India e-Visa (eTV): How to Apply, Cost, Processing Time & Validity (2026)
Checked 2026-06.
As of June 2026, most travelers can get an India e-Tourist Visa (eTV) fully online for a government fee of roughly $10–$200 depending on validity and nationality, usually approved within 72 hours to about 7 working days.
iVisa is a paid concierge that charges a service fee on top of the government fee, but reviews your form and photo and offers guided support if you'd rather not risk a rejection. You can also apply yourself on the official portal for just the government fee.
Apply for an India e-visa via iVisaWe may earn a commission if you buy through this link — at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
| Item | Detail | Validity | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government e-visa fee (30-day eTV) | Official Govt. of India fee, country-reciprocal | 30 days, multiple entry | ~$10 (Apr–Jun) / ~$25 (Jul–Mar) | Non-extendable; non-refundable; varies by nationality |
| Government e-visa fee (1-year eTV) | Official Govt. of India fee, multiple entry | 365 days from grant | ~$40 (most nationalities) | Per-visit stay often capped (~90 days) |
| Government e-visa fee (5-year eTV) | Official Govt. of India fee, multiple entry | 5 years | ~$200 (UK $484, US $160) | Best value for repeat visitors |
| iVisa service fee (concierge) | Optional paid review/support, charged ON TOP of govt fee | Same as visa chosen | Service fee added at checkout | Optional — you can apply direct for just the govt fee |
The India e-Visa is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) issued through the official government portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in. The tourist track (eTV) comes in three flavors: a 30-day multiple-entry visa, a 1-year multiple-entry visa, and a 5-year multiple-entry visa. As of early 2026 nationals of roughly 175 countries are eligible, and the e-visa must be used to enter through one of the designated airports, seaports, or (a small number of) land crossings — not every border post accepts it. Checked 2026-06.
Government fees are reciprocal, so the exact amount depends on your nationality. For most travelers the 30-day eTV runs about $25 (July–March) and is discounted to roughly $10 in the April–June low season; the 1-year visa is about $40 and the 5-year about $200. A few nationalities pay differently — UK citizens, for example, pay $484 for the 5-year visa and US citizens $160. On top of the visa fee, the payment gateway adds a bank surcharge of up to 3% plus applicable taxes. The fee is non-refundable whether or not your visa is granted, so apply carefully.
To apply yourself, go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill the form, upload a passport-style photo and your passport bio page, pay the government fee, and wait for the ETA by email — then carry a printout. Pay at least 4 days before travel (the portal won't process last-minute applications), and use a passport with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages. Most decisions arrive within 72 hours, though peak season (roughly October–March) or any photo/passport-scan error can stretch it to about 3–7 working days.
The biggest gotcha: the 30-day eTV is non-extendable and non-convertible. You cannot lengthen it from inside India — if you need more time you must exit and re-apply from abroad. The 1-year and 5-year visas allow multiple entries, but your total stay may not exceed 180 days in a calendar year. Note also that since October 2025 India requires a separate online e-Arrival Card before you land — that's in addition to, not a replacement for, the e-visa.
Honesty first: a service like iVisa is a paid concierge, not the government, and it charges a service fee on top of the official fee. You do NOT need it — anyone can apply directly on the official portal and pay only the government fee. iVisa (and similar agents) are worth it if you want your form and photo pre-checked, faster human support, and a lower chance of a rejection that costs you the non-refundable fee. If you're comfortable with online forms and have time before travel, the DIY route on the official portal is the cheapest path.
Check your specific case with the visa-on-arrival eligibility checker.
FAQ
Can I apply for the India e-visa myself for free?
You can apply yourself on the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in and pay only the government fee (roughly $10–$200 plus a bank surcharge of up to 3%). It's not free, but it's the cheapest route. Paid services like iVisa add a service fee on top for guided, error-checked support.
How long does the India e-visa take to process?
Most e-visas are approved within about 72 hours, but allow 3–7 working days during peak season (roughly October–March) or if your photo/passport scan needs re-checking. Apply at least 4 days before travel — the portal won't process last-minute submissions.
How long is the India e-Tourist Visa valid?
The eTV comes in 30-day (multiple entry, non-extendable), 1-year (multiple entry), and 5-year (multiple entry) versions. The 1- and 5-year visas allow a total stay of up to 180 days per calendar year. Checked 2026-06.
Can I extend the 30-day India e-visa inside India?
No. The 30-day e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. To stay longer you must leave India and re-apply from abroad, or apply for the 1-year or 5-year version before you travel.