Cost of India Visa: Updated Guide to India Visa Fees
Key Takeaways
India visa fees depend on the visa type you choose (tourist visa, business visa, transit visa, and others), your nationality, and the duration of your stay, from 30 days up to one year and beyond. Here is what you need to know before you apply:
Indicative fee ranges (subject to change): e-Tourist visa 30-day: US $10–$25; one year multiple entry e-Tourist visa: ~US $40; regular sticker tourist visa (UK): ~GBP 127; business visa (USA): ~€146; transit visa: ~€19–$25.
The total cost of an India visa usually includes the basic government visa fee plus potential service charges from outsourcing centers, card transaction fees, and the mandatory Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) surcharge.
Visa application fees are generally non-refundable regardless of approval status-even if your application is withdrawn, refused, or a shorter validity is granted.
Indian visa types include tourist, business, medical, and student categories, among others. Visa costs in India depend on nationality and visa type.
Always double-check the latest official fee on the Government of India e-visa portal or the authorized outsourcing partner website before paying.
Introduction: How Much Does an India Visa Cost?
India visa fees vary widely. A US citizen applying for a 30-day e-Tourist visa might pay as little as $10 during off-season months, while a UK national seeking a five-year business visa could pay over GBP 567. The exact amount depends on three factors: your nationality, the visa category, and how long you want the visa to remain valid.
Below is a quick comparison table with approximate government fees for several major nationalities. These figures are indicative and for guidance only-exchange rates and periodic Indian government revisions can change the exact amount in local currency.
Visa Type | USA Nationals | UK Nationals | EU/Schengen | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
e-Tourist 30-day (Jul–Mar) | US $25 | US $25 | US $25 | US $25 |
e-Tourist 1-year multiple entry | US $40 | US $40 | US $40 | US $40 |
Regular tourist (up to 1 yr) | €146 + ICWF | GBP 127 + ICWF | ~€92 + ICWF | Reciprocity-based |
Business (up to 1 yr) | €146 + ICWF | GBP 189 + ICWF | ~€110 + ICWF | Reciprocity-based |
Transit (up to 15 days) | ~€19 + ICWF | ~€19 + ICWF | ~€19 + ICWF | ~€19 + ICWF |
To verify the latest fee applicable to your nationality, visit the official Indian e-visa portal or the website of the Indian mission in your country.
Understanding India Visa Fees: Components and Terminology
When people refer to "visa fees," they often lump several charges together. In reality, the total cost of your India visa has distinct components:
Government visa fee: The core fee set by the Government of India (GOI). This is the amount listed on official consulate fee schedules and depends on visa type, duration, and nationality.
ICWF surcharge: The Indian Community Welfare Fund fee is a small mandatory addition (typically €3 or £3 equivalent) charged on nearly all consular services.
Service or outsourcing fee: If you apply through an authorized visa application center such as VFS Global or CKGS, they add a fixed processing fee on top of the government fee.
Beyond these, there are convenience fees for online card payments-India applies a 3% bank transaction fee on e-visa payments, for example-and optional extras like SMS updates, courier return of your passport, or photocopying at the center.
If you see a price on a third-party website that seems too high, check whether it includes a commercial markup beyond the official visa fee.
India Tourist Visa Cost (e-Visa and Regular Sticker Visa)
A tourist visa for India covers holidays, visiting friends and family, attending short non-paid courses, and casual sightseeing. You can either apply for an e-Tourist visa online or obtain a regular sticker visa through an Indian mission.
e-Tourist visa fees (indicative, in USD):
30-day double entry (April–June): US $10
30-day double entry (July–March): US $25
One year multiple entry: US $40
Five-year multiple entry: US $80
Tourist e-Visas vary by season from $10 to $25, making the April–June window noticeably cheaper for applicants from most countries.
Regular visa fees vary based on duration and nationality. For UK nationals, a sticker tourist visa up to one year costs approximately GBP 127, while a one-to-five-year tourist visa jumps to around GBP 378. For USA nationals, the regular tourist visa (up to 10 years, single or multiple entry) is approximately €146 plus ICWF.
Some nationals-including those from countries like Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Jamaica-may pay reduced or adjusted visa fees based on bilateral agreements. If you are a frequent visitor, a one year tourist visa is often more economical than buying repeated short e-visas, once you factor in service and transaction fees each time.
India Business Visa Cost
The India business visa is designed for meetings, sales visits, technical support, trade fairs, or setting up business contacts. It does not permit traditional employment in India.
Common validity and entry options include 6 months multiple entry, one year multiple entry, and up to five years where available. The fee generally increases with longer validity:
UK nationals: Business visa up to 1 year: ~GBP 189; 1–5 years: ~GBP 567
USA nationals: Business visa up to 10 years: ~€146 + ICWF €3
Other nationalities (via LA consulate): Up to 1 year: ~€110 + ICWF; 1–5 years: ~€228 + ICWF
Visa fees for UK nationals include charges from £63 to £567 across different categories and durations, making the UK fee schedule one of the broadest ranges. Business visa applications are usually processed through outsourcing centers that add a fixed service charge on top.
Applicants should also factor in possible extra costs: document legalization, company invitation letter preparation, and courier return of passports can collectively add a meaningful amount to the total bill.
India Transit Visa Cost
A transit visa is intended for passengers passing through India en route to a third country, staying for a very short maximum period-typically up to 15 days with single or double entry. You cannot engage in tourism or business on a transit visa.
Not everyone needs one. If you remain in the international transit area and your airline and airport allow it, you may not need to enter India's immigration system at all. Always verify based on your nationality and routing.
Transit visa fees are substantially lower than tourist or business visas. For example, the fee through many European missions is approximately €19 + ICWF €3. In rare cases, transit may be free for certain passport holders under treaty arrangements.
If your layover is long enough that you plan to leave the airport, or if you have multiple short transits through India, it may be more practical and cost-effective to apply for a short tourist visa instead.
Always confirm both airline policies and Indian visa rules before traveling-boarding can be denied if the correct visa or authorization is not in place.
Other India Visa Types and Their Approximate Costs
Beyond tourist, business, and transit, India offers several specialized visa categories:
Medical visa / medical attendant visas: For patients seeking treatment in India and their companions. Fees are typically comparable to short-stay tourist visas, though urgent processing can raise costs.
Student visa: For those joining an educational course in India. UK nationals pay approximately GBP 179 for a student visa valid up to five years.
Employment visa: For nationals taking on paid employment in India. Fees are notably higher-UK nationals may pay GBP 360 for up to 6 months, rising to GBP 467 for longer durations.
Journalist visa: Required for media professionals. Fees and documentation requirements are often more involved.
Conference visa: For attending conferences or seminars. Applicable fees align broadly with business visa categories.
Research visa: For academic or scientific research in India. Due to frequent regulatory updates, fees should always be checked directly with the relevant Indian mission.
Long-duration visas such as multi-year employment or student visas may have higher upfront fees, but they can still be cost-effective over time compared to frequent renewals. Applicants planning non-tourist travel should budget for additional administrative costs-university letters, hospital documents, employer attestations, and similar paperwork all carry their own preparation expenses.
Nationals from a wide list of countries are eligible for various Indian visa categories. This includes applicants from Canada, France, Australia, UAE, Thailand, Philippines, Korea (Republic of Korea), Argentina, Ireland, Israel, Poland, Denmark, Tanzania, Uruguay, Ecuador, Mongolia, Zambia, Angola, Togo, and many others. Pakistani nationals are subject to separate rules and typically face more restrictive application procedures and reciprocity-based pricing.
The Isle of Man, while a British Crown dependency, may have its own applicable fee structure-applicants from there should confirm with the relevant UK-based Indian mission.
India E-Visa Fee vs. Regular (Sticker) Visa Fee
The India e-visa system allows applicants from eligible countries to apply fully online and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization via email after payment. Electronic visas include e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, and e-Conference categories-covering most common travel purposes.
Advantages of the e-visa:
Often a lower basic fee (e.g., $25 for 30 days vs. €92+ for a regular sticker visa)
No need to ship your passport or attend an in-person appointment
E-visa fees can be paid online, and no emergency fees are charged for e-visa applications
E-Visas can offer a more cost-effective option compared to regular visas for short, infrequent trips
Advantages of the regular sticker visa:
Longer validity options (one year, five years, or even ten years for USA nationals)
More flexible single or multiple entry configurations
Broader port-of-entry options and sometimes wider purpose categories
Better value for frequent travelers over a 12-month period
The e-visa fee is paid online at the time of application, and the payment gateway fee is typically displayed separately. The entry visa sticker, on the other hand, is issued at the mission after payment through the outsourcing center.
Choose the e-visa if you are making a single short trip. Choose the regular visa if you plan to visit India repeatedly within a year or need a duration exceeding what the e-visa permits.
How to Calculate Your Total India Visa Fee
Here is a step-by-step method to calculate your total cost before you submit your visa application:
Select your visa category: Tourist visa, business visa, transit visa, employment visa, med visa, student visa, etc.
Choose your duration and entries: Options typically range from 30 days to one year or longer, with single, double, or multiple entry. A 6 months visa, for instance, will cost less than a multi-year one.
Look up the government fee: Use the official fee table for your nationality on the Indian mission's website. Fees are usually shown in INR, USD, EUR, or GBP depending on the issuing mission.
Add mandatory surcharges: Include the ICWF fee (usually around €3/£3) and any reciprocity-based additional fee charged to your nationality.
Add service center fees: If applying through VFS, CKGS, or another outsourced partner, add their published processing fee.
Add optional extras: Courier return, SMS notifications, photocopying, and other value-added services.
Worked example: A UK citizen applying for a one year multiple entry tourist visa through a visa center would pay approximately GBP 127 (government fee) + GBP 3 (ICWF) + ~GBP 15–25 (service center fee) + optional extras = roughly GBP 145–160 total.
Always print or save the fee breakdown at the time of booking your appointment or submitting an online application. This is your reference if any discrepancy arises.
Refunds, Changes, and Hidden Costs
India visa fees are generally non-refundable. This applies whether your application is withdrawn before a decision, refused outright, or granted with a shorter validity or fewer entries than you requested.
Once the fee is paid and the application submitted, changes to visa type, nationality details, or travel dates usually require a completely new application-and a new payment.
Commonly overlooked costs include:
Biometric collection fees at med x centers or visa offices
Photo booth charges at visa application centers
Bank or card transaction fees (especially the 3% surcharge on e-visa payments)
Travel expenses to and from the visa office, particularly in countries with few application centers
Fees charged by some centers even if they cannot accept your application due to missing documents in the English language or incorrect format
Read the terms and conditions on the official site or authorized partner portal carefully so you understand refund rules and fee liabilities before paying. The MX or country code shown on your receipt should match your application details.
Saving Money on Your India Visa
A few practical strategies can reduce your total visa cost:
Choose the right duration upfront. If you plan two or three trips in a year, a one year multiple entry visa is almost always cheaper than buying separate 30-day e-visas each time.
Apply during off-season. For many nationals, a 30-day e-Tourist visa costs just $10 during April–June versus $25 the rest of the year.
Use official channels only. Apply through the official Indian government e-visa portal or officially appointed visa application centers. Unverified third parties often inflate service packages.
Get it right the first time. Submitting accurate documents and details avoids rejections-and the need to pay the full visa fee again.
Watch currency exchange rates. If you are paying in a foreign currency, timing your payment when rates are favorable can slightly reduce the effective cost.
Step-by-Step: Paying Your India Visa Fee Securely
For an online e-visa application, the payment process typically follows this sequence:
Complete the online application form with your passport details and travel information.
Upload the required photo and passport scan.
Reach the payment page, where the visa fee and any applicable bank transaction fee are displayed.
Pay using a major credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, and some local wallets are accepted). Not all cards from all countries work reliably-contact your bank to enable international transactions if needed.
Receive a payment confirmation on screen and via email. The Electronic Travel Authorization is sent via email after payment, typically within 72 hours.
Tips to avoid payment errors:
Do not refresh the payment page during processing
Check your spam folder for the receipt email
Verify that the amount charged matches the official fee plus the published bank transaction surcharge
For in-person applications at a visa center, payment methods vary by country-cash, card, or bank draft may be accepted. A printed receipt is issued at the counter. Immediately query any unexplained additional charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of an India Visa
Is the India visa fee the same for every nationality?
No. Visa fees are based on reciprocity and policy decisions, so citizens of different countries pay different amounts for the same type and duration of India visa. For example, USA nationals pay approximately €146 for a long-validity tourist or business visa, while nationals from other countries may pay €92 or less for similar validity. The fee list for your nationality is published on the website of the Indian mission in your country.
Does a longer one year India visa always cost more than a short-stay visa?
A one year or multi-year visa usually has a higher upfront fee. However, for frequent travelers, it can be substantially cheaper per trip compared with purchasing multiple short-stay e-visas over the same period, especially once you add repeated service and transaction fees.
Are children charged the same India visa fee as adults?
In most cases, children pay the same government visa fee as adults for India. However, some countries or specific categories may have reduced fees for minors. Check the specific fee table for your nationality and the age of the applicant.
Can I transfer my India visa or visa fee to a new passport?
The visa is issued to a specific passport number. If your passport expires but your visa is still valid, you may be able to carry both the old passport and new passport when you enter India-but policies vary and you should confirm with the mission. The visa fee itself cannot be transferred or refunded once paid.
Do I have to pay the India visa fee again if my application is rejected?
Yes. If an application is refused, the visa fee is normally not refunded. Reapplying requires paying the full visa fee and service charges again. This is one more reason to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.