India

For travel to India, there are two types of tourist visas for US citizen travelers: a standard paper Indian visa and an Indian e-visa.

Tourist Visa

The standard paper tourist visa is valid for ten years. These cost US$150. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees (starting at just $50).

E-tourist Visa

If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible to apply for an India visa online, an easy and convenient process. You can choose e-Visas depending on the length of stay. E-Visas are available in one-month (30 days), one-year, and five-year increments.

In addition to Entriva’s handling fees, e-tourist visa fees vary by visa type and country of origin. But most are as follows:

• 30-day visa, April to June: US$10
• 30-day visa, July to March: US$25
• One year (365 day) visa: US$40
• Five-year visa: US$80

You need to apply for an Indian e-Visa at least four days prior to your arrival date, with processing and delivery of the e-Visa within three business days.

The Government of India also offers e-Visas for business and medical treatment with an e-business visa and an e-medical visa.

Passport: In addition to your e-Visa or paper visa for India, you’ll also need a valid passport with at least two blank pages and an expiration date at least six months beyond the date of your visa application.

Vaccinations: If you’re traveling to India from yellow fever–affected countries, you’ll need to bring proof of vaccination against yellow fever. While not required, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and, depending on where you’ll be traveling within India, taking antimalarial medicine.

• Delhi belly: Many travelers deal with stomach and digestion issues, due to unfamiliar bacteria in the food and water. Avoid tap water by drinking and using bottled water for hygiene needs, like brushing teeth.
• Be wary of pickpockets in busy, crowded areas and popular tourist sites. Be careful of scams or being ripped off at currency exchanges.
• Bring and frequently use hand sanitizer.
• For women travelers, expect to occasionally experience harassment while out in public. You can try to avoid confrontations by traveling with a group, wearing a wedding ring, and being discreet so as not to draw attention to yourself.

• Don’t take photographs of bridges, border crossings, military areas, or inside certain temples, such as the Taj Mahal
• Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites
• Take off your shoes when entering temples
• Do not engage in overt public displays of affection, due to cultural norms and laws regarding PDA
• Do not smoke in public places
• Avoid eating beef, as cows are sacred in Hinduism

If you’re arrested and imprisoned in India, you should immediately seek legal assistance from a reputable law firm or lawyer. You should also immediately alert your country’s embassy or consulate. They can provide assistance and guidance on what you should do next.