🇮🇳India Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for India?
It depends on your passport. Out of 195 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 3 enter India visa-free, 164 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 28 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
3
nationalities
Visa on arrival
2
nationalities
E-visa
162
nationalities
Consular visa
28
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for India
A transit visa exists for travellers changing planes or passing through without entering the country.
- Stay:
- 15 days
- Fee:
- 20 USD
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (indianvisaonline.gov.in), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
Online arrival form
e-Arrival Card. A mandatory formality, separate from the visa.
- When:
- Within 72 hours before arrival.
- Who:
- All foreign travellers, including OCI cardholders. It can also be completed in the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.
Free: beware of websites that charge for it.
Fill it in on the official website (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
Checked on · source: boi.gov.in
India visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime India applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
India visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category India publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| India e-Tourist Visa | Short stay | 30 days / 1 year / 5 years | 25-80 USD | 72-96 hours | Portal | |
| Conference e-Visa | Business | 30 days | 3-5 business days | Portal | ||
| Business e-Visa | Business | 1 year (multiple entries) | 0-415 USD | 3-5 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Project Visa (power/steel sector) | Work | 1 year (or duration of project) | 120-300 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Employment visa | Work | 1 year (renewable up to 5) | 120-300 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Film visa | Work | 1 year | 120 USD | 15 business days | Portal | |
| Research visa | Study | 5 years | 80-200 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | Duration of course | 80 USD | 7-15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Entry visa (X) - family of Indian citizen | Family | 5 years | 80-200 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India) | Family | Lifetime | 275 USD | 8-12 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Medical Attendant e-Visa | Medical | 60 days (3 entries) | 0-129 USD | 3-5 business days | Portal | |
| Medical e-Visa | Medical | 60 days (3 entries) | 0-129 USD | 3-5 business days | Portal | |
| Transit visa | Transit | 15 days | 20 USD | 3-5 business days | Portal | |
| Journalist visa | Other | 3 months | 80 USD | 15 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
New Delhi
Population
1,476,496,576
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR ₹)
Languages
Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+91
Timezone
UTC+5:30
Area
3,287,263 km²
Government
Federal parliamentary republic
National day
January 26 - Republic Day
Internet domain
.in
About
India, cradle of ancient civilizations, boasts a kaleidoscope of landscapes: snow-capped Himalayas, idyllic Kerala beaches, Rajasthan deserts, and lush jungles. Explore the Taj Mahal, Agra's eternal love architectural wonder, vibrant Varanasi temples along the sacred Ganges, and Delhi's bustling streets blending Mughal history with modernity. Spicy cuisine, colorful festivals like Diwali or Holi, and ancestral yoga captivate the senses. A land of contrasts where spirituality and cultural diversity enchant every traveler.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Be vigilant against pickpockets, minor thefts, and scams; avoid crowds and negotiate taxi prices in advance
- Share your itinerary, use app-based transportation, and stay in well-rated accommodations
Terrorism(High)
- Avoid Jammu and Kashmir except eastern Ladakh; follow local advice and avoid gatherings
- Stay informed about security restrictions and sudden curfews
Transport
- Use hotel-recommended taxis, travel first class by train, wear a helmet on motorcycle, and avoid driving
- Cross streets with extreme caution and prefer flights or organized tours for long distances
Natural risks(Moderate: monsoon, dust storms, harsh Kashmir winters, very high altitude when trekking)
- Avoid travel during monsoon and Kashmir winters; acclimate to altitudes and use registered guides for trekking
- Camp only at designated sites and travel in groups for treks
Health(High risk of traveller's diarrhoea and water- or mosquito-borne diseases; intense heat and heatstroke possible)
- Drink only bottled water; pack rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, DEET repellent, antihistamine and antiseptic cream; check your vaccinations
- Light tropical clothing, hat, SPF30+ sunscreen; acclimate slowly to the heat
- Insurance covering medical evacuation, and motorcycling if you ride
Practical tips
- Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), especially for women; use women-only transport and share location
- Buy a local SIM, avoid late arrivals, plan slowly with fewer destinations; visit attractions early morning
- Bring a luggage lock, a copy of your passport and a power bank; if needed, call the tourist helpline (1363)
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Mumbai · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Left
Not safe
5-10% in restaurants
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
India
Shantum Singh
India
Shantum Singh
India
Shantum Singh
India
Shantum Singh
India
Shantum Singh
India
Chandi Saha
India
Parth Patel
India
LUCKY FOREVER
India
Keith Lobo
India
Prem Singh Tanwar
India
Surya Ganesh
India
Abhinav Sharma
India
Ayyappan Ram
India
Pramod Tiwari
India
Maahid Photos
India
Maddy Freddie
India
Anton Polyakov
India
Jatin Verma
India
Roman Saienko
India
Tapas S
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
India e-Visa 2026: Types, Fees, Eligibility and Step-by-Step Application
30-day e-Tourist at $10-25, 1 year at $40, 5 years at $80: the complete guide to India's e-Visa in 2026. Eligible nationalities (and who…
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to India?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for India across 195 nationalities: 3 visa-free, 2 with a visa on arrival, 162 with an e-visa, 28 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a India visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 25 USD (India e-Tourist Visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for India?▾
India issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 15 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to India?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Overall moderate risk for travelers in established tourist areas, with standard precautions; high risks in certain regions like Jammu and Kashmir due to terrorism and civil unrest". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in India?▾
The official currency is Indian Rupee (INR ₹). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of India?▾
The capital of India is New Delhi. The main spoken languages are: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese.
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