How Many Days Does an Indian Tourist E-Visa Last?
Indian tourist e-Visa comes in 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years — but the stay limits per visit are different. Here's what you need to know.
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The Indian tourist e-Visa duration confuses many travelers because there's a difference between the visa validity (how long the visa is usable) and the maximum stay (how long you can stay per visit). Here's the complete breakdown.
30-Day E-Tourist Visa
- Validity: 30 days from the date of first entry into India
- Maximum stay: 30 continuous days
- Entries: Double entry (you can exit and re-enter once)
- Best for: Short holiday trips — a 2-week Golden Triangle tour, a week in Goa, etc.
- Government fee: $25 for most nationalities
1-Year E-Tourist Visa
- Validity: 1 year from the date the visa is issued (not from entry)
- Maximum stay: 90 days per visit (180 days for US citizens)
- Entries: Multiple entries — visit India as many times as you want within the year
- Best for: Most travelers. Covers longer trips and allows return visits.
- Government fee: $40 for most nationalities
5-Year E-Tourist Visa
- Validity: 5 years from the date the visa is issued
- Maximum stay: 90 days per visit (180 days for US citizens)
- Entries: Multiple entries over the full 5-year period
- Best for: Frequent visitors, people with family in India, business travelers who visit regularly
- Government fee: $80 for most nationalities (significantly higher for UK citizens)
Validity vs. Stay — The Key Distinction:
A 1-year visa doesn't mean you can stay 1 year. It means the visa is usable for 1 year. Each visit is capped at 90 days (or 180 for US citizens). When your stay ends, exit India, and you can re-enter later as long as the visa is still valid.
Which Duration Should You Choose?
For a single trip under 30 days: The 30-day visa is cheapest, but the 1-year visa ($40 vs $25) gives you more flexibility for just $15 more. If there's any chance you'll want to extend your trip or visit again, the 1-year visa is better value.
For a trip over 30 days: You need the 1-year or 5-year visa. The 30-day visa won't work.
For multiple trips planned: The 5-year visa pays for itself after 2 trips. If you visit India regularly, it's the best deal. For maximum validity details, see our validity guide.
Special Rule for US Citizens
Under a bilateral agreement, US citizens get 180 days per visit on the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas — double the 90-day limit for other nationalities. This makes the Indian e-Visa extremely flexible for American travelers who want extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay 90 days, leave, and immediately come back for another 90 days?
Technically yes, with a multi-entry visa. There's no mandatory gap between visits. However, immigration may question very frequent entry/exit patterns that suggest you're essentially living in India on a tourist visa.
Does the 30-day visa start from the date of issue or entry?
From the date of first entry. You have a window to enter India (usually 30 days from issue), and once you enter, the 30-day clock starts. The 1-year and 5-year visas start from the date of issue, regardless of entry.
What happens if I overstay by even one day?
Even a one-day overstay can result in fines, detention at the airport, and a negative mark on your immigration record. Always track your entry date and plan departure with buffer time. See our extension guide.
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About the Author
Falguni Patel
Former Indian Consular Officer, Toronto
"Former consular officer at the Indian mission in Toronto, Canada, with first-hand experience processing visa and travel-document applications. Now guides international travelers through the Indian e-Visa process."
View author profileFrequently Asked Questions
How long does an Indian tourist e-Visa last?
The Indian tourist e-Visa comes in three durations: 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry, 90 days per visit), and 5 years (multiple entry, 90 days per visit). US citizens get 180 days per visit on 1-year and 5-year visas.
What is the difference between visa validity and maximum stay in India?
Validity is how long the visa is usable from issue. Maximum stay is how long you can remain in India per visit. A 1-year visa lets you enter multiple times within 1 year, but each visit is capped at 90 days.
Does the 30-day Indian e-Visa start from issue date or entry date?
For the 30-day e-Visa, the clock starts from your date of first entry into India. The 1-year and 5-year visas start from the date of issue, regardless of when you enter.
Official Sources
- Government of India e-Visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Bureau of Immigration, India: boi.gov.in
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