eVisa India Types: All Categories Explained
India’s eVisa system offers multiple categories to match different travel purposes. Choosing the right type is critical — applying under the wrong category can lead to rejection or issues at immigration. This guide explains every eVisa category, its requirements, and who should apply.
Overview of eVisa Categories
The Indian eVisa system currently includes seven main categories:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Student Visa
- e-Family Visa
- e-Transit Visa
- Tourists and vacationers
- People visiting friends or family
- Travelers attending short yoga or meditation retreats
- Cruise passengers stopping at Indian ports
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Return or onward ticket
- Business travelers attending meetings
- Trade professionals exploring Indian markets
- Investors conducting due diligence
- Recruiters hiring in India
- Consultants providing services
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Business card
- Invitation letter from an Indian company (recommended)
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Trade exhibitions and fairs
- Recruitment activities
- Technical consultations
- Business setup explorations
- Actual employment (requires work visa)
- Long-term assignments (requires employment visa)
- Paid performances or shows
- Patients seeking treatment at recognized Indian hospitals
- Patients requiring specialized medical procedures
- Follow-up visits for ongoing treatment
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Letter from a recognized Indian hospital confirming the treatment plan
- Medical history summary
- Spouse of the patient
- Parent (if patient is a minor)
- Adult child or sibling
- Any family member providing care
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of relationship with the patient
- Copy of the patient’s e-Medical Visa or application ID
- Delegates attending government-organized conferences
- Participants in UN-affiliated events
- Attendees of state-sponsored seminars
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Invitation letter from the organizing body
- Conference registration confirmation
- Students in short-term courses
- Research scholars
- Participants in educational exchange programs
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Admission letter from the Indian institution
- Proof of financial support
- People visiting close family members in India
- Those attending family functions or ceremonies
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of family relationship
- Invitation letter from the family member in India
- Travelers with layovers in India
- Passengers connecting through Indian airports
- What is the primary purpose of your visit? — Match it to the category
- How long do you plan to stay? — Choose the appropriate duration
- Will you enter India multiple times? — Opt for multiple-entry options
- Do you have the required documents? — Each category has specific requirements
e-Tourist Visa
The e-Tourist Visa is the most popular category, designed for travelers visiting India for leisure, sightseeing, meeting friends or family, or attending short-term yoga programs.
Duration options:
| Option | Validity | Max Stay per Visit | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day | 30 days from arrival | 30 days | Double entry | $10–$25 |
| 1-year | 1 year from ETA date | 90 days | Multiple entry | $40 |
| 5-year | 5 years from ETA date | 90 days | Multiple entry | $80 |
Who should apply:
Documents required:
Note: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can stay up to 180 days per visit on the 1-year and 5-year tourist visas if they register with the FRRO.
e-Business Visa
The e-Business Visa is for foreign nationals visiting India for business purposes, including meetings, trade activities, recruitment, and attending business events.
Validity: 1 year or 5 years (multiple entry)
Maximum stay: 180 days per visit
Who should apply:
Documents required:
Activities permitted:
Activities NOT permitted:
e-Medical Visa
The e-Medical Visa is for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian hospitals. India is a major medical tourism destination, offering high-quality healthcare at competitive prices.
Validity: 60 days from the date of arrival
Entries: Triple entry (allows you to leave and re-enter India for follow-up treatments)
Who should apply:
Documents required:
Recognized hospitals: The hospital must be listed as a recognized medical institution by the Indian government. Major hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are typically recognized.
e-Medical Attendant Visa
This visa is for up to two family members accompanying a patient who holds an e-Medical Visa. India allows a maximum of two e-Medical Attendant Visas per patient.
Validity: 60 days (same as the patient’s e-Medical Visa)
Entries: Triple entry
Who should apply:
Documents required:
e-Conference Visa
The e-Conference Visa is for attending conferences organized by Indian government bodies, PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), or UN agencies.
Validity: 30 days
Entries: Single entry
Who should apply:
Documents required:
Important: Private conferences and business events do NOT qualify for the e-Conference Visa. Attendees of private events should apply for the e-Business Visa instead.
e-Student Visa
The e-Student Visa is for foreign nationals enrolled in short-term educational programs in India.
Validity: Varies based on the course duration
Who should apply:
Documents required:
e-Family Visa
The e-Family Visa is for visiting family members who are Indian citizens or residents.
Validity: Varies by nationality
Who should apply:
Documents required:
e-Transit Visa
The e-Transit Visa is for travelers transiting through India to another destination.
Validity: 15 days from the date of arrival
Entries: Double entry
Who should apply:
Important: If you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you need an e-Transit Visa. If you stay in the transit area, no visa is required.
How to Choose the Right Category
Ask yourself these questions:
When in doubt, the e-Tourist Visa is the safest choice for general travel. If your visit combines tourism with a business meeting, apply for the e-Business Visa — it covers a broader range of activities.
Switching Visa Categories
You cannot switch eVisa categories after arriving in India. If your travel purpose changes, you must leave India and apply for a new eVisa in the correct category. The eVisa also cannot be converted to a regular visa or extended while in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can only hold one active eVisa at a time. If you need to change categories, the previous eVisa must expire or be superseded.
Apply for the e-Tourist Visa if you’re attending a wedding as a guest. If the wedding is part of a larger business relationship, the e-Business Visa may be appropriate.
No. The e-Business Visa permits business activities but not employment. To work in India, you need an Employment Visa (regular visa, not eVisa).
Your application may be rejected. If discovered after arrival, you could face penalties including deportation. Always choose the category that matches your actual travel purpose.
