While the opportunity to travel the world is wonderful, the privilege does come with a certain level of bureaucracy. As a US citizen, you can travel to India after applying for and being issued an Indian tourist visa. US citizens also need a passport with two blank pages at least, valid for 6 months after the date of arrival in India.

In November 2014 the Indian Government brought out the Indian e-Tourist Visa Facility, which has subsequently been extended to benefit the citizens of some 160 countries. Foreign nationals from those eligible countries can apply for Indian e-tourist visa through an online application procedure. The online application does not require the applicant to visit the Consulate or Agency, and the electronic visa (e-visa) does not take the form of a stamp or label in the passport. To be eligible for the e-Visa US citizens must apply between 4 and 240 days prior to entry into India for a stay of up to 90-180 days and must arrive by air or sea at designated airports and seaports.

Applying online for an India visa from the USA is simple. Go online to complete the steps for an India Tourist Visa. Only three attempts to pay for the visa online are permitted. Unsuccessful attempts result in the application being blocked and declined. A receipt number is issued once the online application form has been electronically submitted and can be used to track the progress of the online application. Approval should be received within 3 to 5 business days and is emailed to the applicant in PDF format.

As an Indian Visa Agency, we can assist you in applying online for an Indian visa in a simple 3-step process:

• Step 1:  Apply for Indian e-tourist visa online
• Step 2: Submit Payment (PayPal payments are accepted)
• Step 3: You will receive your electronic travel authority via email. Applicants must print a copy to be kept on their person for the duration of their travels to India.

Biometrics are captured on arrival at the designated ports in India.

Applications for Indian Tourist Visa can still be processed through the traditional route of applying in person at an Indian post or mission abroad. While within the USA however, it would be best to take advantage of the Indian e-tourist visa

The Government of India grants Visas to visit India of varying types, depending on the applicant’s reasons for entering India. Among the most common visas available are the Indian Tourist Visa, Business and Medical visas. Other less well-known Indian visas include the Missionary, Mountaineering, Research, Conference, Medical Attendant, Diplomatic, Sports, Film, Employment, Entry, Emergency, Transit, and Student Visas. Application for all of these visas, as well as Tourist, Business and Medical Visas for stays longer than 90 days, must be made through the Consulate General of India. In the USA, the Indian Consulate outsources its visa processing to Visa Application Centers. US citizens would, therefore, complete the online application form, submit the scanned copy of the front page of the passport and the required photograph, print out the application form, and submit it to the VAC. Handwritten applications are not acceptable wherever online facilities are provided. Upon processing of the application, the applicant is prompted to make an appointment for an interview. It is imperative that the required supporting documents such as the national passport, official identity card, or official birth certificate, be taken along to the interview, together with the proof of payment and the application form. It is vital that the details be verified before final submission, as corrections cannot be made after the fact. When applying via an Indian post or mission, it is important to note that the documentation takes at least three days to process and issue. Exceptional case and circumstances, such as diplomatic visas, will be processed in ways that differ to the norm. A copy of the application document should be saved for later verification and to assist in completing the visa issuing procedure.

Visas may be denied, and applications rejected should the information and on the application not exactly match that on the passport o in the supporting documents.