A South India trip usually begins with a visa. Most visitors from eligible countries can apply online for an e-Tourist visa, and the choices and the timing are easier to handle once you know them. This guide is based on the Government of India's official e-Visa site, which is the only place to apply.
Which e-Tourist visa should you choose?
| Visa | Validity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist visa, one month | 30 days from the date the travel authorisation is granted | A single South India trip of two or three weeks |
| e-Tourist visa, one year | 365 days | Visitors who plan to return within the year |
| e-Tourist visa, five years | Five years | Frequent visitors |
All three tourist options allow multiple entries. Eligibility covers citizens of more than 175 countries, and fees depend on your nationality, so check the official site for yours.
When should you apply?
Apply at least four days before your arrival date. You can apply up to 120 days ahead, which leaves room to fix a problem before you fly. Treat four days as the minimum and not as a plan: a delay over a missing document could cost you the trip.
Fees are specific to each country and are not refunded once submitted. Card payments carry a 3% charge and PayPal carries 4%. Check the amount on the official site for your nationality before you pay.
When does the validity start?
The official site describes each e-Tourist visa as valid from the date the travel authorisation is granted. That means applying very early could use up part of a 30-day validity before you land, so choose your application date with that in mind and re-read the official page when you apply.
What should you prepare?
What else should you check before you fly?
Every traveller needs their own passport and their own application, and a child or spouse cannot be added to a parent's or partner's passport. The e-Visa also requires a return or onward ticket. Holders of diplomatic or official passports, and travellers with a Pakistani passport or Pakistani origin, are not covered by the e-Visa and should check the official site for the right visa.
Where can you enter India on an e-Visa?
The e-Visa works through designated entry points: 36 airports and 38 seaports. Before you book flights, check that your South India arrival city is on the list on the official site.
Use only the official website, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. The government warns against intermediaries who promise faster processing.
Is the e-Visa fee the same for everyone?
No. The fee is specific to each country or territory, so check the figure for your passport on the official site.
Can I apply when I arrive in India?
The official site asks for applications at least four days before arrival, so apply well before you travel.
Which airport should I fly into for South India?
Pick an arrival city from the official list of 36 airports, then plan your route from there.
