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India · e-Visa · 7 min read

India e-Visa for US citizens (2026): 30-day, 1-year and 5-year options

US citizens need a visa for India; the e-Tourist Visa is issued online. Official fees for US passports: $25 (30 days, Jul–Mar), $10 (Apr–Jun), $40 (1 year), $160 (5 years) + 3% bank charge.

MRBy Muddassar Raza, Visa and Trips / MERN SolutionsLast updated Published 22 Oct 2026

Key facts

  • US citizens need a visa for India; the e-Tourist Visa is the easiest route.
  • Three validities: 30 days, 1 year and 5 years, all multiple entry.
  • Official US fees: $25 / $10 (Apr–Jun) for 30 days, $40 for 1 year, $160 for 5 years, plus 3% bank charge.
  • Apply at least 4 days before arrival; fees are non-refundable.

Which India e-Visa should you choose?

India’s e-Tourist Visa comes in three validities. All allow multiple entries.

OptionValidityStay ruleOfficial fee (US passport)
30-day e-Tourist30 days from arrivalnon-extendable$25 (July–March arrivals) / $10 (April–June)
1-year e-Tourist365 days from the date of grantmax 180 days per calendar year$40
5-year e-Tourist5 years from the date of grantmax 180 days per calendar year$160

A 3% bank transaction charge is added to the fee. Fees are country-specific and non-refundable whether the visa is granted or refused (government fee schedule, checked 22 October 2026).

The 1-year and 5-year clocks start on the date of grant, not the date you travel, don’t apply months early for a 1-year visa.

Eligibility and timing

  • You can apply at least 4 days before your arrival date.
  • Your passport needs 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages.
  • The e-Visa is for tourism, visiting friends, short yoga programmes, and similar. It is non-extendable and non-convertible, and does not cover protected or restricted areas without separate permits.

Documents

  • A front-facing photo with a white background (the format rules are strict, we check it for you).
  • A scan of your passport data page.
  • Return or onward ticket and your address in India.
  • A yellow fever vaccination card if you’re arriving from a yellow-fever-affected country.

How to apply with Visa and Trips

  1. Tap Apply now and pick the 30-day, 1-year or 5-year option.
  2. Upload the photo and passport page, we fix format problems before filing.
  3. We file the application, email you a confirmation with the estimated processing time and track it until it shows GRANTED.
  4. You receive the e-Visa by email; print it for travel.
  5. At arrival, immigration captures your biometrics.

Common mistakes

  • Uploading a photo with shadows or a non-white background.
  • Choosing a 1-year visa too early.
  • Using a passport different from the one on the application.
  • Applying fewer than 4 days before arrival.

Important, private service

Visa and Trips is a private visa-assistance service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government or embassy. Prices are all-in totals that include government fees where applicable and our service fee. Approval decisions are made solely by the relevant authorities.

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