India visa FAQ

Common questions

Apply for India Visa

When should I apply for an India visa?

The e-Visa can be applied for starting 120 days before travel, and should be ordered 2-4 days in advance. Traditional visas take 7-10 days. ETAs officially take 4 days, but often take 1-2 days.

How long does India visa processing take?

Standard processing is 7-10 business days. E-visas officially take 96 hours but often arrive in 1-2 days.

How long is an India visa valid?

Traditional visas can be requested for 6 or 12 months.

How long is the India e-Visa valid?

An India ETA is always valid for one year from issuance.

What is the e-Arrival Card for India?

The digital entry form replacing the paper equivalent to ensure smoother entry.

When is the e-Arrival Card mandatory?

Mandatory from Oct 1, 2025. Apply early.

Difference: e-Arrival Card vs. India Visa

The e-Arrival Card is an additional document, not a replacement. You need both.

Deadline for e-Arrival Card

Must be filled out at least 72 hours before flight.

What if I don't have an e-Arrival Card?

You must complete it at the airport, causing delays.

How does 1a Visum Service assist?

Choose the option during application and we handle both Visa and Arrival Card.

Do I need a new e-Arrival Card per trip?

Yes, it is limited to a single entry.

Costs

How much does an India visa cost?

Costs include service fees, consular fees, and shipping. Standard service fee is 58 EUR + VAT. Consular fees vary (e.g. Tourist is 128.99 EUR).

What does an e-Visa cost?

India ETA costs 130 EUR with our service. Sent via email so no shipping.

Additional services?

We can fill the online application for you for 48 EUR + VAT.

Contact Points

Where can I apply?

Via our Visa Service in Berlin (Joachimsthaler Straße 19, 10719 Berlin).

Adresses in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich?

We have offices in Berlin and Frankfurt. Besides, there are Indian embassies or consulates in those cities.

Application Preparation

Traditional or e-Visa?

E-Visa is cheaper and generally matches the conventional conditions but restricts entry to specific airports/seaports.

Photo requirements?

Biometric, both shoulders visible. 5x5cm for traditional, pure white background. For e-Visa, a standard biometric passport photo (3.5x4.5cm) with a bright background suffices.

How do I apply?

For traditional, fill out the English Indian Govt form or use our German form and we do it. For ETA, use our online form.

What is needed for conventional visa?

Signed application, 2 photos (5x5cm), original passport. Tourist: cruise itinerary if applicable. Business: dispatch letter and Indian invitation.

How to apply for ETA?

Fill out our ETA form.

What is needed for ETA?

Passport scan and a color biometric photo. Business needs a business card scan. Medical needs clinic letter.

What does ETA look like?

Shows name, photo, passport number, visa type, entry info. Ask for a sample.

Must I print it?

Yes, and keep it during your stay. Black and white is fine. Print two copies.

Travel Information

Is there a Visa on Arrival?

No. The ETA is sometimes called that, as the stamp is given at the airport, but you must have the ETA beforehand.

Can I enter India without a visa?

No, a visa is mandatory.