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Indian visa application time

The processing time for Indian visas can differ due to several factors, including the specific visa category, the applicant's nationality, the volume of applications received, and the efficiency of the processing center. However, e-visas, such as tourist and business e-visas, tend to have the shortest processing times, typically taking around four days to process. On the other hand, regular visas, which encompass a broader range of visa categories such as tourist, business, student, or employment visas, generally have longer processing times, typically ranging from 3 to 8 weeks on average. For further details regarding the processing times of Indian visa applications, continue reading.

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Indian visa application time refers to the duration required to process an application for a visa to enter India. This includes the time it takes for the visa application to be submitted, reviewed, and approved or rejected by the appropriate authorities. The application time can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa being applied for (tourist, business, student, etc.), the applicant’s nationality, the completeness and accuracy of the application, the volume of applications being processed, and the efficiency of the processing center.

There are two main categories of Indian visas:

  • Electronic Visa (e-Visa): These are the quickest and most convenient to obtain. They are processed online and take just four days to process.
  • Regular/Sticker Visa: This category covers a wider range of visa types, but they take considerably longer. Processing times can range from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific visa type and your nationality.

Understanding the Indian visa application time is crucial for individuals planning to travel to India, as it helps them to plan and schedule their trip properly. It’s important to factor in the processing time when applying for a visa to ensure it is obtained in time for the planned travel dates. Applicants are advised to apply for their visa well before their intended travel date to account for any delays in the processing time.
If you’re concerned about Indian visa application time, you may want to consider using the Visas for Future visa processing service for India e-visa. This service can help expedite the process and ensure that your visa application is handled efficiently, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip instead of worrying about visa processing times.


What We’re Offering

If you’re planning a tourist trip to India and need a fast and reliable visa processing service for your India e-tourist visa, we’re here to help. Our service can assist you in obtaining your visa quickly, with processing times as fast as four days. Once your visa is approved, we’ll send it directly to your email address, so you can start planning your trip with peace of mind.

  • Duration options:1
    • Valid for 30 days
    • Valid for one (1) year
    • Valid for five (5) years
  • Entry options:2
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    • Multiple entry
  • Costs for visas:
    • 30 days: $68.14
    • One year: $96.54
    • Five years: $144.64

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Types of Indian visas and their processing time

Visa TypePurposeValidityProcessing Time
E-Visas
E-Tourist VisaRecreation, sightseeing, casual visits, attending short-term yoga programs30 days, 1 year, or 5 years, multiple entriesFour days
E-Business VisaBusiness meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions1 year, multiple entriesFour days
E-Medical VisaMedical treatment in recognized Indian medical facilities60 days, triple entryFour days
E-Medical Attendant VisaAccompanying a person with an e-Medical Visa60 days, triple entryFour days
E-Conference VisaAttending conferences in India30 days, single entryFour days
Sticker/Regular Visas
Tourist VisaTourism purposes, single, double, or multiple entries30 days to 1 year3-6 weeks
Business VisaBusiness purposes, single, double, or multiple entries6 months to 5 years3-6 weeks
Employment VisaEmployment by an Indian companyVaries4-8 weeks
Student VisaPursuing studies in IndiaVaries4-8 weeks
Research VisaConducting research in IndiaVaries4-8 weeks
Journalist VisaReporting on events in IndiaVaries3-6 weeks
Project VisaWorking on a specific project in IndiaVaries4-8 weeks

Factors that could influence the processing time

Here are some common factors that can affect the processing time of a visa application:

  • Type of Visa: Different types of visas may have different processing times. For example, tourist or business visas may have shorter processing times than visas for employment or immigration purposes.
  • Volume of Applications: High volumes of visa applications can lead to longer processing times as processing centers need to handle a larger workload.
  • Applicant’s Nationality: Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or require extra documentation, leading to longer processing times. Additionally, visa agreements between countries can impact processing times for certain nationalities.
  • Completeness of Application: Incomplete or inaccurate visa applications may require additional time for processing as authorities may need to request additional information or clarification from the applicant.
  • Consular Workload: The workload and efficiency of the consular staff processing visa applications can affect processing times. During busy periods, such as peak travel seasons or holiday periods, processing times may be longer.
  • Security Checks: Some visa applications may be subject to security checks, particularly for visas involving sensitive industries, travel to certain countries, or individuals with a history of security concerns.
  • Embassy/Consulate Policies: Each embassy or consulate may have its own policies and procedures for processing visa applications, which can impact processing times.
  • Special Circumstances: Certain special circumstances, such as medical emergencies, urgent business needs, or diplomatic relations, may result in expedited processing or longer processing times, depending on the situation.
  • Changes in Immigration Policies: Changes in immigration laws, regulations, or policies can impact visa processing times, especially if new requirements are implemented or existing processes are modified.
  • Technical Issues: Occasionally, technical issues or system failures within the visa processing system may cause delays in processing applications.
  • External Events: Unforeseen events such as natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics can disrupt embassy and consulate operations, leading to delays in visa processing.

Requirements for each type of Indian visa

Indian E-Visa

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Purpose of Visit: The primary purpose of the visit must align with one of the e-Visa categories: tourism, business, medical treatment, or conference attendance.
  • Passport Validity: The applicant’s passport must remain valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
  • Email Address: A functional email address is necessary for eVisa delivery.

Document Requirements:

  • Passport: A clear, scanned copy of the applicant’s passport biographical page, displaying personal details and validity.
  • Photograph: A recent passport-sized color photograph of the applicant, taken against a white background.
  • Proof of Travel: Details of the planned travel itinerary, including entry and exit dates, flight reservations, and accommodation particulars.
  • Financial Means: Evidence of adequate funds to cover expenses during the stay in India, such as bank or credit card statements.
  • Other Supporting Documents: Additional documentation may be required depending on the type of e-Visa being applied for:
    • For the e-tourist visa: Details regarding hotel reservations, travel arrangements, and proof of return or onward travel.
    • For the e-business visa, An invitation letter from the Indian company or organization and relevant business documentation is necessary.
    • For the e-medical visa, A letter of appointment from an Indian hospital or medical institution and medical reports are required.
    • For the e-medical attendant visa: A declaration provided by the patient or an immediate family member affirming the purpose and specifics of the medical travel.
    • For the e-conference visa, Confirmation of conference registration, an invitation letter, and event particulars should be included.
India Regular Visas

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Purpose of Visit: You must have a valid reason for visiting India, such as tourism, business, employment, education, medical treatment, etc.
  • Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in India.
  • Financial Means: You should have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India.
  • Health Requirements: Depending on the duration and purpose of your visit, you may need to undergo certain medical tests or provide proof of vaccination.
  • No Adverse Background: You should not have a criminal record or any other adverse background that would deem you ineligible for a visa.

Document Requirements:

  • Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended departure date from India.
  • Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meet specific requirements.
  • Proof of Travel: This could include a confirmed flight itinerary or travel tickets.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing where you’ll be staying during your time in India, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host.
  • Financial Documents: Bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in India.
  • Purpose-specific Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need additional documents such as:
    • For tourism: Itinerary, proof of funds, etc.
    • For business: Invitation letter from the Indian company, business correspondence, etc.
    • For employment: Employment contract, letter from the employer in India, etc.
    • For education: Admission letter from an Indian educational institution, etc.
  • Medical Insurance: Some visa types may require proof of medical insurance coverage during your stay in India.
  • Additional Requirements: Additional documents may be needed depending on your nationality and the specific visa category.

Importance of knowing the application time

Understanding the application time for a visa is important for a few simple reasons:

  • Planning your trip: Knowing how long it takes to process a visa application helps you plan your itinerary effectively. You can avoid booking flights or accommodation until you’re confident your visa will be issued in time.
  • Making alternative arrangements: If the processing time is longer than expected, you may need to adjust your travel plans. This could involve delaying your trip, applying for a different type of visa, or choosing a different destination altogether.
  • Avoiding travel disruptions: Unexpected delays in visa processing can cause significant disruption to your travel plans. Knowing the timeframe helps you manage expectations and avoid last-minute scrambles.
  • Meeting deadlines: There might be external deadlines to consider, such as registering for an event or conference in India. Knowing the application time ensures you submit your visa application well in advance to meet those deadlines.
  • Reducing stress: Uncertainty about when your visa will be approved can be stressful. A clear idea of the processing timeframe allows for better planning and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Indian visa quickly?

It depends on the visa type and your situation, but expedited processing for Indian visas is sometimes possible.

Can I get an Indian visa in 3 days?

No, you will not get an Indian visa in three days unless you opt for expedited processing and meet all the requirements.

Can I get an Indian visa in 24 hours?

No, Regular visas typically take 3-15 days to process.

Can I apply for an Indian visa in person?

Yes, you can apply for some Indian visas in person, but online application is often available and preferred.


  1. Ministry of Home Affairs. General Policy Guidelines Relating to India Visa. mha.gov.in. April 10, 2024. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexI_01022018.pdf> []
  2. Ministry of Home Affairs. General Policy Guidelines Relating to India Visa. mha.gov.in. Retrieved April 10, 2024. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexI_01022018.pdf> []

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Rosalie Santos
Written by

Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

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Santos, Rosalie. "Indian visa application time." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-visa-application-time/. Accessed on 9 April 2024.

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Santos, Rosalie. "Indian visa application time." Visas For Future. April 9, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-visa-application-time/.

Published: 9 Apr 2024 23:18 UTC

Last modified: 9 Apr 2024 23:21 UTC

Reading time: 9 minutes

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