India eVisa for US Travelers: Categories, Cost, and How to Apply
Short answer: Yes — holders of a valid USA passport are on India’s eVisa eligible list. For most tourism and other listed eVisa purposes, you apply online before travel, pay the fee, receive an ETA by email, then present a printed ETA at immigration. Fees are country-specific, with 3% bank charges; the fee is non-refundable and must be paid at least 4 days before expected travel. For e-Tourist and e-Business, apply at least 4 days before arrival. Start with help on my-evisas.com. Official channel name: Government of India Indian eVisa (Sources). Stand: 29 July 2026.
Navigation: ← India hub · e-Arrival card · Start on my-evisas.com
India eVisa, e-Arrival, and consulate visas — what’s the difference?
| Path | What it is | Typical for US travelers |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Online electronic visa → ETA by email → stamped on arrival | Main path for eligible US passport holders |
| e-Arrival card | Digital arrival information (not a visa) within 72 hours before arrival | Separate form after / alongside your visa path |
| Consulate / sticker visa | Mission filing when eVisa is not the right path | Informational DIY only — not sold via my-evisas.com |
my-evisas.com assists with electronic India eVisa applications and e-Arrival form filing (e-Arrival is arrival information — not a visa). Sticker / consulate filing is not sold here — use official DIY where needed.
Do US citizens need an India eVisa?
Usually yes for short visits under eVisa categories: USA is among nationalities eligible for eVisa. The Embassy of India in Washington also notes that nationals of the USA can apply for E-Visa under listed categories (Sources).
Passport basics:
- At least six months validity at the time of e-Visa application
- Each traveler needs a separate passport (not endorsed on a parent’s or spouse’s passport)
- Not available to diplomatic / official passport holders or laissez-passer / international travel document holders
Confirm your category and rules before you book non-refundable travel — or start with help on my-evisas.com.
eVisa categories and e-Tourist overview
eVisa is available only under categories including:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- e-Student Visa
- e-Family Visa
- e-Transit Visa
- e-Miscellaneous Visa
e-Tourist (overview): For 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas, maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days. Choose the tourist duration that matches your trip plan — full category rules stay with the Government of India (Sources).
Other categories (business, medical, student, etc.) have their own purpose rules. For assisted filing, start on my-evisas.com.
How to apply for an India eVisa
Typical electronic process:
- Apply online — upload photo and passport page
- Pay the eVisa fee online
- Receive ETA by email (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Fly to India — print the ETA and present it at immigration for stamping
The Embassy of India states that the Embassy does not process e-visas. Binding rules and the live form remain with the Government of India Indian eVisa channel (Sources).
Need help starting the online application? my-evisas.com can assist with India eVisa online applications — start on my-evisas.com. Related guides: India hub.
Cost, bank charges, and when to apply
Fee rules (authoritative — T1):
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee amount | Country / territory specific — confirm before you pay |
| Bank charges | 3% charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees |
| Pay timing | Fee must be paid at least 4 days before expected travel, or the application will not be processed |
| Refunds | Fee once submitted is non-refundable (processing fee; independent of grant or rejection) |
Apply timing: For e-Tourist and e-Business, applicants may apply online a minimum of 4 days in advance of the arrival date.
US$ e-Tourist amounts (T2 — confirm before pay): The Consulate General of India, San Francisco publishes a revised e-Tourist fee structure including:
| e-Tourist option | Amount published by CGI SF |
|---|---|
| 30-day (July–March) | US$ 25.00 |
| 30-day (April–June) | US$ 10.00 |
| One year | US$ 40.00 |
| Five year | US$ 80.00 |
Treat these as CGI SF published figures and confirm the live amount before you pay. For bank charges, prefer the 3% rule. Assisted filing: my-evisas.com.
The Government of India states it makes no provision for charging emergency or express e-visa fees. Always verify the fee shown at checkout.
Before you travel — ETA GRANTED and common pitfalls
| Topic | What to do |
|---|---|
| ETA status | Confirm status shows GRANTED before travel |
| Carry ETA | Carry a copy of your ETA when you travel |
| Biometrics | Biometric details are captured at immigration on arrival |
| Embassy role | Embassy / consulate does not process e-visas |
e-Arrival card (not a visa)
Foreigners and OCI card holders can submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival in India. This is for arrival information, not a visa.
Full guide: India e-Arrival Card. my-evisas.com can assist with e-Arrival form filing — start on my-evisas.com.
Pre-travel checklist
- [ ] Valid passport with at least six months validity at application; separate passport per person
- [ ] Correct eVisa category selected (tourist / business / other as applicable)
- [ ] Application started (electronic eVisa path)
- [ ] Fee paid at least 4 days before expected travel; bank 3% may apply
- [ ] Applied a minimum of 4 days in advance of arrival for e-Tourist / e-Business
- [ ] ETA status GRANTED; printed ETA ready to present
- [ ] e-Arrival planned within 72 hours before arrival if required for your trip — see e-Arrival guide
FAQ
Do US citizens need an India eVisa? USA passport holders are on the eligible list for eVisa. Confirm category and rules before you apply — or start on my-evisas.com.
What eVisa categories are there? e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Student, e-Family, e-Transit, and e-Miscellaneous.
What about e-Tourist stay limits? For 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas, maximum stay in one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
How much does an India eVisa cost? Fees are country-specific, plus 3% bank charges; non-refundable. See the CGI SF published US$ e-Tourist table above and confirm before you pay.
How far ahead should I apply? For e-Tourist and e-Business, at least 4 days before arrival; the fee must also be paid at least 4 days before expected travel.
What is the application process? Apply online → pay → receive ETA by email → present printed ETA at immigration.
Is there a government emergency/express e-visa fee? The Government of India states it makes no provision for emergency/express e-visa fees.
Where can I get help applying? Start on my-evisas.com. Binding rules: Government of India Indian eVisa (Sources).
Is the e-Arrival card the same as an eVisa? No — e-Arrival is arrival information within 72 hours before arrival, not a visa. See e-Arrival.
Sources
- Government of India — Indian Visa Online (eVisa)
- Government of India — eVisa apply (TVOA)
- Embassy of India, Washington — E-Visa
- CGI San Francisco — E-Visa
Important notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Entry and visa rules can change. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. Only the official rules in force at the time of your travel are authoritative.
As of: 29 July 2026
For binding information, check the Government of India Indian eVisa channel (Sources above).