What is an e-Tourist visa for India?

An e-Tourist visa is an electronic visa option that may vary in validity. It is only permitted for entry at certain international airports and seaports, so ensure your entry point is eligible.

What are the passport validity requirements for an Indian visa?

Your passport must be valid for 6 months past the date of your visa application to obtain a physical visa, and you need 2 blank passport pages. Check specific requirements for e-Tourist visas.

Are there any prohibited items I should be aware of?

Yes, possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and can result in significant penalties, including fines or jail time.

Is it safe for women to travel alone in India?

The U.S. government advises against women traveling alone in India due to reported violent crimes, including sexual assault, which can occur at tourist sites and other locations.

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eVisa requiredMedium paperwork

Do US citizens need a visa for India?

US citizens need a visa for India, with an eVisa option available for tourist travel.

Apply on the official siteUS State Department travel advice — last checked 28 June 2026

Always confirm with the official source before you travel.

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For short tourist trips to India, US passport holders must obtain a visa. An e-Tourist visa is an available option, but it's crucial to understand its limitations regarding entry points and validity. A traditional physical visa is also an option.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

Passport	Regular US passport
Purpose	Tourism
Visa required	Yes — eVisa
Maximum stay	Varies by specific visa, verify on the official source
Passport validity	6 months past the date of visa application for a physical visa, verify for eVisa
Return/onward ticket	Recommended generally for international travel, verify specific Indian requirements
Arrival form	None clearly stated, verify on the official source
Last checked	28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

Travelers must enter with a visa in their passport or an e-Tourist visa.
E-Tourist visas are only permitted for entry at certain international airports and seaports.
India issues visas with dates in DD/MM/YY format, be aware of this convention.
Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Violations of Indian immigration laws are taken very seriously and can lead to imprisonment, fines, or denial of entry.

Before you travel

Obtain a valid visa (physical or e-Tourist visa) before travel.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of visa application.
Ensure your passport has 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Review the India Country Security Report from OSAC.
Check CDC for latest travel health information.