How to Apply for an India Visa From the USA

Updated October 2012

Applying for an India Visa from the USA can be a bit intimidating. Fortunately the process has been streamlined significantly since the Indian Government shifted its visa collection and distribution processing in 2009 to Travisa Outsourcing.

You will need several documents in order to successfully complete the India Visa application paperwork. Once completed, all required documents, passport and India Visa application can be sent by mail or submitted in person to your regional Indian Consulate. See list of Visa Application Requirements for US citizens.

Different Types of India Visa

Tourist Visa

This is the type of India visa issued for the common traveler, issued to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.

If you only plan to visit one time, opt for the 6 month. On the chance you may visit more than once, it’s worth your money to upgrade to a longer multiple entry visa. A multiple entry status allows the visa holder to enter and exit the country an unlimited about of times within the validity of the visa*.

Each stay is not to exceed 180 days, and registration is not required upon arrival to India. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days). Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So a 6 Month visa issued on January 1 would be valid until June 30.

*A 2 month gap must be observed between exit and reentry to India unless a bona fide itinerary is submitted at time of application to allow multiple entries on same visit.

Cost & options: 6 month $76, 5 year $166 and 10 year $166

Transit Visa

This type of visa is issued to allow the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Example, a layover in Delhi for an onward flight to Nepal or Sri Lanka.

The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only for a maximum period of 3 days. A tourist or other appropriate visa should be obtained for a stay beyond 3 days. Change of visa purpose is not permitted once approved.

Cost & options: 15 day (Single Entry) $56, 15 day (Double Entry) $56

Business Visa

This type of visa is strictly given those who are doing business in India (such as making sales or establishing contacts) on behalf of a company outside of India.

Each stay is not to exceed 180 days, and registration is not required upon arrival to India. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days).

Cost & options: 1 year $176, 5 year $256 and 10 year $256

Conference Visa

This type of visa is issued to those with an invitation to a conference/seminar/workshop being organized in India by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings, Central Educational Institutions, Public Funded University or an organization owned and controlled by the Government of India or State Government, UN or its specialized agencies and reputed NGOs.

Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So a 3 month visa issued on January 1 would be valid until March 31.

Cost & options: 3 months (single Entry) $116

Additional types of India Visas are available for individuals who do not fall under a tourist or business category including: Entry Visa, Employment Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Research Visa and Student Visa.

India Visa Process Tutorial

Apply By Mail

Gather all the required documents and paperwork, including your passport and self addressed postage paid return envelope, and mail to the address supplied by Travisa. Note: India Consulates are jurisdictional. The Consulate designated for application processing may not be the closest one.

Applications sent by mail for US citizens born in the US take up to 10 business days to process from the date of receipt. Note: Indian Consulates observe national Indian holidays not celebrated in the USA.

Apply In Person

All required documents and paperwork, including your passport, must be brought to the designated drop off location provided by Travisa at the end of the online application process. Note: India Consulates are jurisdictional. The Consulate designated for application drop off may not be the closest one.

A drop off time will be provided. A separate pick-up time will be provided after the application is successfully submitted.

You can also apply in person at one of the 5 Consulates. Each state is served by a regional location. Check the locations below to see which location you would apply in person with.

Indian Consulate and Embassy Locations in the USA

Embassy
Washington, D.C.
Jurisdiction: DE, DC, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, BS

Consulates

San Francisco
Jurisdiction:  AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NE, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY

Houston
Jurisdiction: AL, AR, FL, GA, KS, LA, MS, OK, TX

Chicago
Jurisdiction: IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, ND, SD, WI

New York City
Jurisdiction: CT, ME, VT, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, PR, RI, VI

Atlanta:
TBD, currently no visa services

Related posts:

1. New Passport, Old Visa: How to Transfer Your Valid India Visa
2. Complete Visa and Passport Requirements for Entry into India
3. Oops! Visa Overstay in India