Indian Visa: Requirements, Types, and What You Need to Know Before You Travel

When you’re heading to India, the Indian visa, a government-issued permit required for most foreign visitors to enter the country. Also known as an India travel permit, it’s not just a stamp—it’s your key to everything from tiger safaris in Ranthambore to temple walks in Rameshwaram. Without it, even the most carefully planned trip hits a wall at the airport.

Not everyone needs the same kind of visa. If you’re visiting for tourism, you’ll likely need an e-Tourist Visa, a digital visa issued online for short stays, valid for up to 60 days and usable at 28 airports and 5 seaports across India. Business travelers, students, and volunteers each have their own category. And if you’re from a country with a visa waiver agreement—like Bhutan or Nepal—you might skip this step entirely. But for most travelers from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, the e-Visa is the fastest, easiest option. You apply online, upload your photo and passport, pay the fee, and get approval in days—not weeks.

It’s not just about getting the visa—it’s about getting the right one. A tourist visa won’t let you work or study. A medical visa requires proof of hospital appointment. And if you’re planning to stay longer than 60 days, you’ll need to apply for a regular visa at an Indian embassy, not the e-Visa portal. The rules changed in 2025: the e-Visa is now valid for multiple entries within a year, and you can apply up to 120 days before your trip. No more last-minute panic at the airport.

Some travelers forget that India also has special entry rules for certain states. If you’re heading to parts of Northeast India—like Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland—you’ll need an additional Protected Area Permit, even if you already have a visa. It’s not a separate visa, just an extra step. And if you’re flying into India from the USA, remember that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. That’s not a suggestion—it’s law.

What about the documents? You’ll need a clear, recent photo with a white background, a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page, and a valid email address. No handwritten forms. No courier delays. Everything’s digital. Once approved, the visa is emailed to you. Print it out. Carry it with your passport. Show it at immigration. Done.

And here’s what most guides don’t tell you: your visa doesn’t guarantee entry. Border officers can still deny access if they think you’re overstaying, have no return ticket, or can’t prove you have enough money. Keep your hotel bookings, flight itinerary, and bank statement handy—not because you’ll be asked, but because you might be.

So whether you’re chasing the silence of the Himalayas, the spice markets of Kerala, or the neon lights of Mumbai, your journey starts with this one document. Get it right, and the rest falls into place. Below, you’ll find real traveler stories, updated rules for 2025, and answers to the questions no one asks until it’s too late.