How Long Does It Take for a U.S. Citizen to Get an Indian Visa?

If you're a U.S. citizen planning a trip to India - whether it's for street food in Delhi, yoga in Rishikesh, or beaches in Goa - the first real hurdle isn't the flight cost. It's the visa. And no, you can't just show up at the border and hope for the best. The good news? Getting an Indian visa is faster and simpler than it used to be. But how long does it actually take? Let’s cut through the confusion.

There Are Two Main Ways to Get an Indian Visa

As of 2026, U.S. citizens have two official paths: the e-Visa and the traditional consular visa. Most travelers go the e-Visa route. It’s cheaper, faster, and you don’t need to mail your passport anywhere.

The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, medical visits, and conferences. If you’re just sightseeing, you’ll want the Tourist e-Visa. It lets you stay up to 180 days, and you can apply online in under 10 minutes.

e-Visa Processing Time: The Real Answer

Officially, the Indian government says e-Visa applications take 4 business days to process. But here’s what actually happens in 2026:

• Most applications are approved in 24-72 hours. If you apply on a Monday morning, you’ll likely get your visa by Wednesday night.
• Weekend applications (Friday evening or Saturday) get processed on Monday. Don’t assume weekends count as business days.
• Peak season delays happen. If you’re applying in November or December - right before the holiday rush - expect 3-5 days.
• Over 90% of applications are approved if you fill them out correctly. The biggest reason for rejection? A blurry passport photo.

There’s no premium rush service. You can’t pay extra to jump the line. But if you apply early - say, 10 days before your trip - you’ll be fine. I’ve seen people apply on a Tuesday and land in Mumbai on Friday with their visa already in their inbox.

What You Need to Apply (e-Visa Checklist)

Applying is straightforward, but one mistake can delay you. Here’s what you need:

• A valid U.S. passport (with at least six months left before expiry)
• A digital passport photo (white background, no glasses, no smiling - yes, really)
• A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
• Your travel itinerary (hotel names and dates - no need for flight tickets yet)
• Your email address (this is where the visa lands)

Don’t forget: the photo rules are strict. No hats, no shadows on your face, no filters. If your photo looks like a selfie from 2018, it’ll get rejected. I’ve seen travelers waste three days because they used a phone screenshot instead of a proper headshot.

Traditional Consular Visa: When You Need It

Most people don’t need this. But if you’re planning to stay longer than 180 days, work, study, or volunteer in India - you’ll need the consular visa. This one takes longer.

You must schedule an appointment at the Indian consulate nearest you. In the U.S., that’s usually New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, or San Francisco. Processing time? 5 to 10 business days. Add another 3-5 days for mailing your passport back and forth. So total? 10-15 days minimum.

It’s also more expensive - around $160 USD - and requires extra documents like proof of income or a letter from your employer. If you’re a tourist, skip this. Stick to the e-Visa.

What Happens After You Get Approved?

You’ll get an email with a PDF attachment. That’s your visa. Print it. Bring it with your passport. Border agents in India don’t have access to your email. They need the paper copy.

Also, double-check the dates. The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of your first entry. You can enter India any time within 120 days of approval. So if you apply on March 1, you can arrive on June 20 and still be fine.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Visa

• Applying less than 7 days before departure - too risky
• Using a passport photo that’s too dark, too bright, or cropped wrong
• Typing your name differently than on your passport (e.g., “J. Smith” vs. “John Smith”)
• Applying for the wrong visa type - like choosing business when you’re just traveling
• Forgetting to check if your passport expires within six months of your return date

One traveler I know applied on a Friday, got rejected on Monday because of a glare on her glasses. She reapplied on Tuesday, got approved on Thursday, and flew out Saturday. Total time: 6 days. She was lucky.

Can You Get a Visa on Arrival?

No. India does not offer visas on arrival for U.S. citizens. That myth still circulates online. You must apply before you leave. No exceptions.

What About Multiple Entries?

The tourist e-Visa is double-entry. That means you can leave India - say, for Nepal or Sri Lanka - and come back once within the 120-day validity window. If you plan to exit and re-enter more than once, you’ll need to apply for a new visa.

Pro Tip: Apply Early, Even If You’re Not Sure

Here’s what I do: I apply for the e-Visa as soon as I book my flights. Even if I’m not 100% sure about the dates. The visa is valid for 120 days from approval. So if you apply on February 1 and your flight gets pushed to April 15, you’re still covered.

And if you change your mind? The visa isn’t refundable - but you don’t have to use it. No penalty. Just don’t apply more than 120 days before your trip. The system won’t let you.

Bottom Line: How Long Does It Really Take?

For most U.S. citizens applying for a tourist e-Visa:

• Fastest: 24 hours - if you apply on a weekday, have perfect documents, and the system isn’t backed up
• Typical: 2-3 business days - this is what 8 out of 10 people experience
• Safest: Apply 7-10 days before departure - eliminates all stress
• Never wait until the last minute - technical glitches happen. People get sick. Flights change. Plan ahead.

If you’re on a budget, the e-Visa costs $80 USD. That’s less than a good pair of hiking shoes - and way cheaper than getting stuck at the airport because you didn’t plan.