India Travel Visa for US Citizens: Requirements, Costs, and Tips

When planning a trip to India, India travel visa for US citizens, a mandatory entry requirement for American passport holders visiting for tourism, business, or medical purposes. Also known as Indian tourist visa, it’s not optional—skip it and you won’t board your flight. The good news? It’s simple, fast, and mostly done online. No more long lines at embassies. Since 2014, India has made it easy with the e-Visa India, an electronic travel authorization that replaces traditional paper visas for tourists from over 160 countries, including the United States. You apply, pay, get approved in days, and print it out. No stamps. No hassle.

There are three main types of e-Visas for Americans: tourist e-Visa, for sightseeing, visiting family, or short stays up to 180 days. Then there’s the business e-Visa, for meetings, conferences, or short-term work engagements. And if you’re heading to India for medical treatment, the medical e-Visa, which allows up to 60 days and includes one attendant. All three cost $10, plus a small processing fee. That’s it. No interviews. No bank statements. No invitation letters—unless you’re doing long-term work.

Here’s what most Americans get wrong: they think they can enter India without a visa if they’re just transiting. Nope. Even if you’re only changing planes in Delhi or Mumbai, you need a visa. Another mistake? Waiting until the last minute. While e-Visas usually process in 3-4 days, it can take up to 72 hours during peak season. Apply at least a week before you fly. Also, your passport must have at least six months of validity from your date of entry, and you need at least two blank pages. Don’t show up with a nearly full passport—immigration won’t let you in.

You’ll also need a digital photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page. The photo has to be recent, white background, no glasses. Sounds simple, but people get rejected for tiny things like shadows on their face or a smile. Stick to a neutral expression. And remember—e-Visas are only for entry through designated airports and seaports. You can’t fly into a small regional airport and expect to use your e-Visa. Check the official list before booking flights.

Once you’re in India, your visa lets you travel almost anywhere—except protected areas like parts of Arunachal Pradesh or some regions near the border. You’ll need special permits for those, but that’s rare for tourists. Most travelers stick to Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, and Varanasi—all fully open to e-Visa holders. And yes, you can re-enter India on the same visa if you take a quick trip to Nepal or Sri Lanka. Just make sure your visa is still valid when you come back.

There’s no need to hire a visa agent. The official government site is straightforward. Avoid third-party sites that charge $50 or more—they’re just repackaging the free process. The real site is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Bookmark it. Save your application number. Keep a printed copy with your passport. You’ll need it at check-in and immigration.

Below, you’ll find real guides from travelers who’ve done this exact trip. From what to pack for your first time in India, to how to avoid food sickness, to which cities American tourists love most—all of it’s here. No fluff. Just what works.