India Visa for US Citizens
US citizens are among the best-served nationalities for Indian visas — eligible for the e-Visa and, since its restoration, the long-duration 10-year tourist visa. This guide covers what is specific to American travellers; the documents and process for each visa type are the same for all foreign nationals and are covered on our service pages.
Last reviewed: · Independent consultancy — verify with official sources
India Visa Essentials for US Citizens
- •The Government of India has restored long-duration (10-year) regular paper tourist visas for US nationals — a longer validity than most other nationalities receive. Verify the current terms on the official portal or with an Indian mission before applying.
- •The two tourist routes limit your stay differently. MHA's visa guidelines limit each visit on a regular tourist visa to 180 days for US nationals, on a visa of up to 10 years. The e-Visa portal limits 1- and 5-year e-Tourist holders to 180 days in a calendar year. The conditions printed on your own visa are the ones that bind you.
- •Tourist visas — e-Visa and paper alike — may only be used to enter at a designated air or sea immigration check post. Arriving overland or by riverine route on a tourist visa is not permitted, which matters if you were planning to enter from Nepal, Bhutan or Bangladesh.
- •The 10-year restoration took effect on 28 March 2022. The separate 30-day gratis tourist visa scheme was discontinued on 1 April 2022, so there is no longer a free short-stay option.
Which India visa do you need?
The requirements and process for each category are the same for all foreign nationals. For tourism, American travellers use the official e-Visa portal. For everything below, we handle the paperwork end to end:
Meetings, conferences, investment exploration.
Paid work with an Indian employer.
Spouses and children of visa holders.
Persons of Indian origin and spouses.
Treatment at recognised Indian hospitals.
Mandatory for stays beyond 180 days.
Extend an eligible long-stay visa.
Leave India after an overstay or expiry.
For tourism, most US citizens use the official India e-Visa portal. For business, employment, family (X), OCI, medical, or any FRRO/compliance matter in India, apply through the appropriate route — our team handles the paperwork end to end.
India Visa FAQs for US Citizens
Can US citizens get a 10-year India tourist visa?
Yes — the Government of India has restored long-duration (10-year) multiple-entry regular tourist visas for US nationals. Each visit is limited to 180 days under MHA's visa guidelines. Confirm the validity and conditions printed on your visa when it is issued, as terms can change.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit India?
Yes. There is no visa-free entry for US citizens. Most short visits use the e-Tourist Visa applied for online; longer or non-tourist purposes require the appropriate regular visa.
Can a US citizen work in India on a tourist or business visa?
No. Paid employment with an Indian entity requires an Employment Visa, applied for before travel. A Business Visa covers meetings and investment exploration but not employment. We can confirm the correct category for your situation.
Can I enter India overland on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas restrict entry to designated air and sea immigration check posts; land border and riverine routes are not permitted. If your itinerary includes crossing from Nepal, Bhutan or Bangladesh, you need a category that allows it — check before you book.
Is there still a free 30-day tourist visa for US citizens?
No. The single-entry 30-day gratis tourist visa scheme was discontinued on 1 April 2022. Short visits now use the paid e-Tourist Visa or a regular visa from an Indian mission.
Official government sources
We base our guidance on official Indian government sources and update it as rules change. Requirements are set by the authorities and can change — always verify the current position directly before you apply:
Disclaimer: India Visa Experts is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with the Government of India, its missions, or any government agency. Visa decisions rest solely with the relevant authorities. Nationality-specific terms (validity, eligibility) can change — verify the current position on the official sources above before you apply. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. See our editorial policy.
Applying for an India visa from the United States?
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Independent consulting service. Not affiliated with the Government of India or any government agency.