India Visa · All 50 States
India Visa for US Citizens
e-Visa or regular 10-year visa: which one you need, what to send, and how we help.
Two ways to get an India visa. US citizens can apply online for an e-Visa through India’s official portal, or apply for a regular (paper) visa through the outsourced agency, VFS Global. The regular route offers longer visas, including a 10-year tourist visa, and other visa types the e-Visa doesn’t cover.
e-Visa or regular visa?
| e-Visa | Regular (paper) visa | |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online, on India’s official e-Visa website | Online form, then documents sent to VFS Global for your consular district |
| Main types | Tourist, business, medical, conference | Tourist (up to 10 years for US citizens), business, employment, student, transit and entry (X) visas |
| Good for | Short trips arriving at airports and seaports that accept e-Visas | Longer validity, work, study, and trips that don’t fit the e-Visa rules |
What every applicant needs
- A US passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least two blank pages
- A recent passport-style photo meeting India’s specifications (see our photo service)
- The completed online application form
- Supporting documents for your visa type, for example a business letter or an employment contract
- For children: a notarized consent form signed by both parents, with copies of both parents’ passports
Tourist visa holders can stay in India for up to 180 days in a calendar year. People on long-term student, employment or medical visas must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. Don’t book non-refundable travel until your visa is issued.
India visa types
India travel guide
Ready to apply?
Call or email us. We’ll confirm the right visa type and the current requirements before you send anything.
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