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India Increases Tourist e-Visa Application Period to 120 Days for Travelers

India Increases Tourist e-Visa Application Period to 120 Days for Travelers

India Increases Tourist e-Visa Application Period to 120 Days for Travelers

India has recently updated its tourist e-Visa regulations, simplifying the application process. Travelers can now apply up to 120 days in advance, enter by land at Raxaul, and select from a broader range of online visa categories.

Streamlined Visa Application Process

Planning a trip to India just got easier. Previously, the 30-day tourist e-Visa required applicants to apply within 30 days of their arrival. This restriction complicated early travel preparations, particularly for those who booked flights or accommodations well in advance.

Starting December 18, travelers can now choose an arrival date up to 120 days in advance. This change allows applicants to submit their e-Visa requests as early as four months before their trip. The e-Visa remains the same, offering a 30-day stay with unchanged conditions, but provides greater flexibility.

The new 120-day application rule applies only to e-Visas approved from December 18 onward. Previous approvals are not affected.

Options for Extended Stays

For those who find 30 days too short, the one-year tourist e-Visa is still an option. This visa lets travelers stay for up to 90 days at a time and can also be requested within the 120-day timeframe. This category serves slow travelers, individuals on long vacations, or those visiting family for extended periods.

Improved Entry Points for e-Visa Holders

India has expanded its entry points for e-Visa holders. Previously, travelers could only enter by air or sea at specific international airports or seaports. Now, Raxaul, located on the India–Nepal border, is the first land border entry point added for e-Visa users. This update is beneficial for travelers moving through South Asia and transiting overland from Nepal.

Approved Entry Points for e-Visa:

  • International Airports: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, and Chennai, among others.
  • Seaports: Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, and Port Blair.
  • Land Border: Raxaul.

After obtaining the entry stamp on the e-Visa, travelers can exit and re-enter through any Integrated Check Post in India.

Expanded e-Visa Categories

India continues to diversify its visa offerings. The primary e-Visa categories before 2025 included:

  • e-Tourist Visa
  • e-Business Visa
  • e-Medical Visa

In January 2025, new student-related options were added, such as:

  • e-Student Visa
  • e-Student Dependent Visa

Recently, specialized e-Visa options launched, encompassing:

  • e-Transit Visa
  • e-Mountaineering Visa
  • e-Film Visa

These inclusions indicate India’s commitment to streamlining immigration services online and catering to various travel purposes.

Revised e-Visa Fees

India has updated its e-Visa fee structure. Fees for one-year business visas and five-year tourist visas have increased. However, short-term tourist and medical e-Visas remain unchanged.

New Digital Arrival Form

Additionally, India has introduced a digital arrival form known as the e-Arrival Card. Effective October 7, 2025, travelers can complete their arrival details online up to 72 hours before landing. The goal is to reduce paperwork and expedite border processing. However, the paper arrival card will still be accepted during the transition period.

Conclusion

In summary, these updates create a more traveler-friendly environment in India. With earlier application opportunities, new entry points, and an expanding list of visa types, planning your visit has never been simpler. These changes may seem small, but they significantly enhance the overall travel experience.

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