🇮🇳 India travel guide

India eVisa Eligibility: Who Can and Cannot Apply

Most travellers can apply for an Indian eVisa online, but eligibility depends on more than just your passport's country of issue.

This page explains exactly who can apply, who cannot, and what to do if your situation falls outside the standard rules.

Which Countries Are Eligible for an India eVisa？

Passport holders from most countries and territories worldwide can apply for an India eVisa, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the majority of other nations.

The list of eligible countries is set and updated by the Government of India, so rather than quote a fixed number that could go out of date, we link directly to the official portal for the current list. See the full list of eligible countries on the official India eVisa portal.

What Disqualifies You From an India eVisa?

A small number of passport types and situations are not eligible for the eVisa, whatever country issued the passport.

Diplomatic and official passports
Certain other international travel documents, including laissez passer documents
Anyone endorsed on a parent's or spouse's passport rather than holding an independent passport of their own

If any of these apply to you, you will usually need to apply for a Regular Visa through an Indian consulate instead of using the online eVisa system.

Purposes Not Covered by the eVisa

The eVisa is limited by purpose as well as by nationality.

Employment, journalism and NGO related activities are not permitted on an eVisa under any circumstances, regardless of your passport.

If your trip to India falls into one of these categories, you will need to apply for a Regular Visa through an Indian consulate rather than using this online service.

If you are eligible to Indian e-Visa

Apply Here!

India eVisa Eligibility for People of Indian Origin

If you were born in India, previously held Indian citizenship, or have an Indian parent or spouse, you are not excluded from applying online.

You will normally apply under the e-Miscellaneous (e-Entry) visa category rather than the standard Tourist, Business or other eVisa categories, and you will need to provide one of the following supporting documents, along with a copy of your birth or marriage certificate.

A copy of your surrendered Indian passport, together with its surrender certificate, for passports surrendered in or after 2010
A valid OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card
A copy of an Indian passport or Voter ID belonging to a parent or spouse who is an Indian citizen

Can Pakistani Nationals Apply for an India eVisa?

Pakistani nationals are not eligible for the India eVisa under any category. This is a nationality based exclusion rather than a restriction on any one visa type, so it applies to the Tourist, Business, Medical and every other eVisa category alike.

If you have ever held Pakistani nationality, we recommend confirming your specific situation directly with an Indian consulate before applying, since individual circumstances can affect eligibility here.

Can Green Card Holders and Other US Residents Apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Eligibility for the India eVisa is based on the passport you hold, not on where you live.

If you are a permanent resident, visa holder or other non-citizen resident of the United States, you can apply for an India eVisa using your own passport, provided that passport is from an eligible country. Your US residency status does not, on its own, affect your eligibility.

Not applicable to any categories above?

Apply Here

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Eligibility FAQs

Do children need their own India eVisa?

Yes. Every applicant, including infants and children, needs their own eVisa application and their own passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India. A child cannot travel to India on an eVisa issued to a parent.

I hold two passports. Which one should I use to apply?

Apply using the passport you plan to travel on, and make sure that passport meets the standard eVisa requirements in its own right, including at least six months' validity. You must then travel to India on the same passport used for the application.

How many countries are eligible for the India eVisa?

The number changes as the Government of India updates the list, so check the official eVisa portal for the current figure rather than relying on a fixed number quoted elsewhere.

Can I apply for an India eVisa if I am travelling for work?

Only if your trip fits one of the eVisa's business related categories, such as attending meetings or exploring business opportunities. Taking up employment in India is not covered by any eVisa category and requires a Regular Visa.

Your Indian journey starts right away!

Click Here to Apply

For everything else, including document requirements, fees and how to apply, see our main India eVisa guide.

Discover the India eVisa Guide

Which Countries Are Eligible for an India eVisa？

What Disqualifies You From an India eVisa?

Purposes Not Covered by the eVisa

India eVisa Eligibility for People of Indian Origin

Can Pakistani Nationals Apply for an India eVisa?

Can Green Card Holders and Other US Residents Apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Eligibility FAQs

Do children need their own India eVisa?

I hold two passports. Which one should I use to apply?

How many countries are eligible for the India eVisa?

Can I apply for an India eVisa if I am travelling for work?

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