Planning a trip to India involves more than choosing flights, hotels, and places to visit. For many international travelers, obtaining the correct visa is an important part of preparing for the journey. One of the most convenient options available to eligible foreign visitors is the Indian eVisa, which allows travelers to apply online before their trip rather than visiting an Indian embassy or consulate for a traditional visa.
The cost of an Indian eVisa depends on several factors, including the applicant's nationality, the type of eVisa requested, the period of validity, and the applicable payment or bank charges. India does not use one universal eVisa price for every traveler. Instead, fees are determined according to nationality and visa category.
Current Indian government fee information shows that eTourist visa charges can vary substantially by nationality and validity period. The published fee schedule includes different rates for one-month, one-year, and five-year eTourist visas, and a 3% bank charge may be added to the applicable eVisa fee.
What Is an Indian eVisa?
An Indian eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued to eligible foreign nationals who want to travel to India for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or other permitted activities. Instead of receiving a traditional visa sticker in a passport, the traveler receives an electronic approval document.
The eVisa system is particularly useful for tourists because much of the application process can be completed online. Travelers generally provide personal information, passport details, travel information, a photograph, and other required documentation during the application.
The eVisa should not be confused with a regular Indian visa issued through an embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The costs, validity periods, requirements, and application procedures can be different.
How Much Does an Indian eVisa Cost?
There is no single fixed price for every Indian eVisa applicant. The Indian government's country-specific fee table demonstrates that the cost varies according to the applicant's nationality and the type and duration of the eVisa.
For example, the published fee schedule includes one-month eTourist visas, one-year eTourist visas, and five-year eTourist visas. Some nationalities have fees as low as zero for particular categories or periods, while others have substantially higher charges.
The published schedule also shows examples of significant differences between nationalities. For instance, the listed five-year eTourist visa rate is USD 200 for many nationalities, while special rates apply to certain passport holders. The same table lists different rates for United Kingdom and United States citizens.
Because of these differences, travelers should not rely on a general statement such as "an Indian eVisa costs $25" or "an Indian eVisa costs $100." The actual amount can depend on the applicant's passport and the visa selected.
Indian eVisa Cost by Validity Period
The tourist eVisa is available in different validity categories. The main options commonly encountered by eligible travelers include the one-month tourist eVisa, one-year tourist eVisa, and five-year tourist eVisa.
One-Month Indian eTourist Visa
The one-month eTourist visa is designed for travelers planning a relatively short visit to India. It can be an economical option when the trip is limited to a single holiday.
The fee is nationality-dependent. Some countries have different seasonal or country-specific arrangements, so applicants should check the fee displayed for their nationality during the application process.
For travelers who only plan to visit India once for a short vacation, the one-month option may make more financial sense than paying for a longer-duration visa.
One-Year Indian eTourist Visa
A one-year eTourist visa can be useful for travelers who expect to visit India more than once. The cost depends on nationality and can be higher than the short-duration option.
The advantage is that the traveler may not need to submit a completely new tourist visa application for every eligible trip during the visa's validity, subject to the conditions of the visa.
This can make the one-year option attractive to people who travel to India regularly for tourism or to visit friends and family.
Five-Year Indian eTourist Visa
The five-year eTourist visa is intended for travelers who expect to make repeated visits to India over an extended period.
For many nationalities, the published government fee is USD 200, although special rates apply to particular nationalities. The official fee table, for example, lists USD 160 for United States passport holders and a different amount for United Kingdom passport holders.
A five-year visa can be more expensive initially, but frequent travelers may find it convenient because they do not have to apply for a new tourist eVisa every time they plan another eligible trip.
Why Does the Indian eVisa Price Vary by Nationality?
One of the most important things to understand about Indian visa fees is that pricing is not necessarily identical for every passport.
India maintains country-specific visa fee arrangements. As a result, two travelers applying for the same type of Indian eVisa may see different fees depending on their citizenship.
This is why checking the applicable fee for your own nationality is essential before budgeting for an Indian holiday.
The official country-by-country fee schedule contains numerous nationality-specific rates and should be treated as more reliable than generic visa-price information found on travel blogs or older websites.
Additional Bank Charges
The advertised eVisa fee may not always represent the complete amount charged to your payment method.
The Indian government's eVisa fee information states that a 3% bank charge is added to applicable eVisa fees.
This means travelers should allow for a small additional amount when calculating their final payment.
For example, if the applicable visa fee were USD 100, a 3% bank charge would add approximately USD 3, making the payment approximately USD 103 before considering any other charges that might arise from the payment provider or currency conversion.
The exact amount shown at checkout is the amount travelers should use when preparing their payment.
Is the Indian eVisa Free?
Some applicants may see a zero fee for particular nationality and visa combinations. The official fee tables contain several entries showing zero-dollar charges for certain nationalities or categories.
However, travelers should not assume that an Indian eVisa is universally free.
The cost is determined by the applicable nationality-specific fee schedule and the particular eVisa category. A traveler from one country may pay no government visa fee while a traveler from another country may have to pay a substantial amount for the same general type of eVisa.
It is therefore important to check the fee applicable to the passport being used for travel.
Indian eVisa Cost for UK Citizens
United Kingdom passport holders should pay particular attention to the nationality-specific Indian eVisa fee rather than relying on the standard rate displayed on general travel websites.
The official fee table lists a special rate for UK nationals. For the five-year eTourist visa, the published amount is different from the standard USD 200 rate shown for many other nationalities.
The cost of the one-month and one-year options can also differ according to the applicable fee schedule.
UK travelers should therefore check the current amount for British passport holders when completing an application.
Indian eVisa Cost for US Citizens
United States passport holders also have specific fee arrangements.
The current government fee table lists a five-year eTourist visa for US nationals at USD 160. This is different from the USD 200 amount shown for many other nationalities.
The important lesson is that travelers should always identify the nationality associated with the passport they will use for entry into India before calculating the visa budget.
Indian eVisa Cost for Other Nationalities
For travelers from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, North America, South America, and other regions, the price can vary considerably.
Some nationalities may have standard rates, while others may have special arrangements. Certain countries can also have zero-fee arrangements for specific eVisa categories.
Because the country-by-country table contains many entries, it is better to check the exact nationality rather than estimate the cost based on another traveler's experience.
This is especially important when planning a group trip in which travelers have different citizenships. Members of the same family or travel group can potentially have different visa fees if they hold passports from different countries.
Does the Visa Type Affect the Cost?
Yes. The type of Indian eVisa selected can affect the cost.
Tourists generally look at the eTourist visa, but India also provides electronic visa categories for purposes such as business and medical travel, subject to eligibility requirements.
A business traveler should not select a tourist visa simply because it appears cheaper. The visa category should correspond to the actual purpose of the trip.
The cost, validity, permitted activities, and conditions can differ between categories.
Does a Longer Visa Always Cost More?
Not necessarily in terms of overall value.
A five-year eVisa generally requires a larger initial payment than a short-duration eVisa, but that does not mean it is always the best choice for every traveler.
Someone visiting India once for a short holiday may have little reason to purchase a longer-duration visa. In contrast, a traveler who expects to return several times may find a longer-validity visa more convenient.
The decision should therefore consider both the upfront price and how frequently you expect to travel to India.
Example of Comparing Indian eVisa Costs
Imagine a traveler is planning a two-week holiday in India.
If the traveler has no plans to return to India during the next several years, a short-duration tourist eVisa may be sufficient. Paying for a five-year visa could mean spending more than necessary.
Now imagine another traveler who visits India every year to see family and also takes additional tourism trips. A longer-duration eTourist visa could provide greater convenience because the traveler may be able to use the visa for eligible future visits during its validity.
The cheapest visa is not necessarily the most suitable visa. The best option depends on the traveler's nationality, travel plans, and intended frequency of visits.
Other Costs to Include in Your India Travel Budget
The Indian eVisa fee is only one part of the total cost of an international trip.
Travelers should also consider airfare, accommodation, airport transportation, travel insurance, meals, sightseeing, local transportation, and other personal expenses.
Depending on the traveler's circumstances, there may also be costs associated with obtaining a passport, taking a compliant photograph, making document copies, or arranging other travel documentation.
If an applicant uses a third-party visa assistance service rather than applying independently, that service may also charge its own processing or assistance fee. Such a fee is separate from the Indian government's visa charge.
Government Visa Fee vs. Service Fee
This distinction is particularly important when searching online for the "cost of Indian eVisa."
A website may advertise an Indian eVisa price that is higher than the government fee because it is charging for additional services.
For example, a private service might provide application assistance, document checking, customer support, or other administrative help. Its total price can therefore include both the government visa fee and a separate service charge.
Travelers should carefully examine the price breakdown before making payment so they understand which portion represents the government fee and which portion represents an optional service.
Avoid Confusing an Indian eVisa With a Regular Visa
Another common source of confusion is the difference between an Indian eVisa and a traditional visa.
Regular visa fee schedules can contain prices that are very different from eVisa fees. For example, an Indian embassy's published fee chart can list standard tourist, business, entry, employment, or student visa fees separately from eVisa arrangements.
Therefore, searching for "India tourist visa cost" without specifying "eVisa" can produce several different prices.
When planning an online application, make sure the information relates specifically to the Indian eVisa category you intend to use.
When Should You Pay the Indian eVisa Fee?
Applicants normally complete the online application and proceed through the payment process as part of the eVisa application.
Before making payment, carefully review your information. Passport numbers, dates of birth, names, nationality, and other personal information should match the travel document that you will use.
Errors in an application can create problems later, so rushing through the payment process is not advisable simply because you want to secure the visa quickly.
Can the Indian eVisa Fee Change?
Yes. Visa fees and related policies can change.
Government fee schedules are periodically revised, and country-specific rates can be updated. The official Indian eVisa fee documentation currently available in 2026 contains updated country-by-country pricing information, including revisions published during 2026.
For this reason, an article, social-media post, or travel forum comment from several years ago may contain a price that is no longer accurate.
Travelers should check the current amount when preparing their application rather than relying exclusively on an old quoted price.
Is the Indian eVisa Worth the Cost?
For many eligible travelers, the eVisa can be a convenient way to prepare for a trip to India.
The biggest advantage is convenience. Instead of arranging an appointment and submitting a traditional visa application through an embassy or consulate, eligible travelers can complete the electronic application process online.
The value becomes particularly apparent for travelers who live far from an Indian diplomatic mission or who have limited time before their trip.
However, convenience should not mean ignoring the details. Travelers should verify eligibility, select the correct visa category, provide accurate information, and check the applicable fee before submitting the application.
Tips for Keeping Indian Visa Costs Under Control
Travelers can avoid unnecessary expenses by preparing carefully.
First, determine the correct visa category before beginning the application. Applying for the wrong category can lead to complications.
Second, check the nationality-specific fee instead of assuming that another traveler's price applies to you.
Third, remember the additional bank charge when calculating the expected payment.
Fourth, compare the cost of a short-duration visa with a longer-duration option based on your actual travel plans.
Finally, be cautious when using third-party websites. A private service may charge a service fee in addition to the government visa fee. Understanding the difference can prevent surprises at checkout.
Common Questions About the Cost of an Indian eVisa
How much is an Indian eVisa?
There is no single price for every traveler. The fee depends on nationality, visa category, and validity period. The official country-specific fee table should be checked for the current amount.
Is there a 3% charge on the Indian eVisa?
The published Indian eVisa fee information states that a 3% bank charge is added to applicable eVisa fees.
Is the five-year Indian eVisa $200?
For many nationalities, the published fee is USD 200, but this is not universal. The same official table lists special rates for certain nationalities, including the United States and United Kingdom.
Does nationality affect the Indian eVisa price?
Yes. India uses country-specific fee arrangements, so applicants holding different passports can pay different amounts.
Is an Indian eVisa cheaper than a regular visa?
The answer depends on the applicant's nationality, visa category, and circumstances. eVisa and regular visa fee schedules are separate, so they should be compared using the applicable current rates.
Can I apply for a five-year eVisa if I only plan one trip?
Eligibility and visa rules determine which options are available. Even when a longer-duration visa is available, travelers should consider whether its additional cost is worthwhile for their expected travel pattern.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of an Indian eVisa
The cost of an Indian eVisa is not a single fixed amount. India uses nationality-specific pricing, and the final cost can depend on the eVisa category and validity period selected. One-month, one-year, and five-year tourist eVisas can have different prices, while special rates may apply to particular nationalities.
Travelers should also remember that an additional 3% bank charge can apply to the eVisa fee.
The most sensible approach is to determine your nationality, choose the visa category that matches your reason for visiting India, consider how long and how often you intend to travel, and then verify the current fee before payment.
By understanding the difference between government fees, bank charges, and optional third-party service fees, travelers can prepare a more accurate budget and avoid unexpected costs when arranging their journey to India.