What's the Maximum Validity of an Indian E-Visa?

The Indian e-Visa system offers multiple validity options, from a quick 30-day visit to a 5-year multiple-entry visa. Understanding the maximum validity, entry limits, and continuous stay rules for each type helps you pick the right visa — and avoid common mistakes that cost travelers money.

E-Visa Validity Options at a Glance

30-Day E-Tourist Visa

Best for: Short vacations, first-time visitors, specific travel dates.

• Validity: 30 days from your date of arrival in India (not from issuance)
• Entries: Double entry — you can leave India and re-enter once
• Stay limit: 30 continuous days total
• Cost: Most affordable option — starting from $97 with standard processing
• Best for: A 2-3 week trip to India, possibly with a side trip to Nepal

1-Year E-Tourist Visa

Best for: Flexible travelers, those with family in India, repeat visitors.

• Validity: 1 year from date of issuance (not arrival)
• Entries: Multiple — unlimited entries during the validity period
• Stay limit: 90 continuous days per visit
• Cost: Mid-range — starting from $129 with standard processing
• Best for: Travelers who might visit India twice in a year, or who want flexibility to change dates

5-Year E-Tourist Visa — Maximum Validity

The longest e-Visa available. Best for: Frequent visitors, Indian diaspora, business travelers who also do tourism.

• Validity: 5 years from date of issuance
• Entries: Multiple — unlimited entries over 5 years
• Stay limit: 90 continuous days per visit
• Cost: Higher upfront — starting from $279 standard, but best per-year value
• Best for: Anyone who visits India more than once every 2-3 years

UK citizens note: The 5-year e-Visa is significantly more expensive for UK passport holders ($551+ vs. $279+) due to reciprocity-based pricing. See our full cost breakdown.

Which Duration Offers the Best Value?

It depends on how often you plan to visit India:

• One trip, 2-3 weeks: 30-day visa ($97) is the clear winner. Don't overpay for validity you won't use.
• One trip, might return within a year: 1-year visa ($129) — only $32 more than the 30-day, gives you flexibility for a return visit.
• Regular visitor (once a year or more): 5-year visa ($279) — works out to about $56/year, much cheaper than buying annual visas.
• UK citizens visiting once: The 5-year visa's higher UK pricing ($551) means the 1-year visa ($129) is better value unless you'll visit 3+ times in 5 years.

Important Rules Most Travelers Miss

• 90-day limit is per continuous stay: You cannot stay longer than 90 days in one stretch on a 1-year or 5-year visa. If you need longer, you must exit India and re-enter to reset the clock.
• E-Visa cannot be extended: You cannot extend an e-Visa from within India. If you need more time, read our guide on extending your Indian e-Visa.
• Only 2 e-Visas per calendar year: You can apply for a maximum of 2 e-Visas in a single calendar year. Choose wisely.
• Entry must be through designated ports: E-Visas are valid for entry at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports only.

Can You Upgrade an E-Visa?

No. You cannot upgrade a 30-day visa to a 1-year visa, or a 1-year to a 5-year. If you realize you need a longer validity, you must apply for a new visa. This is another reason to consider the longer duration upfront if there's any chance you'll return.