Can I Get an India Visa on Arrival?

By Andrew Lewis on 22 Jun 2023

Visas on arrival are fast, simple, and convenient solutions for modern-day travelers. Available upon arrival in your destination country, you don’t need to plan ahead or apply in advance. But not every country offers visas upon arrival or offers them for all countries.

Read on to learn about India’s visa-on-arrival policies and whether you qualify.

Which Countries Can Get an India Visa on Arrival?

Nationals of the following countries can get an India visa on arrival:

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • United Arab Emirates (must have previously obtained an Indian e-Visa or paper visa from a prior trip)

Furthermore, there are three countries that don’t need visas to enter India:

  • Bhutan
  • The Maldives
  • Nepal

Can Americans Get a Visa on Arrival in India?

No, American travelers and US citizens visiting India are not eligible for a visa on arrival. If you’re a US national planning a trip to India, you’ll need to get a valid visa before your trip. There are many fast and convenient options, like the Indian tourist visa and the electronic visa (or e-Visa).

What Is the Difference Between an e-Visa and a Visa on Arrival?

Both e-Visas (electronic or digital visas) and visas on arrival streamline and speed up the visa application process, so it’s easy to confuse the two. But there are very clear differences.

Even though e-Visas are often processed in minutes with no waiting time, you need to apply before you arrive in the country, whether it’s a tourist e-Visa, a business e-Visa, or a medical e-Visa.

In comparison, a visa upon arrival is exactly as it sounds: a visa you receive when you arrive in the country with a valid passport, not before.

What Types of Visas Are Available for India?

Even though US passport holders can’t get a visa on arrival, India offers other visa types for foreigners, including tourist visas, visas for medical treatment, e-Visas, and business visas.

Entriva can help you learn more, from the visa types available to the supporting documents required, down to nitty-gritty details like how many blank pages you need in your valid US passport, what counts as sufficient funds for a business visa, how long it takes to process e-Visas, and any applicable e-Visa fees.

What Is the Visa Fee for India?

The cost for a visa to India varies depending on your trip’s purpose and timing. While it’s possible to apply for an Indian visa yourself, either by mail or via the e-Visa portal, booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges among the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

Be Visa-Ready for India

Hoping to visit India? Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an India visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to India, including local laws, health and safety, travel requirements, and the visa types available, visit our India content hub.