India Tourist eVisa Complete Guide
Introduction
Planning a trip to India? The India Tourist eVisa is the fastest and most convenient way to get authorized to visit. This guide covers everything you need to know: what the Tourist eVisa is, which option suits your travel plans (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year), what you need to prepare, and how the application process works.
This guide focuses specifically on the online Tourist eVisa application through IndiaEVisa.co.in. It is distinct from Business or Medical eVisas and covers only leisure, sightseeing, and recreational travel.
What Is the India Tourist eVisa?
The India Tourist eVisa is an electronic authorization that allows international visitors to enter India for leisure, sightseeing, cultural exploration, attending social events, and recreational activities. It is not authorization for employment, business activities, or extended stays beyond the visa's validity.
The Tourist eVisa is issued online through a digital application system. There is no embassy visit, no paper visa, and no waiting at a consulate. You complete the application, upload documents, receive approval (or denial), and your eVisa is ready within 3-4 working days (regular processing) or 48 hours (express processing).
Who Can Apply for a Tourist eVisa?
Tourist eVisa eligibility requires:
- A valid passport from a nationality supported by the current IndiaEVisa.co.in application system
- A legitimate tourism or recreation purpose (sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, cultural events, leisure travel)
- Selection of the Tourist eVisa category in the application (not Business or Medical)
Applicants must hold a nationality that the current eVisa application system supports. If your nationality is not listed during application, you are not eligible for the online Tourist eVisa.
India Tourist eVisa Options: 30-Day, 1-Year & 5-Year
The India Tourist eVisa is available in three validity periods to match different travel patterns and budgets:
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Tourist eVisa | 30 days from issue | Double entry (2 visits) | Single short trip or one brief return visit |
| 1-Year Tourist eVisa | 365 days from issue | Multiple entry | Frequent travelers planning 2+ visits per year |
| 5-Year Tourist eVisa | 5 years from issue | Multiple entry | Very frequent travelers or those who want long-term access |
Each option allows you to stay in India during your visit(s). Once your eVisa validity expires, you must apply for a new eVisa if you wish to return.
Which Tourist eVisa Option Should You Choose?
Choose the 30-Day option if: You're taking a single trip to India and don't plan to return within 30 days. The 30-day window is brief, so plan accordingly. You get two entries, which is useful if you leave India and re-enter during those 30 days.
Choose the 1-Year option if: You plan to visit India multiple times within a 12-month period. The 1-year validity is popular among business professionals, family visitors, and frequent travelers. This option is configured as Multiple Entry, allowing repeat visits during its validity period.
Choose the 5-Year option if: You travel to India regularly over years, or you want the convenience of a long-term authorization without reapplying. It is the most expensive upfront but offers the lowest cost-per-visit if you make multiple trips.
For a detailed comparison including cost-per-visit analysis and which visa makes financial sense for your travel pattern, see the detailed Tourist Visa comparison guide.
Tourist eVisa Requirements Overview
You will need:
- Passport bio page: A digital scan/upload
- Recent color photograph: A digital upload matching specific requirements
- Personal information: Name, date of birth, nationality, contact details
- Passport details: Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, place of issue
- Travel information: Intended travel dates, port of arrival, occupation
You do NOT need to provide proof of hotel bookings, travel itineraries, return tickets, financial statements, or proof of tourism purpose. These are common requirements for traditional visas but are not requested by the online Tourist eVisa application.
For the complete list of requirements and document preparation tips, see the India eVisa Requirements & Documents Checklist.
Passport Bio Page Upload
You must upload a clear digital copy of your passport's biographical page (the page with your photo and personal details).
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
Maximum file size: 2MB
Enter your passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue exactly as they appear on your passport biographical page.
Photograph Requirements
You must upload a recent color photograph that meets these specifications:
- Age: Taken within the last 6 months
- Background: White or light-colored background
- Composition: Your face should occupy roughly 50–70% of the frame
- Format: JPG or PNG
- File size: Maximum 2MB
- Appearance: A clear, frontal-facing photo in normal lighting
The photo is used to identify you and verify your identity during entry to India. Ensure it is recognizable and recent.
Information You Enter in the Application
During the Tourist eVisa application, you will enter:
- Full name (exactly as shown in your passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue
- Email address and phone number
- Residential address
- Current occupation
- Intended arrival date and port of arrival in India
- Return travel date (approximate is acceptable)
Enter all information exactly as it appears in your passport. Mismatches between your application and passport can delay processing or lead to denial.
India Tourist eVisa Application Process
The online Tourist eVisa application follows this general flow:
- Visit the India eVisa application portal
- Select "Tourist eVisa" as your visa category
- Choose your visa duration (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year)
- Enter your personal and passport details
- Upload your passport bio page and photograph
- Enter your travel information and intended arrival date
- Review your application for accuracy
- Choose your processing option (regular 3–4 working days or express 48 hours)
- Complete payment
- Receive your approval (or denial) via email
For a step-by-step walkthrough with detailed instructions and screenshots, see the Complete Guide to India eVisa Application.
Tourist eVisa Processing Options
After you submit your application, you can choose how quickly you need a decision:
- Regular processing: 3 to 4 working days
- Express processing: Within 48 hours
Express processing is faster but costs more (see current pricing on the visa fees page). Regular processing is the standard option and is sufficient for most leisure travelers.
Processing time is the timeframe within which the application is reviewed and a decision is issued. It is not a guarantee of approval. Approval depends on the completeness and accuracy of your application and compliance with current eligibility rules.
Tourist eVisa Fees
Tourist eVisa fees vary by visa duration and processing option. Specific current fees are available on the visa fees page, which shows:
- 30-day Tourist eVisa (regular and express pricing)
- 1-year Tourist eVisa (regular and express pricing)
- 5-year Tourist eVisa (regular and express pricing)
Fees may vary by nationality due to country-specific pricing rules. Visit the fees page for your exact fee.
Tourist eVisa vs. Business eVisa
Tourist eVisa is for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending social events, and recreational travel.
Business eVisa is for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, and business development activities. Business eVisas require additional documentation such as a Business Invitation Letter and Business Name Card.
If your travel has any business purpose, use the Business eVisa. Using a Tourist eVisa for business activity can result in denial or complications. For more details, see the India Business eVisa guide.
Common Tourist eVisa Application Mistakes
Avoid these common errors that can delay or result in denial:
- Selecting the wrong category: Ensure you select "Tourist eVisa," not Business or Medical.
- Passport data mismatch: Enter passport number, dates, and place of issue exactly as printed in your passport.
- Incorrect or expired passport: Your passport must be valid at the time of application.
- Photo too small or old: Ensure your photo is recent (within 6 months) and your face is clearly visible.
- Wrong file format or size: Use JPG or PNG for photo and passport, and keep files under 2MB.
- Incomplete information: Fill in all required fields before submission.
- Typos in name or email: Double-check spelling, especially your email address, as approval notifications are sent there.
Before You Submit: Final Tourist eVisa Checklist
- ☐ Passport is valid (not expired)
- ☐ Passport bio page is scanned clearly (JPG/PNG, under 2MB)
- ☐ Recent color photo is prepared (within 6 months, white/light background, under 2MB)
- ☐ Passport number is entered exactly as printed
- ☐ Name and date of birth match your passport
- ☐ Email address is correct and monitored (approval is sent there)
- ☐ Intended arrival and departure dates are realistic
- ☐ Visa category selected is "Tourist eVisa"
- ☐ Visa duration chosen (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year)
- ☐ Processing option selected (regular or express)
- ☐ Current fees understood (check visa fees page)
- ☐ You have reviewed the entire application before final submission
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Tourist eVisa options are available?
A: 30-day (double entry), 1-year (multiple entry), and 5-year (multiple entry). See the comparison guide for details.
Q: What documents do I need to upload?
A: Passport bio page and a recent color photograph. No additional documents such as hotel bookings or itineraries are required.
Q: What photo formats are accepted?
A: JPG or PNG, maximum 2MB, taken within the last 6 months, with a white or light background.
Q: How long does processing take?
A: Regular processing: 3 to 4 working days. Express processing: within 48 hours.
Q: Does express processing guarantee faster approval?
A: Express is faster processing, but approval is not guaranteed. Your application must still meet all eligibility requirements.
Q: Where can I check current Tourist eVisa fees?
A: Visit the visa fees page for current pricing by visa type and processing option.
Q: Can I use a Tourist eVisa for business activities?
A: No. If you have any business purpose, apply for a Business eVisa instead.
Q: Where can I find the full step-by-step application process?
A: See the Complete Guide to India eVisa Application.
Ready to Apply for Your Tourist eVisa?
Start your application now: Apply for India eVisa
Have questions about which visa option is right for you? Compare the 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year options.