India visas
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India, arranged in advance before travel. India's visas are handled by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with many purposes covered by the electronic e-Visa scheme applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in; purposes the e-Visa does not cover use a regular (sticker) visa obtained through an Indian mission. This hub explains the main e-Visa sub-categories in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
Important information
Indian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in India — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.6 visas
- Work visasComing to India to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.4 visas
- Study visasStudying in India — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in India — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to India as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in India long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Indian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
India — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa required
- Most nationalities need a visa arranged before travel
- Authority
- Bureau of Immigration
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- e-Visa
- indianvisaonline.gov.in
- e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Student, e-Transit
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months
- Per the Bureau of Immigration guidance
Indian visas — people also ask
Most foreign nationals need a visa arranged in advance to enter India. Many purposes — tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, study and transit — are covered by the online e-Visa scheme. Check the official Bureau of Immigration guidance for your nationality before you travel.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.