How to Apply for India eVisa Online in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to India in 2026? Whether you’re coming for the Taj Mahal, a business conference, or medical treatment, the first thing you need is a valid visa, and the easiest way to get one is through the India eVisa online system.

Gone are the days of queuing at an embassy or waiting weeks for visa stamps. Today, citizens from over 171 countries can apply for an Indian eVisa from the comfort of their home, receive it by email, and be ready to travel,  sometimes within 72 hours.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• What an India eVisa is and who qualifies
• The 3 types of eVisas available in 2026
• Exactly what documents you need
• A step-by-step application walkthrough
• Processing times, fees, and common mistakes to avoid

Let’s get started.

What Is an India eVisa?

An India eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorization / ETA) is a fully digital visa that allows foreign nationals to enter India without visiting an embassy or consulate. The visa is linked electronically to your passport and sent to your email after approval.

India launched its eVisa program to make travel more accessible, faster, and paperwork-free. In 2025, India updated its immigration system under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, further streamlining the digital visa process and introducing mandatory e-Arrival Cards for air travelers, making it more important than ever to apply correctly and on time.

Who Can Apply for an India eVisa in 2026?

Citizens from 171+ eligible countries can apply for an India eVisa online, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, UAE, and many more.

You are eligible if:

• Your country is on India’s approved eVisa list
• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival
• You are outside India at the time of application
• Your purpose of visit is tourism, business, or medical treatment

Note: eVisa is NOT available for employment, journalism, or NGO-related activities. For those purposes, you must apply for a regular stamped visa.

Types of India eVisa Available in 2026

There are three main categories of India eVisa, each designed for a specific travel purpose:

1. India Tourist eVisa

The most popular eVisa category. Available in three validity options:

Type	Validity	Entries	Max Stay Per Visit
Short-term	30 Days	Double	30 Days
1-Year	365 Days	Multiple	90 Days (180 for US/UK/CA/JP)
5-Year	5 Years	Multiple	90 Days (180 for US/UK/CA/JP)

Best for: Sightseeing, visiting family, yoga retreats, cultural tours.

2. India Business eVisa

• Validity: 1 Year from date of grant
• Entries: Multiple
• Max Stay: 180 Days

Best for: Business meetings, conferences, trade visits, seminars.

3. India Medical eVisa

• Validity: 60 Days from date of first arrival
• Entries: Triple
• Required: Official system-generated invitation letter from a recognized Indian hospital

Best for: Medical treatment, surgery, Ayurveda or wellness programs.

Urgent / Emergency eVisa

Available for all three types above, with priority processing in 48–72 business hours, ideal if you have last-minute travel plans.

Documents Required for India eVisa Application

Before you begin your application, gather these documents:

For All eVisa Types:

• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity from arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages)
• Passport-size photograph, recent, front-facing, coloured, white background (2″×2″, JPEG, under 1MB)
• Scanned copy of passport bio page (PDF, under 300KB)
• Working email address (your eVisa will be delivered here)
• Credit or debit card for online payment

Additionally for Business eVisa:

• Business card or visiting card
• Invitation letter from the Indian company you’re visiting (in English)

Additionally for Medical eVisa:

• System-generated Medical Invitation Letter from the Indian hospital (mandatory from April 1, 2025)

Pro Tip: Check your passport photo carefully. A blurry photo or incorrect background is one of the most common reasons for eVisa rejection.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for India eVisa Online

Here is the exact process to apply for your India eVisa in 2026:

Step 1: Start Your Application

Visit Globally eVisas and click “Apply Now.” Select the type of eVisa you need (Tourist, Business, or Medical) and choose your preferred processing speed.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the online form with your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Key fields include:

• Full name, date of birth, nationality
• Passport number and expiry date
• Countries visited in the last 10 years (up to 15 countries)
• Reference address in India (your first hotel’s name and address works perfectly)
• Purpose of visit

Common Confusion: The question “Have you lived for at least 2 years in the country where you are applying?” refers to your current country of residence, NOT India. If you’ve lived in the UK for 2+ years, answer Yes.

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

Upload your passport-size photo and scanned passport bio page. Make sure both files meet the size and format requirements to avoid rejection.

Step 4: Make the Payment

Pay the eVisa fee online using your debit or credit card. Note that an additional 2.5–3% banking transaction charge applies on top of the base fee.

2026 Tourist eVisa Fees (approximate for most countries):

• 30-Day eVisa: $10 (Apr–Jun) / $25 (Jul–Mar)
• 1-Year eVisa: $40
• 5-Year eVisa: $80

Step 5: Receive Your eVisa by Email

Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to the email address provided. Processing typically takes 72 hours, though urgent applications can be processed in 48 hours.

Step 6: Print Your eVisa Before Travel

This is a step many travelers miss, do not just save the confirmation email. Log back into the portal, check your visa status, and download the official ETA document (which includes your photo and QR code). Print it and carry it with you. Airlines will ask for it at check-in, and Indian immigration will check it on arrival.

India eVisa Processing Time in 2026

Application Type	Processing Time
Standard	Up to 72 hours
Urgent/Emergency	48–72 Business Hours

Apply at least 4 days before your travel date (this is a hard requirement, the fee will not be processed if applied closer to departure). For peace of mind, we recommend applying 3–4 weeks in advance, especially with the new biometric verification checks introduced in 2026.

Where Can You Enter India on an eVisa?

India eVisas are valid for entry through 31 designated international airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Goa (both Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, and more, covering all major travel hubs.

You can also enter through 6 major seaports: Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Port Blair.

Exit is permitted from any of 104 authorized immigration checkpoints across India.

Common Reasons for India eVisa Rejection (and How to Avoid Them)

Understanding why applications get rejected helps you get it right the first time:

Common Rejection Reason	How to Avoid It
Incorrect or blurry photo	Use a clear, recent, white-background photo
Passport valid for less than 6 months	Renew your passport before applying
Mismatched information	Enter details exactly as on your passport
Missing documents	Gather all required files before starting
Applying too close to departure	Apply at least 4 days before travel
Damaged or expired passport	Always travel on a valid, undamaged passport

Important: eVisa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Getting it right the first time saves both time and money.

New in 2026: e-Arrival Card is Now Mandatory

One of the biggest India immigration changes in 2026 is the introduction of the mandatory e-Arrival Card. Every international air passenger must fill out this form at least 72 hours before arriving in India. It is separate from your eVisa and must be completed online.

This is part of India’s wider digital-first immigration overhaul under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which unified immigration processes into one centralized digital system.

Why Use Globally eVisas to Apply?

While you can apply directly through the Indian government’s portal, many travelers find the process confusing, especially the tricky questions, document specifications, and photo requirements.

Globally eVisas simplifies every step:

• Professional review of your application before submission
• Expert guidance on documentation
• 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp and email
• Urgent processing available for last-minute travelers
• Trusted by thousands of travelers from the US, UK, and beyond

Apply for Your India eVisa Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to get an India eVisa? Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. Urgent processing is available in 48–72 business hours.

Q: Can I extend my India eVisa once I’m in the country? No. eVisas cannot be extended or converted inside India. You must apply for a new visa before your trip if you need a longer stay.

Q: Do I need to print my India eVisa? Yes. You must print the official ETA document (with your photo and QR code), not just the confirmation email. Airlines and immigration officers will ask for it.

Q: Is my India eVisa valid for multiple entries? It depends on the type. The 30-Day Tourist eVisa allows double entry. The 1-Year and 5-Year Tourist eVisa and the Business eVisa allow multiple entries.

Q: What if my India eVisa application is rejected? Fees are non-refundable. Identify the reason, correct the error, and reapply. Common errors include photo issues, mismatched data, or incomplete forms.

Q: Can I apply for an India eVisa if my trip is urgent? Yes! Globally eVisas offers emergency eVisa services with priority processing in 48–72 business hours.

Final Thoughts

Applying for an India eVisa online in 2026 is faster and easier than ever, as long as you know the steps, prepare the right documents, and allow enough lead time before your trip.

India is waiting for you: from the golden temples of Amritsar and the majestic Taj Mahal, to the backwaters of Kerala and the deserts of Rajasthan. Don’t let a paperwork mistake stand between you and the journey of a lifetime.

Ready to get started? Apply for Your India eVisa Today