India Visa Types 2026 — Tourist, Business, Medical & Transit Compared

The eTourist Visa is the most widely used India visa, accounting for over 80% of all eVisa applications. It is available in three durations: 30 days (double entry, approximately USD 25), 1 year (multiple entry, approximately USD 40), and 5 years (multiple entry, approximately USD 80). Each visit allows a maximum continuous stay of 30 days on the short-term visa or 180 days on the 1-year and 5-year visas. The eTourist Visa covers sightseeing, visiting friends and family, yoga programs, short-term medical treatment, and casual business meetings. It does not permit formal employment or paid work of any kind.

The eBusiness Visa is designed for foreign nationals conducting business activities in India. Valid for 1 year with multiple entries, it costs approximately USD 80. Each visit allows a stay of up to 180 days. Permitted activities include attending trade meetings, sales negotiations, establishing business ventures, recruiting staff, participating in exhibitions, and conducting technical consultations. It does not permit employment by an Indian company — that requires a separate Employment Visa. Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the Indian business partner and a letter from their own company.

The eMedical Visa is for patients traveling to India specifically for medical treatment at recognized hospitals. It is valid for 60 days with triple entry and costs approximately USD 25. Applicants must provide a letter from the Indian hospital confirming the treatment plan. The eMedical Attendant Visa allows up to two companions to travel with the patient on the same terms. Medical tourism is a major industry in India, with top hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru offering cardiac surgery, orthopedic procedures, oncology, and dental treatments at competitive prices.

The eConference Visa is a specialized 30-day single-entry visa for attendees of government-sponsored conferences and seminars in India. It costs approximately USD 25 and requires an invitation from the organizing body affiliated with the Indian government. The Transit Visa is for travelers passing through India en route to a third country. It is valid for up to 72 hours and permits a single or double transit. Transit visas are typically needed only if you are changing airports in India or have an overnight layover requiring immigration clearance.

Beyond the eVisa system, India offers several traditional visa categories that require embassy or consulate processing. These include the Employment Visa (for workers hired by Indian companies), Student Visa (for study at Indian institutions), Research Visa (for academic research), Journalist Visa (for media professionals), Missionary Visa (for religious workers), and Diplomatic Visa (for government officials). These visas require in-person application at an Indian embassy or VFS Global center and typically take 5 to 15 business days to process. They cannot be obtained through the online eVisa portal.

Selecting the correct visa type depends on three factors: your purpose of travel, your intended length of stay, and how frequently you plan to visit. For a single holiday of under 30 days, the 30-day eTourist Visa is the most affordable option. For frequent travelers visiting family or exploring India over multiple trips, the 5-year eTourist Visa offers the best value. For business meetings, the eBusiness Visa is mandatory if your activities go beyond casual discussions. For medical treatment, the eMedical Visa ensures your purpose is documented and your entry is smooth. Applying with the wrong visa category can result in questioning at immigration or outright entry denial.