India Visa for U.S. Citizens
India is not only an incredible tourist destination but it’s an experience. Experience of a great heritage, rich traditions, diverse culture, myriads of attractions, and much more than expectations. Tourists from different countries visit India every year to discover an abundance of tourist attractions and feed their wanderlust. India is a perfect country for adventurers and nature lovers. Besides tourism, US citizens visit India for various purposes including business and medical treatment. Like other nationals, U.S. citizens require a visa in order to enter India. There’s no exemption for Americans.
Are you a US passport holder and want to experience tourism in India, pursue a business activity, or avail medical treatment in India? Applying for an India visa for US citizens is a pretty easy process. You can apply India tourist visa, India business visa, India medical visa, or other categories of visa as per requirements. Indian visa will permit you to visit India for a specific purpose.
Yes, US citizens need to apply for an India visa in the US prior to travel as there is no exemption for US passport holders.
If you want to apply for an India visa, you must be sure about the purpose of your travel. Although there are various categories of visa, the following most common to apply for:
Tourist Visa: India tourist visa entitles you to enter India for the purpose of tourism. With a tourist visa, you are not permitted to get involved in paid or unpaid employment or business activities.
Business Visa: India business visa lets you participate in professional activities like seminars, business meetings, conferences, or other business activities in India.
Medical Visa: This category of visa is issued for the purpose of medical treatments hence you are not allowed to get involved in tourism or business if you visit India on a medical visa.
Depending on the purpose of your travel, you can choose the best option for you.
A 10 year India tourist visa for US citizens allows them to enter India multiple times and reside in India for 6 months while each entry. The traveler is not permitted to live in India exceeding 6 months. It’s best to apply for a multiple entry India visa if you are a regular traveler.
India tourist E-visas permit you to travel to India for the purpose of tourism. There are three options to apply for an Indian tourist e-visa:
1. e-Visa with 1 month of validity and double entry
2. e-Visa with 1-year validity and multiple entries
3. e-Visa with 5 years of validity and multiple entries
You can opt for the best Indian eVisa option suitable for your requirement. While the duration of the India sticker visa for Americans is 10-year, India tourist e-visa can be availed for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Long term visa enables you to stay in India for 6 months i.e., you can stay up to 180 days with each entry. Keep in mind, an Indian e-visa is not extendable.
Indian e-Business visa permits you to enter India for participating in business activity, conference, seminar, or professional event. If you do have an Indian electronic tourist visa, you are not allowed to be involved in any kind of business activity hence you need to apply for an India e-Business visa for intended business travel to India.
India e-Medical visa is required if you need to visit India for the purpose of medical treatment. Being a US citizen, you can obtain Indian e-Medical visa easily and in a very short period.
India Visa Requirements for US Citizens [Sticker Visa]
Essential documents for All Categories of India Visa for US Citizens
- India visa Application form. You need to complete it online with accurate information.
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the intended date of travel to India.
- One recent clicked photograph having a size of 2-inch x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm) and white background.
- Proof of address. You can submit ID proof issued by the State, a driving license, utility bill, or a lease document signed by the landlord.
Additional Documents
Minor US Citizen
Depending on the nationality at birth, India visa application requires following additional documents:
- United States: Birth certificate
- India: Birth certificate (English version) and previous Indian passport.
- Other nationalities: Birth certificate (English version) or other ID proof issued by the government of origin and having date of birth, name of parents as well as nationality.
Persons of Indian Origin
- Proof of renunciation of Indian Citizenship.
- Naturalization certificate.
India Tourist Visa Requirements for US Citizens
- All the essential documents mentioned above are sufficient to apply for an Indian tourist visa.
- Additional documents (if applicable)
India Business Visa Requirements for US Citizens
- All the essential documents mentioned above.
- Additional documents (if applicable)
- Invitation from the host company in India for attending or participating in business activity, conference, seminar, or professional event.
- A letter from the organization in the US on the official letterhead, stating the details of intended business activity in India and other information including your profile in the company, duration of travel to India, and surety to meet travel expenses.
India Medical Visa Requirements for US Citizens
- All the essential documents mentioned above.
- Additional documents (if applicable).
- A letter from the concerned hospital or medical institution in India affirming the date of admission for medical treatment.
India E-Visa Requirements for US Citizens
India e-Tourist Visa for US Citizens
- Scan of Bio page of the passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the Indian e-Visa application.
- Recently clicked photograph with white background and neutral expressions.
- For short-term study courses, you need to submit a copy of a letter from the institute or the concerned authority on its letterhead with a stamp & sign.
- For voluntary work of short duration, there is a requirement of a letter from the organization on its letterhead with a stamp & sign.
India e-Business Visa for US Citizens
- Scanned Bio Page of the passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the Indian e-Visa application.
- Latest photograph with white background and neutral expressions.
- Invitation letter from the Indian company or organization that wishes to conduct the business activity with you (optional).
India e-Medical Visa for US Citizens
- Scan of Bio page of the passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the Indian e-medical visa application.
- A letter from the concerned hospital or medical institution in India stating the date of admission for medical treatment.
India Visa Fees for US Citizens
India e-Tourist Visa Fees:
- 30 days e-Tourist visa: USD 25
- 01-year e-Tourist visa: USD 40
- 05-year e-Tourist visa: USD 50
Note: – Bank charge of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees
India e-Business visa fees:
Indian e-Business visa fees for US citizens: USD 100
India e-Medical visa fees:
Indian e-Medical visa fees for US citizens: USD 100
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