Taste of India: Culinary Adventures On a Private Food Tour
11 Feb 2023
India is one of the most diverse and unforgettable destinations in the world. Whether you're visiting to see the Taj Mahal, experience Holi, or enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, your first step is applying for an India tourist visa.
This guide explains how the process works, what documents you need, who is eligible, what the visa costs — and how to apply online quickly and safely through the official government portal.
|
Visa Type |
Description |
Validity |
| e-Tourist Visa | For sightseeing, casual travel, meeting friends/family | 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years |
| Regular Sticker Visa | For longer-term visits via consulate application | 6 months to 10 years |
India offers two main types of tourist visas:
The e-Tourist Visa is the most popular and convenient option for most travelers, especially from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
Apply online via the official Indian government portal
Citizens of over 160 countries are eligible for the e-tourist visa. These include:
Important Notes:
To complete your visa application, prepare the following:
Photo Tip: Submit a clear JPEG image of your face with no shadows, glasses, or filters.
Visa fees depend on your nationality and the visa duration. Here's a general fee estimate in USD:
|
Visa Duration |
Fee (USD) |
| 30-Day (Single Entry) | $10–25 |
| 1-Year (Multiple Entry) | $40 |
| 5-Year (Multiple Entry) | $80 |
Bank Fee: Around 2.5% extra is charged during online payment.
Check official visa fees here
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Visit the government site:https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Step 2: Select ‘e-Visa Application’ and fill in your details
Step 3: Upload your documents
Step 4: Pay the visa fee online
Step 5: Wait for approval email (2–4 business days typical)
Step 6: Print your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Airports:
Seaports:
Your first entry must be through one of these ports if you're using the e-visa.
|
Visa Type |
Validity |
Max Stay Per Visit |
| 30-Day e-Visa | Valid 30 days from entry | Single entry, up to 30 days |
| 1-Year e-Visa | Valid 365 days | Multiple entries, up to 90 days |
| 5-Year e-Visa | Valid 5 years | Multiple entries, up to 90 days |
Overstaying your visa can result in penalties, deportation, or visa bans.
Double-check everything before submission to avoid delays.
Once you receive your approved e-Visa, you can start planning your trip across India. If you're looking for a customizable, private car tour with a local English-speaking driver, check out:
IndiaPersonalTours.com
They offer:
Every traveller is unique, and every journey should be equally distinctive. Share your travel aspirations with us, and our travel specialists will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests, preferences, and travel style. From private transportation and handpicked accommodations to authentic, immersive experiences, every detail will be thoughtfully curated for you. Your personalised travel proposal will be delivered within 24 hours.
Find answers to the most common questions about our tours, booking process, private drivers, accommodations, and travel services.
Yes. Short-term yoga retreats and wellness visits are allowed under the tourist visa category, as long as it's not formal or paid training.
No, India does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. Travelers must apply for an e-Tourist Visa or regular visa before entering India. Exceptions include limited cases for Japan, South Korea, and UAE citizens.
The e-Tourist Visa is usually processed in 2 to 4 business days. However, it's best to apply at least 7–10 days before travel in case of delays or document issues.
Yes. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow multiple entries, with each stay up to 90 days (180 for US/UK citizens). The 30-day visa is single entry only.
No. The e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended or converted once issued. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
You need:
A valid passport
A recent passport-size photo (white background)
A scanned copy of your passport’s bio page
Travel details and a credit/debit card for payment
Always use the official government website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Avoid third-party agencies unless you're seeking extra assistance.
Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have a valid visa to enter India. A separate application is required for each child.
If your e-visa is rejected, you may apply again — or contact your local Indian embassy or consulate to apply for a regular sticker visa.
Once your visa is approved, you can plan a custom tour with private driver and car through IndiaPersonalTours.com, offering full itineraries, airport pickup, hotel coordination, and local insights.
