Sometimes travel doesn’t always go as planned, and in such cases you may need to extend your stay. If you’re visiting India without Indian citizenship, perhaps you found that one month wasn’t enough time for you to see and do everything you wanted, and you want to stay longer on a fresh tourist visa.

For business professionals visiting India, it might be taking longer than expected to close the deal, or maybe you want to pursue a new business opportunity. If you’re visiting India to undergo a medical procedure, chances are you might need more time to recover before traveling.

Whatever the reason for extending your stay in India, you’ll need to extend your visa as well. Here’s how to extend or renew your India visa in the USA.

India Visa Types for US Citizens

There are multiple types of visas for foreign nationals looking to enter India. Some of the visas available to US citizens are extendable, and others are not:

  • e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa, e-Business, e-Conference, e-Emergency X-Misc): Not renewable
  • e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant: Renewable
  • Tourist Visa: Renewable under specific conditions
  • Medical Visa: Renewable
  • Medical Attendant Visa: Renewable
  • Employment Visa: Renewable
  • Student/ Research Visa: Renewable
  • Missionary Visa: Renewable
  • Project Visa: Renewable
  • Business Visa: Renewable
  • Conference Visa: Renewable

Important Information About India Visa Extensions

  • e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant visas can be extended for up to six months.
  • The length and cost of the extension varies based on your visa type and country of origin (if you’re not a US citizen).
  • If you’re staying in India for more than 180 days, you’ll need to register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
  • If you want to extend an eligible visa type, you’ll need to do so through the FRRO.
  • The e-FRRO web portal is an easy way to apply for an extension smoothly and quickly.

How to Extend Your India Visa

For all the visas listed above that can be extended or renewed, eligible foreign nationals will follow the same process. It’s recommended that you apply for your visa extension at least two weeks prior to expiration day. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an India visa extension.

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1. Go to the local FRRO office or the Indian e-visa portal

Create a user ID and password to create a profile. Do the User Authentication steps (email or phone number) to verify your identity.

2. Once your profile is verified, log in

Fill out the visa application form and select the appropriate visa type needed for extension. Upload necessary documents (see below).

3. Make your payment

You’ll receive an email requesting a visa-extension payment. Pay the amount due. If your payment was successful, you’ll see a confirmation page.

4. Wait to receive your India visa extension

Processing time generally takes seven to 10 business days; e-Visas are usually processed faster. You can check the e-FRRO portal for updates. You’ll receive your India Visa Extension / Registration Certificate by email.

Documents Needed for India Visa Extension

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your current India visa
  • Recent photos (JPG format, max size 1 MB; passport size 3.5 x 3.5 cm or 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • Proof of residence/address (Form C issued by hotel or lodging)
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Medical/Medical Attendant Visas

In addition to the above, you’ll need a medical certificate from a recognized hospital and Registration Certificate/Residential Permit.

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Business Visas

In addition to the above, you’ll need proof of business endeavors, such as official documents, RBI/GOI approval, incorporation letter, etc.

As necessary documentation can change or vary depending on visa type, applicants should confirm additional information and documents with the FRRO support center.

India Visa Extension Costs

Costs for extending your India visa vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. Some will not require a fee. Check with Entriva or the FRRO for more details about specific extension costs.

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.

Penalties for Overstaying Your India Visa

If you’re unable to extend your visa and overstay your visa duration, the government of India imposes fines in Indian rupees.

  • Overstaying one to 15 days: No fine/penalty
  • Overstaying 16 to 30 days: ₹10,000 (US$122)
  • Overstaying 31 to 90 days: ₹20,000 (US$243)
  • Overstaying 90+ days: ₹50,000 (US$608)

If you are staying longer than 180 days and haven’t registered with the FRRO, you’ll face fines as well for every day you exceed the 180-day limit:

  • One to 15 days: ₹500 (US$6)
  • 16 to 90 days: ₹5,000 (US$61)
  • 91 days to two years: ₹10,000 (US$122)
  • More than two years: ₹20,000 (US$243.31)

Visiting India on a Non-Extendable e-Visa

If you want to enter India using the easier and faster e-Visa types, we advise that you apply for one of the longer e-Visa options to give yourself some flexibility. For example, e-Tourist visas are available for one-month, one-year, or five-year durations. If you think you would like the option to extend your visit, pay extra to get the one-year or five-year option instead of the one month.

Preparing for Your India Trip

Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected requirements before 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, such as restrictions, requirements, health and safety, and cultural customs, visit our India content hub.