India e-Visa: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At a Glance – Key Takeaways

  • Eligibility: e-Visa is available to nationals of eligible countries for tourism, business, medical, medical attendant, conference and other short-term purposes. Diplomatic/official passport holders, those with Pakistani origin or passport, and individuals on shared passports are not eligible.
  • Accepted Travel Purposes: Leisure, family visits, short courses (non-certified, max 6 months), short voluntary work (max 1 month, unpaid), medical treatment, medical attendant, business visits, and conferences.
  • Passport Requirements: Must have minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages, and a valid return or onward ticket with sufficient funds for stay.
  • Where to Apply: Applications must be made online only through the official government platform. No intermediaries or agents are required by the government.
  • Application Timeline: e-Tourist (30 days): Apply 4–30 days before travel. e-Tourist (1 year & 5 years), e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Conference: Apply 4–120 days before travel.
  • Confirmation: After submission and payment, applicants receive an acknowledgment by email confirming receipt of their application.
  • Visa Status Updates: Applicants are notified by email once the e-Visa is granted or rejected, and can also check status online.
  • Government Fee: A non-refundable processing fee applies (country-specific). No additional charges at the airport.
  • e-Tourist Visas are available for 30 Days, 1 Year, and 5 Years with varying entry rules and stay limits.
  • e-Business Visa holders may stay up to 180 days per visit, and longer stays require FRRO/FRO registration.
  • e-Visas cannot be converted to other visa types or extended in India.
  • You must arrive through one of 31 approved airports or 5 seaports, but may depart from any authorized exit point.
  • Each traveler—including infants and minors—needs their own e-Visa and passport.
  • Government e-Visa fees are non-refundable, even if travel is cancelled.
  • No extra fees are required at the airport for e-Visa holders.
  • Payment failures are common on the portal; clearing cache or trying a new browser often helps.
  • You can download your e-Visa payment receipt through the payment verification section online.
  • e-Business Visa requires either a business card or an invitation letter from the Indian company.
  • e-Medical Visa requires a formal hospital letter with treatment details.
  • e-Conference Visa requires an invitation and mandatory clearances.
  • If you received ETA on an old passport, you can still travel—carry both passports.
  • e-Visa entry via land borders is not permitted.
  • If unsure about previous visa details, write "Not Available" instead of incorrect information.
  • Visa on Arrival is only available for Japan, South Korea, and eligible UAE nationals.
  • Government e-Visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • Entry by e-Visa is allowed at five approved cruise seaports.
  • "Visible identification mark" refers to any identifiable physical mark like a mole or scar.
  • Travelers from Yellow Fever countries must carry a vaccination certificate or face quarantine.
  • Errors on ETA must be corrected before travel; accuracy is the applicant's responsibility.
  • e-Visa is not valid for employment, journalism, or NGO activities.
  • Maximum of two attendants can accompany an e-Medical Visa patient.

Important Information & Disclaimer

IVC Visas (IVC Consulting Services Pte. Ltd.) is a private visa support and facilitation service provider, offering assistance with India e-Visa applications for travellers worldwide. We are not affiliated with the Government of India. The India e-Visa is issued at the sole discretion of the Government of India, and immigration authorities retain the right to approve or reject any application.

While we take great care to provide accurate, updated, and reliable information, visa rules, fees, document requirements and government policies may change without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to review the latest government guidelines before travel.

Our role is to support you throughout the process with clear guidance, documentation review, error checks, and customer assistance to help you apply with confidence and avoid common mistakes that may lead to delays or rejections.

Apply with Confidence

If you're ready to begin your India e-Visa application, we're here to assist you with clarity, care, and dependable guidance at every step—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

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Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you're unsure about any step, document, eligibility, or visa type — you're not alone. Visa requirements can feel overwhelming, and it's absolutely okay to seek help.

Our team is here to support you with:

  • Clear explanations, without complex jargon
  • Guidance tailored to your travel purpose
  • Step-by-step help if you need it
  • Friendly and reliable assistance

Whether it's a quick question or you'd like us to walk you through the process, we're happy to help make your India e-Visa experience smooth and stress-free.