eVisa India for US Citizens: Complete 2025 Guide
United States citizens are among the most frequent applicants for the Indian eVisa. This guide covers everything American travelers need to know — from eligibility and fees to specific requirements and tips for a smooth application.
Can US Citizens Get an eVisa for India?
Yes. US citizens are fully eligible for all categories of the Indian eVisa. The United States has been part of the eVisa program since its inception, and American passport holders can apply for:
- e-Tourist Visa (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years)
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Student Visa
- e-Family Visa
- e-Transit Visa
eVisa Fees for US Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | 30 days (Apr–Jun) | $10 | Double entry |
| e-Tourist Visa | 30 days (Jul–Mar) | $25 | Double entry |
| e-Tourist Visa | 1 year | $40 | Multiple entry |
| e-Tourist Visa | 5 years | $80 | Multiple entry |
| e-Business Visa | 1 year | $80 | Multiple entry |
| e-Medical Visa | 60 days | $25 | Triple entry |
| e-Conference Visa | 30 days | $25 | Single entry |
Add 2.5%–3% bank transaction charge to all fees.
Recommended Visa for US Travelers
For most American travelers visiting India for tourism, the 1-year e-Tourist Visa at $40 offers the best value. Here’s why:
- Multiple entries allow you to leave and re-enter India
- US citizens can stay up to 180 consecutive days per visit
- At $40, it’s only $15 more than the 30-day option
- You don’t need to finalize travel dates before applying
The 5-year visa ($80) is ideal if you plan multiple trips to India over several years.
Application Process for US Citizens
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa — this is the only official website. Avoid sites like evisa-india.com, indianvisaonline.com, or similar third-party domains that charge extra fees.
Step 2: Select “United States” as Nationality
The form will automatically adjust available options and fees based on your selection.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all fields as they appear on your US passport:
- Full legal name (exactly as on passport)
- Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY format will be converted)
- Place of birth
- Passport number
- Passport issue and expiry dates
Step 4: Upload Documents
Passport scan:
- Bio page only
- PDF format, under 300 KB
- Must show the full MRZ (machine-readable zone) at the bottom
Photograph:
- JPEG format, 10 KB to 1 MB
- White background
- No glasses
- Taken within last 6 months
Step 5: Pay and Submit
US-issued credit and debit cards are accepted. Payment is processed in USD. Most US applicants report successful payment on the first attempt.
Processing Time for US Citizens
Based on 2025 reports from US travelers:
- Fastest: 24–48 hours (rare — during low-volume periods)
- Typical: 5–7 business days
- Slowest: 7–10 business days (peak season, incomplete documents)
Recommendation: Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.
US-Specific Tips
Passport Requirements
- US passports must be valid for 6+ months from arrival date
- You need at least 2 blank pages
- Both the passport book and card are NOT sufficient — you need the passport book
Travel Insurance
While not required for the eVisa, travel insurance is strongly recommended for India. US health insurance (including Medicare) typically does not cover medical expenses abroad.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for the eVisa application, but the CDC recommends:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis (for rural travel)
- Malaria prophylaxis (for certain regions)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, flu)
Customs and Duty-Free
US citizens can bring:
- 2 liters of alcohol
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- Gifts valued up to INR 25,000
Currency: Declare amounts exceeding $5,000 (or equivalent) in cash.
Entry Points for US Citizens
eVisa holders from the US can enter through any of the 28 designated airports:
Most popular for US travelers:
- Delhi (DEL) — Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Mumbai (BOM) — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Bangalore (BLR) — Kempegowda International Airport
- Chennai (MAA) — Chennai International Airport
- Kolkata (CCU) — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Hyderabad (HYD) — Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Direct flights from the US to India are available from:
- New York (JFK) to Delhi
- Newark (EWR) to Delhi and Mumbai
- San Francisco (SFO) to Delhi and Bangalore
- Chicago (ORD) to Delhi
- Washington Dulles (IAD) to Delhi
US Embassy and Consulate Contacts in India
If you need assistance while in India:
US Embassy New Delhi
- Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
- Phone: +91-11-2419-8000
- Emergency (after hours): +91-11-2419-8000
US Consulate Mumbai
- Address: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051
- Phone: +91-22-2672-4000
US Consulate Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad — full details at india.usembassy.gov
Common Issues for US Applicants
Issue: “Application Under Review” for Over 7 Days
This is common in 2025. Processing times have increased. Wait 10 business days before contacting the helpdesk.
Issue: Payment Declined
Some US banks block international transactions. Solutions:
- Call your bank to authorize the charge
- Use a different card
- Try a credit card instead of debit
Issue: Photo Rejected
US passport photos may not meet Indian eVisa specifications (different background, size). Take a new photo specifically for the eVisa application with a white background.
Issue: Name Doesn’t Match Exactly
Your eVisa application name must match your US passport character-for-character. If your passport shows your full middle name, include it. If it shows only a middle initial, use only the initial.
Returning to the US
When returning to the US from India, ensure:
- Your passport is valid
- You have your return boarding pass
- Any goods purchased in India are declared at US customs
- You comply with US customs duty-free limits ($800 per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. US citizens must have a valid visa or eVisa to enter India. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for American passport holders.
The 5-year e-Tourist Visa is the longest eVisa duration available. For a 10-year visa, you must apply for a regular (sticker) visa through the Indian embassy or VFS Global, which requires passport submission.
On the 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa, US citizens can stay up to 180 consecutive days per visit. The 30-day visa allows a maximum 30-day stay.
India does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. Working remotely on a tourist visa exists in a legal gray area. For employment in India, an Employment Visa is required.
India is generally safe for US travelers with normal precautions. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive security updates from the US Embassy.
