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India visas
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India, arranged in advance before travel. India’s visas are handled by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with many purposes covered by the electronic e-Visa scheme applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in; purposes the e-Visa does not cover use a regular (sticker) visa obtained through an Indian mission. This hub explains the main e-Visa sub-categories in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
- Official informationFrom government sources
- Clear guidanceStep-by-step explanations
- Regularly reviewedKept up to date
Important information
Your exact requirements depend on your nationality, your travel document and the purpose of your visit. Many purposes are covered by the online e-Visa scheme, but employment, longer study and some other categories need a regular (sticker) visa obtained through an Indian mission. Always confirm what you need with the official Bureau of Immigration guidance and the Indian e-Visa portal before you travel or apply.
Find the right India visa for you
Choose the category that matches your plans. Each route explains who it is for, what it covers and how to apply.
India visa overview
How to apply – in 3 simple steps
- Check eligibilityUse the quick checker to confirm which visa you need for your trip.
- Prepare documentsGather your passport, photos and supporting paperwork using our guides.
- Submit & trackSubmit your application and track its progress.
Apply for a India visa
Start an application online and follow the guided steps.
Explore India visa types
Every India route we cover, with a short summary of who it is for.
India e-Tourist Visa
India’s electronic visa for tourism, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends or relatives and short-term programmes, applied for online in advance.
India e-Business Visa
India’s electronic visa for business-related activities, such as meetings, setting up a business, sales or recruitment, applied for online in advance.
India e-Transit Visa
India’s electronic visa for travellers passing through India on the way to another country, applied for online in advance.
India e-Student Visa
A student sub-category within India’s e-Visa scheme, supporting study-related travel to India, applied for online in advance.
India e-Medical Visa
India’s electronic visa for travellers seeking medical treatment in India, with a related e-Medical Attendant Visa for those accompanying a patient.
India e-Conference Visa
India’s electronic visa for attending a conference, seminar or workshop organised by an approved body, applied for online in advance.
India Regular (Sticker) Visa
The traditional sticker visa for purposes and durations the e-Visa does not cover — such as employment or longer study — applied for through an Indian mission.
Popular India guides
People also asked
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most foreign nationals need a visa arranged in advance to enter India. Many purposes — tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, study and transit — are covered by the online e-Visa scheme. Check the official Bureau of Immigration guidance for your nationality before you travel.
Where do I apply for an India e-Visa?
e-Visas are applied for online in advance through the official Indian e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Use only the official portal — look-alike third-party sites are not the government service.
What if the e-Visa does not cover my purpose?
Where your purpose or length of stay is not covered by the e-Visa — for example employment or longer study — you need a regular (sticker) visa, applied for through an Indian mission or visa application centre. The Bureau of Immigration’s official list of visas explains the categories.