The 10-year Indian visa for US citizens costs $160 and is available as a regular sticker visa through the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Unlike the e-Visa, which maxes out at 5 years, the 10-year tourist or business visa requires an in-person or mail-in application. This guide explains exactly how to get one, what it costs, and whether it is the right choice for your travel plans.
What Is the 10-Year Indian Visa?
The 10-year Indian visa is a multiple-entry sticker visa stamped into your passport by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. It is available in two categories:
- 10-year Tourist Visa – for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting family
- 10-year Business Visa – for business meetings, trade, and commercial activities
Both types allow multiple entries into India over the 10-year validity period. However, there is a key restriction: the maximum continuous stay per visit is typically 180 days (6 months) per calendar year for tourist purposes, and the visa can be revoked or restricted at any time by the Indian government.
The 10-year visa is not available through the e-Visa system. The e-Visa program offers a maximum validity of 5 years, so if you want the full decade of validity, you must apply through the traditional embassy route.
10-Year Indian Visa Cost for US Citizens
The fee for a 10-year Indian visa for US citizens is the same regardless of whether it is a tourist or business visa.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Tourist Visa | $160 | 10 years | Multiple entry |
| 10-Year Business Visa | $160 | 10 years | Multiple entry |
The $160 fee is set by the Indian Embassy and applies uniformly to all US passport holders. This is the same fee charged for 1-year and 5-year regular visas – so the 10-year option gives you the best value per year of validity.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the $160 government fee, plan for these extra expenses:
| Additional Cost | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CKGS/VFS service fee | $20 – $30 | Processing center service charge |
| Shipping (mail-in) | $15 – $25 | Return shipping via FedEx/UPS |
| Passport photos | $10 – $15 | Two recent 2×2 inch photos |
| OCI card (alternative) | $275 | One-time, lifetime validity |
For a full breakdown of all Indian visa fees – including e-Visa options – see our complete India visa fees guide.
How to Get a 10-Year Indian Visa: Step by Step
The application process involves submitting documents through an authorized visa outsourcing center. Here is how to do it from start to finish.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Go to the Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and fill out the regular visa application form (not the e-Visa form). You will need to:
- Select “Regular/Paper Visa” as the visa type
- Choose your visa category (Tourist or Business)
- Select “10 Years” as the duration
- Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel plans
- Upload a digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport
- Print the completed application form and sign it
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare these documents before submitting your application:
- Valid US passport – must have at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photos – 2×2 inches, white background, taken within the last 3 months
- Printed and signed application form – from Step 1
- Proof of address – driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement
- For business visas – an invitation letter from an Indian company or organization
Check our detailed visa requirements checklist for the full list of documents and eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Submit Through a Visa Center
US citizens must submit applications through one of the authorized Indian visa outsourcing centers:
| Submission Method | Processing Time | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| In-person at CKGS center | 5-7 business days | Walk in with documents, get biometrics taken |
| By mail (USPS/FedEx) | 7-14 business days | Ship documents to the nearest CKGS center |
| Through a visa agency | 7-10 business days | Third-party handles everything (higher cost) |
CKGS (Cox and Kings Global Services) is the authorized visa outsourcing partner for the Indian Embassy in the US. They have centers in major cities including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Step 4: Track and Collect Your Visa
After submission, you can track your application status online using your application reference number. Once approved, your passport will be returned with the 10-year visa sticker inside.
10-Year Visa vs e-Visa: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between a 10-year regular visa and a 5-year e-Visa depends on your travel frequency and convenience preferences.
| Feature | 10-Year Regular Visa | 5-Year e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 10 years | 5 years |
| Cost | $160 | $80 |
| Application method | Embassy/Consulate | Online |
| Processing time | 5-14 business days | 72 hours |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Max stay per visit | 180 days/year | 90-180 days |
| Passport pages needed | 2 blank pages | Digital only |
If you travel to India frequently and want to avoid reapplying, the 10-year visa is the better long-term value. If you need a visa quickly or prefer the convenience of applying online, the 5-year e-Visa for US citizens is the faster option.
When the OCI Card Makes More Sense
For very frequent travelers or those with Indian heritage, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is worth considering. At $275, it offers lifetime visa-free travel to India (no visa stickers, no reapplications). However, it does not allow voting, government employment, or agricultural land ownership.
Who Is Eligible for a 10-Year Indian Visa?
US citizens are among the nationalities eligible for the 10-year Indian visa. Basic eligibility requirements include:
- Valid US passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- No prior visa violations or overstays in India
- No criminal record that would trigger denial under Indian immigration law
- Sufficient documentation to support the stated purpose of travel
The Indian Embassy reserves the right to issue a visa with shorter validity or fewer entries than requested. A 10-year visa is not guaranteed – some applicants may receive a 1-year or 5-year visa instead, particularly first-time applicants.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Understanding why applications get denied can help you avoid problems:
- Incomplete application – missing documents or unsigned forms
- Passport validity – fewer than 6 months remaining at time of application
- Photo issues – wrong size, wrong background, or outdated photos
- Previous overstay – history of overstaying a prior Indian visa
- Inconsistent information – discrepancies between the application and supporting documents
If your application is denied, the $160 fee is non-refundable. Double-check all requirements before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 10-year visa for India?
Yes. US citizens can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist or business visa through the Indian Embassy or Consulate. The fee is $160, and applications are processed through authorized visa outsourcing centers like CKGS.
Is the 10-year Indian visa available as an e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa program offers a maximum validity of 5 years. The 10-year option is only available as a regular sticker visa through the embassy route. If you want the convenience of online application, the [5-year e-Visa](https://e-visa-india.info/india-tourist-evisa/) is the longest-duration e-Visa option.
How much does a 10-year Indian visa cost for US citizens?
The government fee is $160 – the same as a 1-year or 5-year regular visa. You may also pay $20-$30 in service fees to the CKGS processing center, plus shipping costs if applying by mail.
How long does it take to get a 10-year Indian visa?
Processing typically takes 5-7 business days for in-person applications and 7-14 business days for mail-in applications. During peak travel season (October-March), processing may take longer.
Can I stay in India for the full 10 years?
No. The 10-year validity means you can enter India multiple times over 10 years, but the maximum continuous stay per visit is typically 180 days per calendar year for tourist purposes. You must leave India before your permitted stay expires.
What is the difference between a 10-year visa and an OCI card?
A 10-year visa costs $160 and expires after 10 years, requiring reapplication. An OCI card costs $275 but offers lifetime visa-free travel to India. However, OCI is only available to people of Indian origin or their spouses, while the 10-year visa is open to all US citizens.
Do I need to visit the Indian Embassy in person?
Not necessarily. You can submit your application by mail through CKGS, the authorized visa outsourcing center. However, CKGS may require in-person biometrics in some cases, and first-time applicants are sometimes asked to appear in person.
Can I convert my e-Visa to a 10-year visa?
No. An e-Visa cannot be converted or extended into a 10-year regular visa while in India. You must apply for the 10-year visa separately through the embassy process before traveling.
What if I only get approved for a 5-year visa instead of 10?
The Indian Embassy reserves the right to issue visas with shorter validity than requested. If you receive a 5-year or 1-year visa instead of 10 years, you can reapply after the visa expires. The $160 fee is the same regardless of the validity issued.
Is the 10-year visa available for children?
Yes, children with their own US passport can be issued a 10-year Indian visa. However, the child’s passport must also have at least 6 months validity. Since US passports for minors under 16 are only valid for 5 years, children typically cannot use the full 10-year validity without a passport renewal.
