What Are the Different Types of Indian E-Visas?
India offers 5 main e-Visa categories: Tourist, Business, Medical, Conference, and more. Here's which one you need and why it matters.
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India's e-Visa system isn't one-size-fits-all. There are multiple e-Visa categories, each designed for a specific travel purpose. Selecting the wrong one can lead to rejection or entry denial at the airport. This guide explains every type so you pick the right visa the first time.
1. e-Tourist Visa — For Sightseeing & Recreation
The most popular option. The e-Tourist Visa comes in three durations:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa: Double entry, valid for 30 days from first entry. Best for short trips.
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entry, stay up to 90 days per visit (180 days for US citizens). Ideal for most travelers.
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entry, stay up to 90 days per visit. Best value for frequent visitors.
Use this for: sightseeing, visiting friends/family, yoga retreats, casual volunteering, attending weddings. For duration details, see how many days an Indian tourist e-Visa lasts.
2. e-Business Visa — For Commercial Activities
Valid for 1 year with multiple entries and up to 180 days per visit. Required for:
- Attending business meetings, trade fairs, or exhibitions
- Setting up industrial/business ventures
- Recruiting staff or conducting technical meetings
- Purchasing or selling commercial goods
Important: You cannot take up employment or earn a salary in India on a business e-Visa. For employment, you need a regular Employment Visa through the embassy. Learn more about work restrictions on Indian visas.
3. e-Medical Visa — For Treatment in India
Valid for 60 days from entry, with triple entry allowed. Designed for patients seeking medical treatment at recognized Indian hospitals. You'll need a letter from the Indian hospital confirming your treatment.
There's also an e-Medical Attendant Visa for up to two family members accompanying the patient. Both must be applied for simultaneously.
4. e-Conference Visa — For Delegates
For attending conferences organized by a Ministry or Government of India department. Valid for 30 days, single entry. You'll need an invitation letter from the conference organizer. This is a niche visa — most conference attendees use the business e-Visa instead.
5. Other Specialized E-Visas
India also offers these less common e-Visa categories:
- e-Student Visa: For academic courses at recognized Indian institutions
- e-Ayush Visa: For Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy treatment
- e-Film Visa: For filmmakers and production crews
- e-Transit Visa: For transit through India (72-hour validity)
- e-Entry Visa: For persons of Indian origin or special categories
How to Choose:
When in doubt, choose the e-Tourist Visa (1 year). It covers the widest range of activities and gives you maximum flexibility. Only select business, medical, or conference visas when your trip specifically requires it.
E-Visa vs Regular Visa: Quick Comparison
E-Visas are applied for online and processed in days. Regular (sticker) visas require an embassy or consulate visit and take weeks. For most travelers, the e-Visa is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. For a detailed comparison, read our guide on e-Visa vs regular visa differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my e-Visa type after applying?
No. Once submitted, you cannot change the visa type. If you selected the wrong category, you'll need to submit a new application with the correct visa type and pay the fee again.
Can I visit friends on a business e-Visa?
Technically, your e-Visa should match your primary purpose. If you're mainly visiting for business and spending a weekend with friends, that's fine. If tourism is your main purpose, use a tourist e-Visa.
Which e-Visa has the longest validity?
The 5-year e-Tourist Visa has the longest validity. It allows multiple entries over 5 years with stays up to 90 days per visit. Learn more in our maximum validity guide.
Not Sure Which Visa You Need?
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Start My Application →Don't Risk a Rejection or a Ruined Trip
One small mistake — a name that doesn't match your passport, the wrong occupation, a non-compliant photo, or the wrong visa category — can get your India e-Visa rejected or frozen in review for weeks. Government fees are non-refundable, a rejection can flag your passport for future applications, and most travelers only find out after they've paid and their flight is days away.
Our visa experts check every detail before submission, catch the errors that cause rejections, and back it with 24/7 human support — so you board your flight with total peace of mind.
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About the Author
Visa Expert Team
Senior Immigration Consultant
"Specializing in complex visa cases with over a decade of experience in Indian travel regulations."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Indian e-Visa take to process?
Most Indian e-Visas are approved within 72 hours. Processing can take longer if the application has errors, a non-compliant photo, or is submitted during peak season (October–March).
Can I extend my Indian e-Visa?
e-Tourist and e-Business e-Visas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible. You must apply for a new visa for a future trip.
Official Sources
- Government of India e-Visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Bureau of Immigration, India: boi.gov.in
Apply eVisa India is a private visa-assistance service. We are not affiliated with the Indian government.
