India may soon introduce Visa on Arrival for tourists from 180 countries

India Travel VISA on arrival

India, a country previously known for its complex visa process, is introducing an E-Visa on Arrival facility for tourists from over 180 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and most of the European Union. This new system officially called the India E-Visa on Arrival simplifies what visa on arrival means: travelers can apply online and collect their approved visa at the airport, eliminating embassy visits. The move is introduced to boost the travelers coming into India. The tourism sector in India faces a recession due to less number of travelers opting the country on account of considering it unsafe to travel and assuming it to be hassle prone.

As of 2025, India’s E-Visa on Arrival program is fully operational and available to tourists from over 180 countries. Unlike the traditional process that takes 1-2 weeks and requires submitting your passport to an Indian embassy, the E-Visa on Arrival is much simpler and faster. The new process would involve travelers filling the form online and paying the VISA fee. The VISA would be ready within 3 days and be available at any of the 26 Major airports in India to be picked up on arrival. The passport would be valid for 30 Days of travel within the country.

The above process would not only be beneficial for the travelers but give a boost to falling inbound tourism Industry in India. To avail for E-VISA please visit this link

India, known for its luxury India tours will get a big boost.

What Is Visa on Arrival?

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that travelers can obtain when they land at the destination country’s airport or border, rather than applying in advance at an embassy or consulate. For India, the Visa on Arrival system—officially called the India E-Visa on Arrival, allows eligible travelers from over 180 countries to apply online, pay the visa fee, and receive approval within 72 hours. The approved visa is then collected at one of 26 designated Indian airports upon arrival, eliminating the need to submit passports to embassies.

How Visa on Arrival Works for India

India’s Visa on Arrival (E-Visa) process is designed to be fast and convenient. Here’s how it works:

1. Apply Online: Visit the official Indian E-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and complete the visa application form.
2. Pay the Visa Fee: Submit payment online using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by nationality and visa type.
3. Receive Approval: Your E-Visa will be processed and approved within 72 hours (3 days). You will receive an email confirmation.
4. Collect on Arrival: Upon landing at any of India’s 26 designated international airports, present your passport and E-Visa approval email at the immigration counter to receive your visa stamp.
5. Valid for 30 Days: The visa allows you to stay in India for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.

Completing the Visa on Arrival Form

The India E-Visa on Arrival form is completed entirely online. You will need to provide:

• Personal Information: Full name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, gender.
• Passport Details: Passport number, issue date, expiry date, place of issue.
• Travel Information: Expected date of arrival, port of entry (airport name), purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical).
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number, address in home country.
• Accommodation in India: Hotel name and address or host details.
• Family and Employment Details: Parents’ names, current occupation, employer name.
• Photo Upload: A recent passport-size color photograph with white background.

Tips for filling out the visa on arrival form:

• Double-check all passport details; even minor errors can cause visa denial.
• Use the exact name as it appears on your passport, including middle names.
• Have your passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation booking ready before starting the form.
• Save your application ID; you can return to complete the form later if needed.
• Review all information carefully before final submission; you cannot edit after submission.

India Emergency Visa on Arrival: What to Know

If you need to travel to India urgently due to a family emergency, medical situation, or other unforeseen circumstances, India offers an emergency E-Visa on Arrival option. This expedited service processes applications within 24-48 hours instead of the standard 72 hours.

To apply for an India emergency visa on arrival:

1. Select the ‘Emergency E-Visa’ option on the official portal.
2. Provide supporting documents explaining the emergency (medical certificates, death certificates, business letters, etc.).
3. Pay the expedited processing fee (higher than standard E-Visa fees).
4. Receive approval within 24-48 hours if your request is approved.

Note that emergency E-Visas are granted at the discretion of Indian immigration authorities and require valid proof of urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions About India Visa on Arrival

Which countries are eligible for India Visa on Arrival?

Over 180 countries are eligible for India’s E-Visa on Arrival, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European Union nations. Check the official Indian E-Visa portal for the complete list.

How long does it take to get an India Visa on Arrival?

Once you submit your online application and payment, the E-Visa is typically approved within 72 hours (3 days). You should apply at least 4 days before your travel date to allow processing time.

What documents do I need for India Visa on Arrival?

You need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a recent passport-size photograph, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality.

Can I extend my India Visa on Arrival?

The standard E-Visa on Arrival is valid for 30 days and generally cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type at an Indian embassy or consulate before traveling.

At which airports can I collect my India Visa on Arrival?

You can collect your E-Visa at 26 major international airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The full list is available on the official E-Visa portal.