India offers different visa categories based on the purpose of a foreign national’s visit. These include tourism, business, employment, education, medical treatment and research. Applicants can choose an electronic visa (e-Visa) for eligible travel purposes or apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy, consulate or authorised application centre, depending on their nationality and circumstances.

The correct visa type depends on the planned activities, duration of stay and applicable eligibility requirements. Here is a summary of the main types of visas in India in 2026. Continue reading to learn about each visa category, its purpose, validity and application process.

Visa Type	Purpose	Typical Validity	Application Mode
e-Tourist Visa	Sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends or relatives, and eligible short-term recreational courses, including yoga	30 days 1 year or 5 years(Depending on the visa granted)	Online (Through the Indian Visa Online portal)
e-Business Visa	Business meetings, trade discussions, contract negotiations, commercial activities and eligible business events	Generally 1 year, with multiple entries subject to applicable conditions	Online(Through the Indian Visa Online portal)
e-Medical and Medical Attendant Visa	Accompanying a patient travelling to India on an eligible e-Medical Visa	Generally up to 60 days, subject to the patient’s visa conditions	Online
Regular Tourist Visa	Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, and other permitted visitor activities	Varies by nationality and visa granted; certain applicants may qualify for longer-term visas	Indian embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre
Employment Visa	Taking up eligible skilled or specialised employment with an organisation in India	Depends on the employment contract, eligibility and approval; may be granted for several years	Embassy or consulate
Student Visa	Pursuing an eligible full-time academic programme at a recognised Indian educational institution	Generally linked to the approved Course Duration and applicable visa conditions	Indian embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre
Research, Intern, Project and Startup Visa	Conducting approved academic, scientific or other eligible research in India	Depends on the research project, approvals and visa granted	Embassy or consulate

(In addition to the visa categories listed above, India offers other visa types for specific purposes, including Conference Visa, Transit Visa, Entry (X) Visa, Journalist Visa, Film Visa, Missionary Visa, Mountaineering Visa and Sports Visa. Each category has its own eligibility criteria, permitted activities and documentation requirements.) 

How Many Types of Visa Are There in India?

India maintains over 20 distinct visa sub-categories under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines to accommodate specific travel reasons, length of stays, and applicant credentials.

For practical planning, these individual sub-categories are grouped into 7 major primary umbrella categories—Tourism, Business, Employment, Student, Medical, Conference, and Entry/Transit.

All Indian visa categories are administered through two main application streams:

e-Visa vs. Regular Visa

• e-Visa (Electronic Visa): Applied for 100% online through the official Indian Visa Online portal. It does not require physical passport submission before travel. It is designed for short-term visits (tourism, short business trips, medical visits, short courses, and conferences).
• Regular (Sticker) Visa: Applied for through an Indian Embassy, Consulate, or authorized visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global, BLS International). This route is commonly used for long-term stays, full-time study, formal employment and travel purposes not covered by the e-Visa scheme.

India e-Visa Types 

e-Tourist Visa

The e-Tourist Visa is for leisure travel – sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives and short yoga programmes all qualify. It is meant for travellers whose only aim is recreation, a casual visit to family or friends, or a short yoga course. 

You can choose from three versions:

• 30-Day e-Tourist Visa: Double-entry travel permit valid for 30 consecutive days from entry.
• 1-Year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple-entry grant valid for 365 days from the issue date (continuous stay per visit capped at 90 days for most nationalities, and 180 days for US, UK, Canadian, and Japanese citizens).
• 5-Year e-Tourist Visa: Long-term multiple-entry option valid for up to 5 years from issuance, subject to per-entry duration caps.

On both the 1-year and 5-year versions, your continuous stay during each visit cannot exceed 180 days AND your total time in India in a calendar year cannot exceed 180 days.

American travellers can find nationality-specific fees, photo rules and the e-Arrival Card steps in our article on Indian Tourist Visa for U.S. Citizens.

e-Business Visa

Tailored for foreign commercial representatives, investors, and entrepreneurs conducting short-term operations in India.

• Permitted Purposes: Permitted activities include hosting or attending business meetings and conducting trade negotiations. One may also finalise contracts, visit business sites, recruit personnel or establish commercial ventures. Participation in industrial exhibitions and trade expos may also be permitted.
• Validity & Stay Allowances: Issued as a multiple-entry permit valid for 1 year from the grant date. Continuous stay during a single trip is generally allowed up to 180 days.

e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant Visa

The e-Medical Visa is for people travelling to India for treatment, and the e-Medical Attendant Visa is for relatives or companions who go with them. The concerned hospitals will be required to provide supporting letters to explain the medical needs of the applicant.

• Stay and entries: both are valid for 60 days from first arrival and allow three entries within that period. Medical Visa can be extended for a period of one year by the FRRO.
• Attendant limit: only two attendant visas are issued for each medical visa. 
• Linked applications: the attendant must quote the patient’s visa or application number and passport details, so the patient should apply first.
• Timing: you must apply at least four days before arrival, and no earlier than 120 days before. 
• Treatment covered: this includes treatment under Indian systems of medicine. 

e-Visa Eligibility, Validity and Fees

Eligibility

• Around 166 nationalities are currently eligible, but you should check the portal’s list for your own country. 
• Applicants must hold an ordinary national passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date, with two blank pages for immigration stamps. A return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay are also required.

Note: The e-Visa is not available to Pakistani nationals or applicants of Pakistani origin or heritage. Holders of diplomatic, official, service or UN passports are also ineligible and must apply through the appropriate consular channels.

Validity 

e-Visa	Validity	Entries
Tourist (30 days)	30 days from first arrival	Double
Tourist (1 year / 5 years)	1 year / 5 years	Multiple, max 180 days per calendar year
Business	Up to 1 year	Multiple entries, with each stay generally limited to 180 days
Medical / Medical Attendant	60 days from first arrival	Triple
Conference	30 days from arrival	Single

Fees

• Nationality-based fees: The e-Visa fee varies by the applicant’s nationality and selected visa category. Some nationalities may qualify for reduced or zero fees for certain categories.
• Visa duration and season: Fees may differ depending on the visa type and validity period. Some 30-day tourist visa applications may have seasonal rates.
• Online transaction charges: A bank or payment processing fee may apply in addition to the visa fee. The applicable charge depends on the payment method and current rules.
• Non-refundable fees: Application fees are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected or the application is withdrawn.
• Where to check fees: Confirm the current fee for your nationality on the official Indian Visa Online portal before applying. Use the official website to protect your personal and payment information.

Regular Visa Types in India

Tourist Visa

The regular Tourist Visa is for foreign nationals visiting India for holidays/sightseeing or meeting relatives. It may suit travellers who are ineligible for an e-Visa or need to enter through a route where e-Visa entry is not permitted. Validity may extend up to five years, depending on nationality and approval. The permitted stay is generally up to 90 days per visit, or 180 days for certain nationalities, including UK nationals.

Business Visa

A regular Business Visa is suitable for foreign nationals who are ineligible for an e-Business Visa or need to apply through an Indian mission. It covers permitted commercial activities, including business meetings, trade negotiations, investment discussions and establishing business ventures. The visa may be granted for up to five years with multiple entries, depending on nationality and approval. 

Employment Visa

• Purpose: For foreign nationals taking up skilled or specialised employment with an organisation in India, including senior managers, technical experts and professionals. Employment Visas will not be granted (i) for jobs for which qualified Indians are available, and (ii) for routine or secretarial jobs. Employment visas are not granted to itizens of Pakistan.
• Host Organisation: Applicants generally need an employment contract or supporting documents from an Indian company or host entity.
• Validity: Generally granted initially for up to one year or the applicable contract period. Extensions may be approved annually, up to a total of five years from the initial issue date, subject to eligibility and FRRO/FRO or other competent authority approval.

Salary Requirements: Applicants generally need a minimum annual salary of USD 25,000, (including taxable perquisites, such as rent free accommodation, and other cash allowances), with exceptions for certain language teachers, translators and staff working in their respective foreign missions in India.  There is also an exception for foreigners coming for honorary work with NGOs in India. They may be paid an honorarium of up to Rs 10,000/ month.

Employment visa categories and FRRO registration deadlines changed in 2026. Read our update on India’s revised FRRO and Employment Visa Rules before you apply. 

Regardless of how long the foreign national intends to work in India, (even if less than 180 days), he/ she should register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.

Family members / dependents of a foreigner who is granted an `E’ visa may be granted a dependent visa and its validity shall be co-terminus with the validity of the visa of the principal visa holder.

It is important to remember that employment visas are generally non-convertible to any other visa categories, except in specific cases, such as medical emergency or marriage to an Indian citizen during the validity of the visa, and then converts to an ‘X’ visa. Also, no change of employer is permitted during the currency of the Employment Visa.

Student Visa

The regular Student Visa is intended for full-time study at a recognised Indian institution and is generally valid for the course duration, subject to approval. Applicants need an admission letter and proof of financial support. Students undertaking research may also need to submit a research synopsis countersigned by the sponsoring institution. 

Medical and Medical Attendant Visa

The regular Medical Visa is for patients who need a longer or more complex treatment stay than the e-Medical Visa allows. It is also the option when you are not e-Visa eligible. A patient generally needs a letter from a recognised Indian hospital and medical records. Close family or caregivers can apply for Medical Attendant visas linked to the patient’s visa. 

Research, Intern, Project and Startup Visa

These are specialised work and study routes for narrower purposes.

• Research Visa: for foreign scholars pursuing research at recognised institutions, requiring a detailed research proposal. It is not valid for full-time employment. 
• Intern Visa: for foreign nationals doing internships with companies, educational institutions or NGOs, who must show sufficient financial support. 
• Project Visa: issued for a skilled/ highly skilled role and is project-specific, so it can’t be used for general employment, and the application must show the role is temporary and tied to the project. It is typically issued for one year or the duration of the project or contract. 
• Startup Visa: linked to the Startup India initiative, and requires a letter of recommendation from a designated incubator. 

Entry (X) Visa for Family and Persons of Indian Origin

The Entry (X) Visa is a non-work, non-tourist visa for specific family and heritage situations. It is granted to accompanying family members of foreign employees, dependents of Indian citizens, and persons of Indian origin. It also covers spouses of Indian citizens holding foreign passports and dependent family of employment or student visa holders. The validity is normally tied to the principal visa holder’s visa or set shorter by the mission, after security checks. If you are of Indian origin and plan to stay long term, also compare this with an OCI card.

How to Apply for an Indian Visa

Step-by-Step Online Application

For an e-Visa

1. Confirm your nationality, passport and travel purpose qualify for an e-Visa.
2. Submit a passport scan, recent photograph and any category-specific documents.
3. Enter your personal, passport and travel details accurately.
4. Fees vary by nationality and visa type, with an additional bank charge.
5. Print your approved e-Visa and enter through a designated airport or seaport.

Apply at least four days before arrival, subject to the visa category’s application window.

For a Regular Visa

1. Complete the form on the official Indian visa portal.
2. Book an appointment with the relevant Indian mission or authorised visa centre.
3. Carry your passport, photographs, application form and supporting papers.
4. Track your application online and collect your passport once processed.

Visa on Arrival (VoA) in India

India’s Visa on Arrival scheme is strictly restricted to passport holders of only three countries: Japan, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) — only if the traveler was previously granted an e-Visa or sticker visa for India. 

Key Rules & Conditions

• Permitted Stays: Up to 60 days (double entry) for tourism, business, conferences, or medical visits. 
• Designated Airports (6 total): New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. 
• Mandatory Digital Entry: All foreign travelers must complete the online e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. 
• Fee: ₹2,000 (payable on arrival). 
• Ineligible: Holders of diplomatic/official passports or applicants of Pakistani origin. 

All other foreign nationals must obtain an approved e-Visa online or a Regular Visa through an Indian mission before flying.

Tips to Avoid Visa Rejection

• Complete the application accurately
• Submit valid documents that meet the requirements
• Ensure your passport and photo meet the specifications
• Choose the correct visa category for your travel purpose
• Check all details before submitting and paying the fee
• Apply well before your planned travel date

Types of Visas in India FAQs

What is the difference between an e-Visa and a regular visa?

An e-Visa is applied for fully online and suits short trips for eligible nationalities. A regular visa goes through an Indian mission and covers longer stays, work, study and special cases.

Can I work in India on a business visa?

No. Business visa holders must not seek full-time employment with regular salary payments in India. Paid work needs an Employment Visa. 

How long can I stay in India on an e-Visa?

It depends on the type. The e-Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days with two entries, while the 1-year and 5-year versions limit your total stay to 180 days per calendar year. Medical visas allow up to 60 days. 

Can an e-Visa be extended?

Generally no. The 30-day e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted. If you need longer, apply for a regular visa. 

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific circumstances.