India Visa Requirements
For 🇺🇸 United States passport holders
United States passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
US citizens can apply for Indian e-Visa. 30-day $25, 1-year $40, 5-year $80.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport for 6+ months with 2 blank pages. E-visa approval before arrival. Return ticket and proof of funds.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages
Digital Photo
Recent passport-style photo with white background (JPEG format, 10KB-1MB)
Travel Itinerary
Details of your travel plans including accommodation
Return Flight Ticket
Proof of onward/return travel
Hotel Booking Recommended
Confirmed hotel reservation or letter of invitation
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (region-dependent), Japanese encephalitis (rural), Rabies, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in India. Petty crime, scams, and aggressive touts affect tourists - be firm but polite. Use prepaid taxis from airports, and insist on meters for city rides. Avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Some regions (Kashmir, northeast border areas) have travel advisories. Traffic is chaotic - don't drive yourself. Food and water safety requires vigilance.
Money & Costs
Currency
₹ Indian Rupee (INR)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $200+
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash essential in smaller towns and for street vendors.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated in India but amounts are modest. In restaurants, 10% is generous if service charge isn't included. Hotel porters expect ₹50-100 per bag, housekeeping ₹50-100 per day. Tour guides typically receive ₹300-500 per day. Drivers expect ₹100-200 per day. Small tips to helpful individuals are part of the culture.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, D, M, 230V, 50Hz
Driving
Left side
Emergency
Emergency: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire: 101
Mobile/SIM
Getting a SIM card in India is notoriously bureaucratic - it requires passport copies, photos, and can take 24-48 hours to activate. Buy at Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone stores (airport or city). Tourist plans cost ₹500-1000 for 30-60 days with generous data. Alternatively, get an eSIM before arrival or use WiFi initially. Coverage in cities is excellent.
Getting There
Main Airports
Chennai (MAA) · Mumbai (BOM) · New Delhi (DEL) · Bangalore (BLR)
Airport Transfers
Delhi IGI: Airport Metro Express to New Delhi Station (₹60, 20 minutes). Prepaid taxi booth inside arrivals - around ₹400-600 to central Delhi. Uber/Ola work from designated areas. Mumbai CSI: Train to Churchgate (₹10, 1 hour - locals only, not with luggage). Prepaid taxi ₹700-1000 to South Mumbai (1-2 hours depending on traffic).
Local Transport
Trains are the backbone of Indian travel - book through IRCTC.co.in weeks ahead. Classes range from basic sleeper to luxury. Domestic flights are affordable and save enormous time - IndiGo and SpiceJet are reliable. City transport: Delhi and a few cities have metro systems. Use Uber/Ola everywhere. Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous - agree on price first or insist on meter.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
India vast size means climate varies dramatically by region. The general best time for most of India is October to March - the cool season with comfortable temperatures and clear skies ideal for the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Rajasthan, and Kerala. Summer (April-June) brings extreme heat across the northern plains, though hill stations offer respite. The monsoon (June-September) makes travel challenging in many areas but is perfect for Kerala Ayurvedic retreats and lush green landscapes. Ladakh and the Himalayas are best June-September. Goa and beach destinations shine November-February. Diwali (October/November) and Holi (March) offer unforgettable festival experiences.
Cultural Notes
India defies simple description - one billion plus people speaking hundreds of languages across diverse religions, cuisines, and traditions. Hinduism shapes the majority culture with temples, festivals, and customs visible everywhere. India is also home to the worlds third-largest Muslim population, Sikh golden temple, Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and ancient Christian and Jewish communities. The caste system, officially abolished, still influences society. Respect for elders, hospitality to guests, and family bonds are paramount. Head wobble can mean yes, no, or maybe depending on context. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Indian Standard Time has a flexible interpretation; patience is essential.
Insider Tips
India is overwhelming, rewarding, and unforgettable in equal measure. The Golden Triangle is the classic first-timers route: Delhi chaos, Agra Taj Mahal, and Jaipur pink city palaces. Kerala offers tranquil backwaters. Varanasi delivers spiritual intensity. Rajasthan has palaces and desert romance. The Himalayas call adventurers. Trains are the iconic way to travel - book AC classes for comfort through IRCTC website or 12Go Asia. Domestic flights are affordable and efficient. Prepaid SIM cards and offline maps are essential. Street food is incredible but choose busy stalls with high turnover. The rupee is the currency. English is widely spoken. Prepare for sensory overload, flexible schedules, and negotiation being a way of life.
Dress Code
Modest dress, especially at temples. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes at temples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit India?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa before visiting India. The most convenient option is the e-Visa, which can be applied for online through the official Indian government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Tourist e-Visas are available for 30 days (single/double entry), 1 year, or 5 years (multiple entry). The e-Visa must be obtained before departure as visas are not available on arrival for US citizens. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least a week in advance.
What types of Indian e-Visas are available?
India offers several e-Visa categories: e-Tourist Visa for tourism, visiting friends/relatives, and casual business visits; e-Business Visa for business meetings, trade, and commercial activities; e-Medical Visa for medical treatment at recognized hospitals; and e-Conference Visa for attending conferences hosted by government or PSUs. Each category has specific validity periods and entry allowances. The e-Tourist Visa is most common for leisure travelers. Ensure you apply for the correct category as working on a tourist visa is illegal.
What documents do I need for an Indian e-Visa application?
For an Indian e-Visa, you need: a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date with at least two blank pages; a recent passport-style photo with white background (specific requirements on the website); a credit/debit card for the fee payment; and details of your travel itinerary including arrival airport and accommodation. Business visa applicants need an invitation letter. Medical visa applicants need a letter from the Indian hospital. Ensure your photo meets the strict specifications to avoid application rejection.
What are the main health considerations for visiting India?
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip. Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended depending on your destinations (more rural areas). Drink only bottled or purified water, avoid ice in drinks at local establishments, eat only well-cooked food, and peel fruits yourself. Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Travel health insurance is essential. Bring any prescription medications in original containers with documentation.
What should I know about Indian customs and culture?
India is incredibly diverse with varying customs across regions. Generally, dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes). Public displays of affection are frowned upon. The head is considered sacred and feet unclean, so don't touch people's heads or point feet at people or religious images. Accept food and exchange items with your right hand. Tipping is customary (10-15% at restaurants). Bargaining is expected at markets but not in fixed-price shops. Indians often wobble their heads to indicate understanding or agreement.
How long can I stay in India with an e-Visa?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa allows a maximum stay of 30 continuous days from the date of first entry, available as single or double entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow stays of up to 90 days per visit for US citizens (180 days for some nationalities), with multiple entries permitted. Note that the validity period is from the date the e-Visa is issued, not from your entry date. You cannot extend an e-Visa within India. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a regular visa through the embassy/consulate.