mirrors the patient's — 60 days from first arrival, triple entry.
India e-Conference Visa:
For attending conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by Indian government bodies or approved institutions. Valid for 30 days from arrival, single entry. Requires an invitation from the organizer, political clearance from India's Ministry of External Affairs, and in most cases event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Step 1: Check If You're Eligible
Most nationalities including USA, Japan, Indonesia, Ghana are eligible, but there are exceptions and some nationalities must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate in their respective country.
Specifically, nationals with Pakistani linage are not eligible for an India e-visa.
Citizens who own diplomatic, official, service or special passports are not eligible for an India e-visa.
Before you start, you need to verify that your nationality qualifies for the India e-Visa category you need. The official list is maintained by Indian immigration authorities and changes occasionally.
You can check whether you qualify for an India e-Visa based on your nationality and travel purpose. Check your eligibility.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements
Once you know you're eligible, here's what you'll need to prepare:
Essential Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Must have at least 6 months validity from your planned date of entry into India
- At least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Front-facing, white background
- Must meet specific file size and format requirements (we'll help with this!)
- Scanned Copy of Passport Bio-Data Page
- Clear, readable scan of the page with your photo and details
- Supporting Documents (depending on visa type)
- Business invitation letter (for e-Business Visa)
- Hospital letter and appointment confirmation (for e-Medical Visa)
- Conference invitation (for e-Conference Visa)
- Proof of accommodation or travel itinerary
- Return/onward ticket details
- Payment Method
- Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type
- Fees are generally non-refundable once paid
Technical Requirements:
The government portal has strict specifications for photo dimensions, file sizes, and document formats. Getting these wrong is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected or delayed.
How IVC helps: This is where our service starts. We validate every photo and document before submission. Upload your files to ivcvisas.com or send it through the provided email/contact, and our team will check that everything meets the official specifications. If something needs adjustment — like resizing a photo or improving scan quality — we'll fix it for you.
Step 3: How Our Service Works | Your Application Journey
Here's exactly what happens when you apply through IVC visas.
1. Start Your Application on Our Website
Visit IVC Visas and select "Apply for Indian e-Visa." You'll see a simple form asking for basic information:
- Your nationality
- Travel purpose (tourism, business, medical, etc.)
- Intended travel dates
- Entry and exit ports
Based on your answers, we'll recommend the right visa type and show you exactly what documents you need.
2. Upload Your Documents
Our secure portal lets you upload your passport copy, photo, and supporting documents or through provided contacts and email address. You can do this from your phone, tablet, or computer — whatever's convenient.
Don't worry if your photo isn't perfect or your scan is a bit blurry. We review everything and make necessary adjustments to meet government requirements.
3. Complete Your Application Details
You have two options here, based on your preference:
Option A: We Fill the Form for You (Recommended)
- Share your travel details, passport information, and any special requirements with us
- Our experienced team pre-fills the entire government application form
- We double-check every field for accuracy
- You review and approve before submission
Option B: We Guide You Through the Form
- We provide you with the blank official form and detailed instructions
- Fill it at your own pace with our checklist
- Send it back to us for final review and corrections
- We ensure everything is compliant before submission
Either way, we manually review your application to catch any errors or inconsistencies that could lead to rejection.
4. Secure Payment Processing
Once your application is ready, we handle the visa fee payment through secure channels. You'll receive:
- A clear breakdown of all fees (visa fee + service charge)
- A payment receipt for your records
- Confirmation that your payment has been processed
5. Application Submission & Tracking
We submit your completed application to the official Indian government portal. You'll receive an Application ID and can track the status in real-time through our dashboard.
Processing times typically range from a few days to 72 hours, though it can sometimes take longer depending on the visa type and season. That's why we always recommend applying at least 4-7 days before your travel date.
6. Receive Your Approved India e-Visa (ETA)
Once approved, you'll receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. We also provide:
- A downloadable copy through your ivcvisas.com account
- A pre-departure checklist
- Travel tips for entering India
Print a copy of your ETA and keep a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration when you arrive in India.
Understanding Entry and Exit Rules
Entry points India e-Visa holders may enter the country through:
- 33 designated international airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Varanasi, Calicut, Pune, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam, and others
- 33 designated seaports including Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, Goa, Port Blair, Nhava Sheva, Kolkata, Mundra, Kandla, Vizhinjam International, and others — covering both major cruise terminals and commercial ports
- 4 designated land ports: Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Darranga, and Jogbani — all on India's northern land borders
Entry through any crossing not on the designated list — including any other land border — is not permitted on an India e-Visa regardless of circumstances.
Exit points You may exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) across the country — you are not restricted to your point of entry. This includes airports, seaports, and a wider range of land ICPs beyond the four entry-permitted land ports.
Check the full authorised India entry and exit ports list before finalizing your travel route and booking transport.
Important Legal Guidelines & Restrictions
Complete the e-Arrival Card before boarding — not at the airport
As of April 2026, all international travelers to India must complete a digital e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. Complete it via the official portal at India Visa website or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app before you board your flight. On arrival in India, your biometrics will be captured and your passport stamped at immigration. Ensure the immigration stamp is affixed before leaving the counter — if missed, contact the nearest FRRO immediately.
A granted India visa does not guarantee entry
An approved India e-Visa authorises you to travel — it does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers at the port of arrival retain full discretion. Carry your printed ETA, a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, and ensure your declared purpose matches your India visa category.
Adhere strictly to your India visa's declared purpose
You are required to conduct only the activities permitted under your India visa category. Engaging in business on an India e-Tourist Visa, or any other purpose mismatch, is a violation of visa conditions and can result in denial of entry or deportation.
Extension and conversion of India e-Visa
India e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. If you are genuinely unable to depart within your India visa's validity due to an emergency, apply for an extension online at FRRO portal before expiry — not after. Remaining beyond visa validity without approved extension constitutes an illegal overstay under Indian immigration law.
Religious activities are prohibited
All foreign nationals holding any type of India visa are prohibited from preaching religious ideologies, speaking at religious gatherings, distributing religious material in any form, or engaging in any conversion-related activity. This restriction applies regardless of India visa type.
Yellow Fever vaccination
If you have departed from or transited through a Yellow Fever endemic country within 6 days of your arrival in India, you must carry a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in original. Failure to produce it may result in mandatory quarantine of up to 6 days on arrival.
Defence, military, or police background
Individuals with a defence, military, security, or police background — serving or retired — are not eligible for an India e-Visa. Attempting to enter India on an India e-Visa while suppressing this information may result in denial of entry and deportation. Apply for a regular India visa through your nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Pakistani nationality and lineage
Nationals holding a Pakistani passport, and nationals of any country whose parents or grandparents (paternal or maternal) were born in or were permanently resident in Pakistan, are not eligible for an India e-Visa. A regular India visa applied through the relevant Indian Mission is required.
Restricted and protected areas
An India e-Visa is not valid for visiting Protected Areas, Restricted Areas, or Cantonment Areas. A separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) must be obtained in advance from the relevant civil authority if your itinerary includes such regions — including parts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Same passport rule
You must travel on the exact passport used when applying for your India e-Visa. If you have obtained a new passport since applying, carry both old and new passports to Indian immigration. Entry will be permitted on the new passport provided the old passport with the ETA is presented alongside it.
No employment, journalism, or NGO activities
An India e-Visa does not permit employment, journalism, or NGO activities. Voluntary work is permitted only for a maximum period of one month, with no monetary payment or consideration of any kind. For employment or journalism, a regular India visa applied through the Indian Mission is required.
Do not reapply while your application is still under review
If your India e-Visa application shows 'Under Process' or 'Under Review', do not submit a new application. Only take action once the status explicitly reads 'Rejected'. Submitting a duplicate application while one is live can create complications and flag your passport number in the system.
How we help: During your application review, we flag any potential issues with your travel plans and advise you on compliance. If your situation requires a regular visa instead of an e-Visa, we'll intimate you right at the moment.
Why Choose IVC Visas?
We understand that visa applications can be confusing, and one small mistake can delay your entire trip. Here's what makes our service different:
1. Expert Review of Every Application
We don't just submit forms — we manually check every detail to minimize rejection risk. Our team has processed thousands of Indian visa applications and knows exactly what immigration officers look for.
2. Document Compliance Guarantee
Photo not meeting size requirements? Passport scan too dark? We fix these issues before submission so you don't face delays.
3. 24/7 Support
Got a question at midnight before your flight? We're here. Our support team is available round-the-clock via chat, email, and WhatsApp to assist you.
4. Urgent Processing Available
Need your visa fast? We offer expedited processing options depending on your nationality and visa type. Just let us know your timeline, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
5. Complete Transparency
No hidden fees, no surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying for — the government visa fee and our service charge — with a full breakdown upfront.
6. Post-Approval Support
Even after your visa is approved, we're here to help. Have questions about what to expect at Indian immigration? Need clarification about your entry date? We've got you covered until you land safely in India.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early: Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 4-7 days before your travel date, or even earlier during peak travel seasons.
- Double-check passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
- Be honest: Always provide accurate information. Consistency across all documents is crucial.
- Keep copies: Save digital and print copies of your ETA, passport, and all supporting documents.
- Check travel advisories: Before traveling, verify any health requirements or travel advisories for India.
Ready to Start Your Indian e-Visa Application?
The journey to incredible India begins with one simple step — getting your visa sorted. Let IVC Visas handle the complicated parts while you focus on planning your adventure.
Start your application. Our team is ready to make your Indian visa experience effortless.
Have questions before you apply? Reach out to us via chat, email, or WhatsApp. We're here to help make your travel dreams a reality.
Disclaimer: IVC Visas is an independent visa service provider. We assist with application preparation and submission but do not guarantee visa approval, as final decisions rest with Indian immigration authorities. All information is based on current regulations, which may change. Always verify the latest requirements before travel.