India Visa Guide 2026

India's fully online visa requiring no embassy visit, available to citizens of 160+ countries for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Apply at least 4 days before arrival and receive your Electronic Travel Authorization by email within 72 hours.

Available exclusively to Japanese and South Korean nationals at 6 major Indian airports. Issued at the immigration counter on arrival after filling a form and paying Rs 2,000, valid for 60 days with double entry.

The standard long-stay visitor visa for recreation, sightseeing, and casual visits. US, Canada, and Japan nationals receive 10-year multiple-entry validity; most other countries receive 5 years with a 90-day continuous stay limit per visit.

For travellers passing through India to a third country. Valid for a single journey with a maximum stay of 3 days per transit leg. Not required if remaining within the designated airport transit area without going through immigration.

For foreign nationals visiting India for trade, meetings, investment, commercial activities, and conferences. US, Canada, Japan, UK, and South Africa nationals qualify for 10-year multiple-entry validity with up to 180 days per visit.

For highly skilled and qualified foreign professionals taking up employment in India. Requires a minimum salary of Rs 16.25 lakhs per annum (approx. USD 25,000). Not available for routine or clerical jobs, nor to Pakistani nationals.

Exclusively for highly skilled foreign workers executing projects in India's Power and Steel sectors. Project-specific, valid for 1 year or project duration. Sector-specific personnel ceilings apply (50–125 for power; 5–10% for steel).

For foreign nationals enrolled in full-time, on-campus courses at recognized Indian educational institutions. Valid for up to 5 years or course duration. Covers higher education, yoga/vedic studies, Buddhist studies, theological courses, and scholarship programmes.

For foreign research scholars at recognized Indian research institutions and universities. Valid for 3 years or project duration, extendable to 5 years. Visiting professors and members of scientific expeditions are also eligible.

For foreign nationals seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian hospitals and healthcare centres. Default validity is 6 months with triple entry; extendable up to 1 year. Up to 2 Medical Attendant Visas available for accompanying family members.

India's dedicated wellness visa for foreign nationals seeking traditional medicine treatments — Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, or Homeopathy — at government-registered AYUSH centres. Valid for treatment duration up to 1 year, with an Attendant Visa for up to 2 accompanying family members.

For recent graduates undertaking internships with Indian companies, educational institutions, or NGOs. Valid up to 1 year, with a minimum remuneration of Rs 7.80 lakhs/year for company internships. Not available to Pakistani nationals; certain sectors are prohibited.

A broad visa category covering Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), spouses and dependents of visa holders, Auroville residents, property owners in India, spiritual workers at temples and ashrams, and miscellaneous purposes not covered by other visa types.

For foreign nationals attending international conferences, seminars, or workshops in India. Government-organized events require MHA clearance 30 days in advance; private/NGO events require 60 days. Not for political or socially sensitive events.

For professional journalists, photographers, documentary filmmakers, and media correspondents visiting or resident in India. Valid for up to 3 months (exceptionally 6 months); multiple-entry requires prior MEA approval. Restricted area visits require a special MEA permit.

For foreign film crews shooting feature films, reality TV shows, web series, and commercial TV serials in India. All proposals processed through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Shoots in J&K, border areas, or restricted zones require MHA prior clearance.

For foreign nationals undertaking mountaineering expeditions in India. Apply to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation at least 4 months in advance. A government liaison officer is mandatory for all expeditions, and 104 peaks are open in Ladakh alone.

For foreign nationals engaged in approved missionary and religious work with registered organizations in India. Requires mandatory Ministry of Home Affairs prior permission before applying. Valid for 1–2 years; renewable. Commercial activity is strictly prohibited.

For diplomats, official government representatives, and UN officials assigned to or visiting India on official duty. Governed by bilateral agreements, diplomatic protocols, and Vienna Convention provisions. Comprehensive dependent visa sub-types available.

A lifelong multiple-entry travel document for foreign nationals of Indian origin — not a visa, but granting near-citizen travel rights to India including exemption from FRRO registration. Not available to Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationals.