Pakistani Nationals
Pakistani nationals are not eligible for an India eVisa in any category. If you have ever held Pakistani nationality, confirm your circumstances directly with an Indian consulate before applying.
🇮🇳 India travel guide
India eVisa Eligibility: Who Can and Cannot Apply
Most travelers can apply for an Indian eVisa online, but eligibility depends on more than just your passport's country of issue.
This page explains who can apply, who cannot, and what to do if your situation falls outside the standard rules.
Who can apply
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 Government of India updates the eligible-country list. Check the current list on the official India eVisa portal instead of relying on an older fixed total.
Who Cannot Use the India eVisa?
A small number of passport types and travel situations are not eligible for an eVisa, regardless of the issuing country.
- Diplomatic and official passports
- Certain international travel documents, including laissez-passer documents
- Anyone endorsed on a parent's or spouse's passport instead of holding an independent passport
If one of these situations applies, you will usually need to apply for a Regular Visa through an Indian consulate.
Purposes Not Covered by the eVisa
The eVisa is limited by travel purpose as well as nationality. Employment, journalism, and NGO-related activities are not permitted on an eVisa. Travelers in these categories need a Regular Visa through an Indian consulate.
If your passport and travel purpose meet the requirements, you can start your application online.
Start Your India eVisa ApplicationSpecial circumstances
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 automatically excluded from applying online.
You will normally apply under the e-Miscellaneous (e-Entry) category rather than the standard Tourist, Business, or other eVisa categories. Along with a birth or marriage certificate, you may need one of the following:
- A copy of your surrendered Indian passport and 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 an Indian-citizen parent or spouse
Green Card Holders and U.S. Residents
Eligibility is based on the passport you hold, not where you live. U.S. permanent residents and other non-citizen residents may apply with an eligible passport; U.S. residency alone does not change eligibility.
Common questions
India eVisa Eligibility FAQs
Do children need their own eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs an individual application and passport. A child cannot travel on a parent's eVisa.
Which passport should a dual national use?
Apply with the passport you will use for the trip, and travel with that same passport. It must meet the eVisa requirements in its own right.
How many countries are eligible?
The total changes as the Government of India updates the list. Use the official eVisa portal for the current list rather than an older quoted number.
Can I apply if I am traveling for work?
Only when the trip fits an eligible business activity, such as meetings. Taking employment in India is not covered by any eVisa category.
Still Unsure Whether You Can Apply?
Our visa specialists can help you understand the requirements that apply to your passport and travel purpose.
Ask an India Visa Specialist