India Visa for USA Citizens

The India e-Visa is a digital entry permit available to US citizens. It allows travellers from the United States to apply for India e-Visa online and obtain authorisation to travel to and enter India. American nationals can acquire an e-Visa for purposes such as tourism, business, or medical treatment, making the travel authorisation process to India faster and more streamlined.

This guide will explore India’s e-Visa types for the USA, validity, stay duration, and application process to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

What are the Different types of e-Visas available for USA Citizens travelling to India?

There are several types of e-Visas available for United States citizens travelling to India. These e-Visa categories include:

1. e-Tourist Visa: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short recreational courses.
2. e-Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business ventures
3. e- Medical Visa: To receive medical treatment at recognised Indian institutions.
4. e-Medical Attendant Visa: For a family member accompanying a patient on an e-Medical Visa.
5. e-Ayush Visa: For short-term treatment under traditional Indian medicine systems (e.g., Ayurveda, Yoga).
6. e-Ayush Attendant Visa: Issued to a close relative for accompanying a patient who is travelling to India for treatment with an e-Ayush eVisa.
7. e-Conference Visa: This e-Visa is for attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or similar events in India.

Note: The e-Medical Attendant Visa and the e-Ayush Attendant Visa are granted exclusively to accompany a primary visa holder (a patient). These visas are directly linked and cannot be obtained independently; their validity and duration are co-terminus with the patient’s visa.

Duration and validity of an Indian e-Visa for USA citizens

Are there any Specific Eligibility Criteria for USA citizens applying for an Indian e-Visa?

When applying for an Indian e-Visa, USA citizens need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. Here are the key points to note:

1. USA Passport: The applicant’s passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in India and 2 blank pages for stamps.
2. Passport-Size Photograph: A passport-sized photograph with your head centred against a light-colored, preferably white, background.
3. Proof of travel: USA citizens must provide a copy of their round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed travel tickets.
4. Accommodation details: It is necessary to provide proof of accommodation arrangements in India, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from an Indian host.

Depending on the e-Visa type, the Documents Required for India e-Visa may change and include a business card, a business invitation letter from an Indian firm, a medical invitation letter, and proof of political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), among others.

What is the Process of applying for an e-Visa to India as a USA citizen?

To apply for an e-Visa to India as a USA citizen, follow these steps:

Is an Urgent e-Visa Available in India?

Yes, India does offer urgent Indian e-Visas to US passport holders. Urgent e-Visas can be obtained online by selecting the expedited processing option during the application.

The emergency Indian visa can be obtained within 1-2 Days if the application is filled correctly with all required documents. A higher fee may be required for urgent processing.

How Much Does the Indian e-Visa Cost, and How Can You Pay?

The fee for the India e-Visa is dependent on several factors, the calculation of which can be made by utilising the India e-Visa Fee tool available on the fee webpage. The e-Visa fee can be paid using a valid credit or debit card. Ensure the payment method selected is open for international transactions.

Extension of India e-Visa for USA Citizens

By filling out the India e-Visa Extension Application Form, one can extend their India e-Visa beyond what the India e-Visa allows.

Travelling to India with an e-Visa: Tips and Guidelines for USA Citizens

✓ Carry a printed copy of your approved e-Visa along with your passport.

✓ Make sure to enter and exit India through designated airports, seaports, or land immigration checkpoints allowed for e-Visa holders.

✓ Comply with the specific purpose and duration of your e-Visa category.

✓ Respect and adhere to Indian laws and regulations during your stay.

✓ The e-Visa is non-convertible to any other visa type.

✓ Overstaying the e-Visa is a criminal offence and can result in fines, penalties, deportation or a future entry ban.

Why are we Reliable?

FAQs:

Will my e-Visa still be valid if I cancel my ticket and book with a new airline? Can I use Wi-Fi easily in India? Can I travel with an emergency travel document instead of a passport? Will customs in India ask about the purpose of my visit even if I hold a valid e-Visa? What is the standard processing time for an India e-Visa?

Content Disclaimer: Updated in September 2025. Please verify with the concerned embassy, airline, or immigration office.