#indiavisafees

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India gets millions of tourists, business travellers, and expats annually. As an American tourist in India, you will need to get a visa. Depending on the kind of visa, how long you will stay, and other fees as additional services, you pay such charges. To be aware beforehand of how much you would have paid for visas is worth budget planning.

This guide classifies the India visa for Americans in 2024 into various visa types, fees, and fee determiners.

Types of US Citizen Indian Visas and Fees

There is more than one type of Indian visa available for visit intent. Below is a comprehensive fee structure:

1. eVisa Fees for US Citizens

The Indian eVisa is an effortless option if you require a short-stay visa. It's completed online, and no embassy visit is required.

30-Day Tourist eVisa:

$10 (April to June)

$25 (July to March)

1-Year Tourist eVisa: $40

5-Year Tourist eVisa: $80

The eVisa is not able to be altered or extended. If you discover you require extra time or visits beyond what is permitted by the eVisa, you can apply for the standard sticker visa.

2. Normal Sticker Visa Fees

For regular or extended visits, India provides normal stamped consular and visa office visas. These are the normal tourist visa fees:

6-Month Tourist Visa: $100

1-Year Tourist Visa: $150

5-Year Tourist Visa: $200

10-Year Tourist Visa: $250

Note: A 10-year visa can be issued for tourism and business purposes only.

3. Business Visa Fees

For US nationals on business trips, investments, or meetings in India visa fees are:

1-Year Business Visa: $160

5-Year Business Visa: $270

A business visa requires an invitation letter from the Indian company and other documents.

4. Employment Visa Fees

In case you are coming to India for immigrant work purposes, you require an employment visa, and the fee is:

1-Year Employment Visa: $120

5-Year Employment Visa: $300

The employment visa must be supported by a work contract, employer confirmation, and company registration proof.

Other India Visa Application Fees

Apart from base visa charges, there are others you should know:

Service Fee (for eVisa Processing): $2-$20, depending on how fast.

Regular Visa Processing Charge: An additional $3-$10, depending on where you live.

Expedited Processing Charge: If you want your visa processed quickly, you will have to pay an additional charge for expedited processing.

Factors That Affect India Visa Fees

Indian visas for Americans vary with a checklist of considerations:

Type of Visa: Business and employment visas cost more than tourist visas.

Length of Visa: visas that last longer cost more than visas of shorter durations.

Processing Speed: Rush service is an additional cost.

Accuracy of Application: Mistakes in your application will incur re-application fees.

Fluctuations in Currency Exchange: Visa fees will slightly vary with the exchange rate.

Visa Fee Payment Options

India visa fees can be paid using one of a number of options, depending on whether an eVisa or a normal visa is applied for:

eVisa Payment Options:

Credit/Debit Cards

Online Banking

UPI or Payment Wallets (for Indian-issued cards)

Normal Visa Payment Options:

Credit/Debit Cards (for online submission)

Demand Draft or Cash (at the visa processing centres)

Note: Once paid, the visa fee will not be refunded even if the application is rejected.

India Visa Fee Refund Policy

There will be no refund of the visa fee by the Indian government in case of rejection. In the interest of saving financial loss, ensure:

Your documents are complete and as per requirement.

Your passport is valid for at least six months from the arrival date.

Your application is prepared beforehand before submitting.

Tips to Shorten Visa Processing Time

3-5 business days for eVisa approval and 15 business days for regular visa approval. To receive expedited approval, keep the following tips in mind:

Apply Ahead: Submit your application 4 weeks before your travel date.

Check Documents Twice: Flawed documents may cause delays or rejection.

Use a Reliable Internet Connection: When applying online, upload clear and valid scanned documents.

Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Express processing is expensive and not always guaranteed.

Conclusion

India visa fees as an American tourist will prepare you better for the trip. Indeed, whether going for short stays or sticker visas for extended stays, having the fees known beforehand makes it easier.

Due to the purpose of visiting, India has different visas for American citizens. Having knowledge about more than one visa, fee, and processing time is useful in order to make your experience a swift, hassle-free experience.

Types of Indian Visas for U.S. Citizens

Business Visa (B): For conferences, meetings on business, or negotiations. The business visa can also be issued for 10 years on multiple entries, just like the tourist visa.

Entry Visa (X): For people of Indian origin or for travelling to India to meet their kin. The entry visa can be of any range of durations, as per the case of the applicant himself.

Employment Visa (E): For personnel employed in an Indian firm or business firm in the US. The employment visa will generally be for the tenure of the contract of employment, up to five years.

Student Visa (S): For students coming to study academic courses in India. The student visa is valid for the length of the course or five years.

Medical Visa (MED): For individuals who wish to obtain medical attention in India. A medical visa is usually granted for a period not exceeding six months and may be renewed based on either the patient's condition or status.

Visa Fees

The fees for U.S. citizen visas are different based on the period and type of visa:

Tourist and Business Visas: Single or multiple entry in 10 years: $160.

Entry Visa:

Not exceeding six months: $100.

Over six months but not exceeding one year: $140.

Over one but not exceeding five years: $220.

Employment and Project Visas:

Not exceeding six months: $140.

More than six months but not exceeding one year: $220.

Between one and five years: $220.

Student and Research Visas:

For course duration or five years: $100.

Medical and Medical Attendant Visas:

Up to but not exceeding six months: $100.

Six months and up to but not more than one year: $140.

Keep in mind that visa fees can fluctuate, and occasionally there is an extra consular fee. Always better to check the most recent cost prior to applying.

Application Process

The Indian visa application has some quite important steps: 

Fill in the online application: Fill out a visa application form, available on the Indian official government visa website.

Gather Supporting Documents: Supporting documents depending on the kind of visa can consist of a valid passport, recent photos, evidence of residence, and supporting documents depending on the kind of visa.

Submit the Application: Submit the application using the services of the authorised visa service provider, like VFS Global, by post or in person.

Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the fee for the visa at the application centre or online, depending on how the application is submitted

Appear for an Interview (if required): A face-to-face interview at the consulate can be required for some classes of visas.

Get the Visa: Once approved, the visa will be stamped onto your passport and sent back to you.

Smooth Application Tips

Check Accuracy: Carefully check all data on your application and supporting papers for accuracy and completeness.

Apply Early: Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow processing time and slack.

Stay Informed: Keep up with official Indian embassy or consulate websites on current visa policy and regulations