Last Updated 14 June 2024
The Government of India has reinstated all valid regular paper and e-Visas, including long-term 10-year tourist visas and 5-year e-Visas for U.S. nationals as of March 16, 2022. The issuance of new 10-year tourist visas has also been resumed. India strictly enforces its entry requirements and may deny entry to travelers without proper documentation or the correct visa type. Given that Indian visa regulations frequently change, often with little notice, travelers should always check the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.'s website for the latest information before traveling. This guide provides comprehensive information on the updated visa procedures, application processes, and important guidelines for U.S. citizens traveling to India.
Applying for an Indian Visa
How to Apply for an Indian eVisa?
For short-term visits of less than 60 days, U.S. citizens can apply for an eVisa. This visa is ideal for tourism purposes and should be applied for at least four days before arrival.The e-Visa is available for various purposesapart fromtourism such as business, medical treatment, and attending conferences.
U.S. citizens can apply for an e-Visa online through the official Indian visa website here.
Note: The consulate does not process e-Visas, and all inquiries should be directed to the e-Visa portal.
How to Apply for Regular Paper Visa?
For stays longer than 60 days or purposes other than tourism, U.S. citizens must apply for a visa through an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has partnered with VFS Global to facilitate visa services in the United States. Applicants can apply for Indian visas via the VFS Global website. U.S. citizens residing within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, can apply for a regular visa through VFS Global.
The application process involves submitting a physical application to any of the following VFS Centres:
ICAC Washington DC Centre:1025 Vermont Ave, N.W. Suite 302 Washington, DC 20005
ICAC Atlanta Centre:Suite 175, 1200 Altmore Avenue, Sandy Springs, GA 30342.
ICAC San Francisco Centre:642 Harrison Street, Suite 200, San Francisco 94107, CA.
ICAC Houston Centre:Suite 550, 1001 Texas Avenue, Houston TX 77002.
ICAC Chicago Centre:Suite 2075, 180 North Stetson Ave, 20th Floor, Chicago- 60601
ICAC New York Centre:128 E 32nd St Floor 2, New York, NY 10016
Book an Appointment at the VFS Global centre
Applicants can begin the application process and find more information on the VFS Global website.
Documents Required for an Indian Visa
- Printed application form for Regular visa submission at the VFS Global.
- Photograph: A recent front-facing photograph with a white background which meets the following specifications.
- U.S. citizens planning to visit India need a valid passport and either a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
- Passport requirement: Passports must be valid for at least six months and have two blank pages.
- Bio Page of Passport:Scanned Bio Page of the passport showing the Photograph and Details.
Visa Conditions and Restrictions
Visa Validity/Maximum Stay: The total stay on an e-Tourist Visa or regular paper Tourist Visa in one calendar year is restricted to 180 days.
Land Entry: Entry through land routes on e-Tourist or regular paper Tourist Visas is not permitted.
Special Requirements for Minors: For minor applicants, a notarized Parental Authorization Form is mandatory. The form, signed by both parents, along with copies of their passports and marriage certificate, can be accessed here.
Pakistani Origin: Visa is inapplicable for pakistan origin US citizens. If the applicant or either of their parents or grandparents (paternal or maternal) was born in, or was permanently resident in Pakistan.
Diplomats and Officials: Diplomatic and official visa applications should be submitted directly to the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees, including military personnel traveling on official orders, must obtain country clearance for travel to India.
Verification: Upon receiving a visa, travelers should verify the type, validity dates, and number of entries to ensure they match travel plans.
What's the Processing Time for Indian Visa from US?
If all documentation are in order and approved, it will take 3-5 working days.
Indian Visa Fees for US Citizens
The fee structure for e-Tourist Visas is as follows:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa (July to March): $25
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa (April to June): $10
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: $40
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: $80
Note: A 2.5% bank transaction charge applies. Fees must be paid at least 4 days before the expected travel date to process the application.
Important Considerations for Visa
- Non-refundable Fees: e-Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
- ETA: Travelers should carry a copy of their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and confirm that their status is 'GRANTED' before traveling.
- Payment Status: Payment status updates may take up to 2 hours. If there are delays, verify the status using the 'Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee' tab.
- Restrictions: e-Visas are non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.
- Passport Requirements: The e-Visa must be used with the same passport applied with, although entry is allowed on a new passport if the old one with the ETA is also carried.
Special Instructions for US Citizens
- Biometrics: Biometric details will be captured on arrival in India.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: Travelers from Yellow Fever-affected countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card or face quarantine upon arrival.
- Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date in India, with at least two blank pages for stamping.
- Return Ticket: International travelers should have a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds for their stay.
- Copies of US passport: Travelers should keep copies of their U.S. passport data page and the pages containing the Indian visa and immigration stamps. These copies can be physical or saved on a mobile phone for emergency situations.
- Stolen Passport: If a passport is lost or stolen, these copies will aid in applying for a replacement passport and an exit permit from the Indian government, which may take several business days.
- Avoid Scams:It’s crucial to use the correct and official website to avoid scams.
- Overstaying: Overstaying a visa or violating visa rules can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. To leave India, visa violators must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which can take up to 90 days.
- Satellite phone: Possession of a satellite phone in India is strictly prohibited and may lead to detention or arrest.
- Yellow fever certificate:Additionally, travelers from Yellow Fever-affected countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card to avoid quarantine upon arrival.
- Pakistan Origin Citizens:U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin should expect additional delays due to administrative processing when applying for Indian visas.
Emergency Visa Services
VFS Global provides emergency visa services for U.S. passport holders of Indian origin and their family members needing to visit India due to a family emergency (e.g., critical illness or death). Applications are accepted in person by appointment during weekdays and weekends. Applicants must provide documentary evidence and will be charged an emergency service fee. Contact details for emergency services are:
Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Email: [emailprotected]
Weekends and Holidays: 9 AM to 4 PM
Tel: +1-929-866-2770
Contact Information and Assistance
For the latest information on entry and exit requirements, contact the Indian Embassy’s Consular wing in Washington, D.C., at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, or call (202) 939-9806. Indian Consulates are also located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco.
For general visa and immigration rules, including FRRO office addresses and contact details, visit the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.
For help, call the 24/7 helpline at +91-11-24300666 or email [emailprotected]. Beware of fraudulent websites and use only the official Government of India portal for applications.
The e-Visa facility is in addition to existing visa services provided by Indian Embassies and Consulates. It’s important to note that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist travelers who arrive without proper documentation.
