Yes — U.S. citizens must have a visa before traveling to India; there is no visa on arrival. The e-Tourist visa is the standard route: apply online at the official government portal at least 4 days before travel, choose 30-day (~$25), 1-year (~$40), or 5-year (~$80) validity, and receive the authorization by email. You must enter through one of India's designated eVisa airports or seaports.
The three e-Tourist visa options
The 1-year and 5-year options are the best value for repeat visits — India caps continuous stays at 90 days per visit for U.S. citizens regardless of validity.
| Type | Validity | Stay per entry | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day | 30 days from issue | 30 days, double entry | ~$25 |
| 1-year | 365 days | 90 days, multiple entry | ~$40 |
| 5-year | 5 years | 90 days, multiple entry | ~$80 |
How to apply
- Apply at the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) — beware lookalike third-party sites charging 2-3x
- Apply 4-120 days before travel for 30-day eVisas
- Upload a photo (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses) and passport bio page scan
- Pay online — approval arrives by email as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Print the ETA — immigration stamps the actual visa on arrival
Entry rules that trip people up
- Passport must be valid 6 months beyond arrival with 2 blank pages
- eVisa entry is only via designated airports/seaports (29+ airports — all major ones)
- Land borders are NOT covered by the eVisa — you need a regular visa for land entry
- Protected areas (parts of Sikkim, Arunachal, Andaman Islands) need extra permits after arrival
Apply online — skip the paperwork
iVisa handles visa and travel authorization applications online — document review, government submission, and delivery to your inbox.
Regular (sticker) visa alternative
For land crossings, stays beyond eVisa limits, or if your eVisa is refused, apply for a regular tourist visa through VFS Global — expect ~$160 total and 5-15 business days.
India eVisa for U.S. Citizens: Tourist Visa Guide (2026) — FAQ
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for India in 2026?
How much does the India eVisa cost for Americans?
Can I enter India by land with an eVisa?
How long can Americans stay in India?
Country entry requirements
Related guides
Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.