India Visa Fees for US Citizens: In-depth Breakdown
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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.
To prevent surprises or even rejection of the application, diligently confirm requirements, pay necessary fees, and apply well ahead. Travel safe!
