India Visa Fees 2025: What You Really Pay to Enter the Country

When planning a trip to India, one of the first things you need to sort out is the India visa fees 2025, the mandatory cost to legally enter India as a tourist, business traveler, or medical visitor. Also known as India e-visa cost, this fee isn’t just a formality—it’s the gatekeeper to everything from the beaches of Goa to the temples of Varanasi. Unlike some countries that offer free entry or visa-on-arrival, India requires all foreign tourists to apply online ahead of time, and the price varies depending on your nationality, how long you plan to stay, and what kind of visa you need.

The most common visa for travelers is the India tourist visa, a digital entry permit valid for up to 180 days, issued for single, double, or multiple entries. For U.S., Canadian, and most European citizens, the fee is around $100 for a 10-year multiple-entry visa, but shorter-term options like the 6-month visa cost less—often under $50. If you’re from a country with a reciprocal agreement, you might pay even less. There’s also a India e-visa, the official online application system that replaced paper visas in 2015 and now handles over 90% of tourist entries. This system is fast, secure, and transparent—you’ll see the exact fee before you pay, with no hidden charges.

Don’t forget: there are different visa types for different reasons. If you’re traveling for medical treatment, you’ll need a India medical visa, a special category with slightly different fees and requirements. Business travelers apply for a business visa, which costs more than a tourist visa and requires an invitation letter. And if you’re planning to stay longer than six months or work in India, you’ll need a different permit altogether—none of these are covered by the standard tourist e-visa.

The good news? India’s visa fees are among the most affordable in the world for long-term access. Compare that to the $160 U.S. visa or the $200+ Schengen visa, and India’s pricing feels generous. But don’t get fooled by low prices—some third-party sites charge extra for "expedited processing" or "assistance." The official site is simple, secure, and free to use. You pay only what the government charges.

What you’ll find in the articles below is a collection of real, practical advice from travelers who’ve been through the process. You’ll learn which airports make visa checks easiest, how to avoid scams, what documents you actually need to upload, and how the visa fee changes if you’re traveling with kids or as a senior. There’s also info on visa extensions, what happens if your application gets rejected, and how to plan your trip around visa validity dates so you don’t get stuck.

India doesn’t make it hard to visit—you just need to know the rules before you go. Let’s cut through the noise and get you the facts you need to cross the border with confidence.