India visa fees range from $10 for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa to $160 for a regular tourist or business visa at an embassy. The e-Visa system offers the most affordable option, with additional bank processing fees of 2.5% to 3% on top of the base fee. This guide covers every fee type so you know exactly what to budget before applying.
India e-Visa Fees by Type (2026)
The Indian government offers electronic visas (e-Visas) through the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fees vary by visa category and duration. All e-Visa fees are paid online during the application process using a credit card, debit card, or payment wallet.
e-Tourist Visa Fees
The e-Tourist Visa is the most popular option for leisure travelers. India offers three duration options:
| e-Tourist Visa Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day (e-T1) | $10 – $25 | 30 days from arrival | Multiple entry |
| 1-Year (e-T1) | $40 | 365 days from ETA grant | Multiple entry |
| 5-Year (e-T1) | $80 | 5 years from ETA grant | Multiple entry |
The exact fee for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of most countries pay $10, while some nationalities pay $25. The 1-year and 5-year options have flat fees regardless of nationality.
With the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas, the maximum stay in India during one calendar year is 180 days. The 30-day visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
e-Business Visa Fees
| e-Business Visa Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | $80 | 365 days from ETA grant | Multiple entry |
The e-Business Visa is valid for one year with multiple entries. It covers business meetings, trade, and commercial activities but does not permit employment.
e-Medical Visa Fees
| e-Medical Visa Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Days | $25 | 60 days from arrival | Triple entry |
The e-Medical Visa allows three entries within the 60-day validity period. Patients traveling to India for medical treatment at recognized hospitals qualify for this category.
e-Medical Attendant Visa Fees
| Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Days | $25 | 60 days from arrival | Triple entry |
Family members or close associates accompanying an e-Medical Visa holder can apply for this visa at the same fee.
e-Conference Visa Fees
| Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Days | $25 | 30 days | Single entry |
This visa is for foreigners attending conferences organized by government bodies, PSUs, or recognized educational institutions.
e-Student Visa Fees
| Duration | Government Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of course | $25 | As per admission | Multiple entry |
The e-Student Visa is available for those admitted to recognized Indian educational institutions.
Additional Bank Processing Fees
On top of the government visa fee, every e-Visa payment includes a non-refundable bank processing fee:
- Bank surcharge: 2.5% to 3% of the visa fee
- Minimum surcharge: Approximately $2 on the lowest-fee visas
- Payment processors: SBI ePay and Axis Bank handle transactions
- Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card, and payment wallets
For example, a $25 e-Visa payment will cost approximately $25.63 to $25.75 after the bank fee. A $80 visa will cost roughly $82 to $82.40.
Regular (Stamp) Visa Fees at Indian Embassies
If you are not eligible for an e-Visa, or you need a visa type not available electronically, you must apply at an Indian embassy or consulate. Regular visa fees are higher and vary by nationality.
| Visa Type | Fee for US Citizens (USD) | Fee for UK Citizens (USD) | Fee for Most Others (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (up to 10 years) | $160 | $168 | $50 – $100 |
| Business Visa (up to 5 years) | $160 | $168 | $50 – $100 |
| Employment Visa (up to 5 years) | $160 | $168 | $50 – $100 |
| Student Visa | $80 | $84 | $25 – $50 |
| Transit Visa | $40 | $42 | $15 – $25 |
| Entry Visa (X-Visa) | $160 | $168 | $50 – $100 |
US and UK citizens pay among the highest regular visa fees due to reciprocal fee arrangements. Citizens of many other countries pay significantly less.
Regular Visa Additional Costs
Beyond the base fee, regular (stamp) visa applications may include:
- Service fee (outsourced centers): $15 – $25 if you apply through VFS Global or a similar visa outsourcing center rather than directly at the embassy
- Courier fees: $10 – $20 for passport return delivery
- Photo fees: $5 – $10 if photos are taken at the application center
e-Visa vs Regular Visa Fee Comparison
| Factor | e-Visa | Regular Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee range | $10 – $80 | $25 – $168 |
| Processing surcharge | 2.5% – 3% bank fee | $15 – $25 service center fee |
| Total cost (typical) | $10 – $82 | $65 – $193 |
| Processing time | 3 – 5 business days | 5 – 15 business days |
| Maximum duration | Up to 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| Application method | Fully online | In-person or mail |
For most tourists and short-term business travelers, the e-Visa is significantly cheaper and faster. The regular visa makes sense when you need a longer validity (up to 10 years), are not e-Visa eligible, or need a visa type not available electronically such as an Employment Visa.
India e-Visa Fees by Nationality
India’s e-Visa fees are not uniform for all nationalities. The government groups countries into fee tiers. Here are the most common fee levels for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa:
| Fee Tier | 30-Day e-Tourist Fee | Representative Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 ($10) | $10 | Most Asian, African, and Latin American countries |
| Tier 2 ($25) | $25 | USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations |
The 1-year ($40) and 5-year ($80) e-Tourist Visa fees are the same regardless of nationality. To check your exact fee, start the application on indianvisaonline.gov.in and the system will display the applicable amount before payment.
How to Pay India e-Visa Fees
Payment happens online as part of the e-Visa application process. You cannot submit your application without completing the payment.
Step-by-Step Payment Process
- Complete the e-Visa application form on indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Upload your passport photo and passport bio page
- Click “Pay e-Visa Fee Online”
- Choose your payment gateway: SBI ePay or Axis Bank
- Enter your credit or debit card details
- Confirm the payment (includes government fee + bank surcharge)
- Receive payment confirmation and reference number
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa credit/debit card
- Mastercard credit/debit card
- American Express
- Payment wallets (varies by gateway)
- Net banking (for Indian bank accounts)
Both SBI ePay and Axis Bank payment gateways are available 24/7. If your payment fails, you can retry through the “Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee” link on the main portal.
Payment Helpdesk Contacts
- SBI ePay: +91-022-65361671 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Axis Bank: +91 1800-419-0073 (24 hours, 7 days, toll-free from select countries)
India Visa Fee Refund Policy
Understanding the refund rules before you pay can save you money:
- e-Visa fees are generally non-refundable once the application is submitted
- Failed payments are automatically reversed within 5 to 7 business days
- Duplicate payments may be refunded after contacting the helpdesk
- Visa rejection does not qualify for a refund – the fee covers processing, not approval
- No emergency or express surcharge exists – the Indian government does not charge additional fees for faster processing
The official advisory from the Government of India states: “Government of India makes no provision of charging of any emergency fees or additional fees for grant of any emergency/express e-visa.” If any third-party website charges you extra for “expedited” processing, that is a red flag.
Free Visa and Fee Waiver Categories
Some travelers are exempt from Indian visa fees or receive reduced rates:
- Diplomatic and official passport holders from certain countries may be exempt
- SAARC nationals from neighboring countries often receive fee concessions
- Children under 12 applying for certain visa categories may receive reduced fees
- Pilgrims and religious travelers on specific government-organized trips may receive waivers
Fee waivers are applied at the discretion of the Indian government and vary by bilateral agreements. Check with the Indian embassy in your country for current waiver policies.
Third-Party Visa Agent Fees
Many travelers use visa agents or online services to handle their India visa applications. These services charge their own fees on top of the government fee:
| Service Type | Typical Fee Range | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Online visa agency | $30 – $100 | Application assistance, document review, tracking |
| Embassy walk-in agent | $50 – $150 | Full application handling, embassy visit |
| Travel agency visa service | $75 – $200 | Application + travel package |
Important: No third-party agent can guarantee visa approval or faster processing than applying directly through indianvisaonline.gov.in. The government fee is the same whether you apply yourself or through an agent. For the e-Visa, self-application is straightforward and saves the agent markup.
Common Mistakes That Waste Money
Avoid these costly errors when applying for an India visa:
- Applying through unofficial websites – Fake sites charge $100+ for e-Visas that cost $10-$80 on the official portal. Always use indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Choosing the wrong visa duration – A 30-day visa costs less but cannot be extended. If your trip might run longer, pay for the 1-year option upfront
- Paying twice – If your payment seems stuck, wait 15 minutes before retrying. Use the “Verify Payment” tool on the portal
- Not checking nationality-specific fees – Your fee depends on your passport nationality, not your residence country. A British citizen living in Dubai still pays UK rates
India Visa Fees FAQ
How much does an India e-Visa cost in 2026?
The India e-Visa costs between $10 and $80 depending on the type and duration. A 30-day e-Tourist Visa is $10 to $25, a 1-year e-Tourist Visa is $40, and a 5-year e-Tourist Visa is $80. An additional bank processing fee of 2.5% to 3% applies to all payments.
Is India e-Visa free for US citizens?
No. US citizens pay $25 for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa, $40 for the 1-year, and $80 for the 5-year option. A bank surcharge of 2.5% to 3% is added on top. India does not offer free e-Visas to US passport holders.
What is the cheapest Indian visa option?
The cheapest option is the 30-day e-Tourist Visa at $10 (for eligible nationalities). Citizens of most Asian, African, and Latin American countries qualify for the $10 tier. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens pay $25 for the same visa.
Do I need to pay the India visa fee again if my application is rejected?
Yes. Visa fees are non-refundable, and a rejected application does not entitle you to a free re-application. You would need to submit a new application with a new payment. To avoid rejection, ensure your documents are complete and meet all requirements.
Can I pay India visa fees in my local currency?
The e-Visa fee is charged in US dollars. Your bank or credit card company will convert the amount to your local currency at their exchange rate. A foreign transaction fee may also apply depending on your card issuer.
Why is there a bank surcharge on India e-Visa payments?
The 2.5% to 3% bank surcharge covers the payment gateway processing cost. SBI ePay and Axis Bank handle the secure online transactions for the Indian government. This fee is non-refundable even if your visa is rejected.
How much does a 10-year Indian visa cost for US citizens?
US citizens can apply for a 10-year regular tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate for $160. This is a stamp visa (not an e-Visa) and requires an in-person application. Additional service center fees of $15 to $25 may apply.
Is it cheaper to apply for an India visa online or at the embassy?
Applying online (e-Visa) is significantly cheaper for most travelers. An e-Tourist Visa costs $10 to $80, while a regular embassy tourist visa costs $50 to $168 depending on nationality. The e-Visa also saves time with 3-5 day processing versus 5-15 days at the embassy.
What happens if I overpay the India visa fee?
Overpayments are rare because the system calculates the exact amount automatically. If a duplicate payment occurs, contact the payment helpdesk (SBI ePay or Axis Bank) with your application ID and payment reference to request a refund of the excess.
Are India visa fees the same for children and adults?
Yes, for e-Visas the fee is the same regardless of age. Every applicant, including infants, needs a separate e-Visa with the full fee paid. For regular embassy visas, some categories may offer reduced fees for children under 12, but this varies by nationality.
