American passport holders can apply for the electronic Indian visa by filling in the online application form (link), paying the visa fee and uploading your US passport along with a picture of your valid photograph. The e-visa will be sent by e-mail once it has been approved and the process is fairly quick (48-72 hours). Urgent applications have an additional cost.
How early can you apply for an Indian e-visa?
- For a 30-day tourist e-visa, you can apply no earlier than 30 days and no later than 4 days before your travel date.
- For one-year and five-year tourist visas, you can apply up to 120 days in advance.
What if you made a mistake on the application form?
Once you have paid for your visa, you cannot cancel your application, even if you realize that you have made a mistake on the application form. If you really need to change something, you will have to apply for a new visa.
How long does it take for the e-visa PDF to arrive after the initial approval?
Indian e-visa approval process occurs in two steps. Soon after they process your application, you will receive an email with the heading “Approved Indian eVisa – Entry allowed“. After a few days you will receive another email containing the color PDF document of Indian e-visa.
How do I reach customer service if I have a question?
The best way to reach the Indian e-visa customer service is via email (info@indianevisa-online.org) and I received a response within 24 hours every time.
Can you change your date of entry to India after the initial e-visa approval?
The validity of Indian e-visas begins from the date of approval, not the date of arrival you mentioned in the online application. Even if there are changes to your arrival date (e.g., flight modifications and port changes), you will be able to travel without any issues. Once you enter India, the immigration officers will issue you with a stamped visa for 30 days after taking your photograph and your fingerprints (see the e-visa image below from my recent application).
Do I have to print my visa?
Yes. You must print the visa that you receive in a PDF format via e-mail and take it with you during your trip to India (see my e-visa approval email image below).
Can you print the e-visa in black & white?
While your picture in the e-visa is clearer in a color print, I have seen passengers bringing a black & white print of their e-visa without any issues from the immigration officials..
Why can’t I simply use my smartphone to show the e-visa PDF?
It is important to print your Indian e-visa for the following reasons:
- Agents at the check-in counters of international flights to India will ask you to show the printed e-visa for verification before they allow you to board the flight.
- It is also easier to hand over a printed e-visa to the immigration officer along with your passport, instead of handing them your unlocked smartphone or tablet.
- You will be causing delays if your smart device battery is dead or there is a poor cellular/internet connection to load the PDF e-visa document.
Conclusion
While it may sound counterintuitive to print an e-visa, it saves you a lot of arguments with international airport check-in agents and immigration officials during your long journey to India.