Indian e-Visa Timeline: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

When you plan a trip to India, the Indian e-Visa, a digital travel authorization for tourists, business travelers, and medical visitors to India. Also known as India tourist visa online, it lets you skip the embassy line and apply from your couch. But the biggest question isn’t how to apply—it’s how long it takes. Too early, and you waste money. Too late, and you miss your flight.

The official Indian e-Visa timeline, the standard processing window for approved applications is 72 hours. That’s three days. But here’s the real deal: most people get their visa in under 24 hours. Some even get it in five hours. But don’t count on that. If you’re flying out in five days, apply today. If you’re planning a trip next month, apply two weeks out. The system doesn’t rush for anyone—not even if you pay extra. There’s no priority lane. No secret shortcut. Just a digital queue.

And timing matters more than you think. If you apply on a Friday afternoon, your clock doesn’t start until Monday. Holidays in India or your home country can delay things. The government doesn’t process requests on weekends or Indian public holidays. So if you’re leaving on a Tuesday, don’t wait until the Friday before. You could be stuck without your visa and lose your booking. Also, your e-Visa is only valid for 60 days from the date of issue—not from your travel date. So if you apply too early, it might expire before you even leave.

There are three types of e-Visas: tourist, business, and medical. All follow the same timeline rules. Tourist visas let you stay up to 60 days and can be used twice a year. Business visas let you meet clients or sign deals. Medical visas are for treatment—and they require a letter from an Indian hospital. None of them let you work, teach, or live in India. And if you’re flying into a port or airport that doesn’t accept e-Visas? You’re out of luck. Only 150+ designated points accept them. Check the list before you book your flight.

What you need to apply? A passport with six months left, a clear photo, a credit card, and an email address. No letters. No interviews. No fingerprints. Just fill out the form, upload your photo, pay the fee, and wait. The system checks your background automatically. If you’ve ever been denied a visa by the U.S., UK, Canada, or Australia, you’ll need to answer extra questions. Don’t lie. They’ll find out.

Once you get your e-Visa, print it. Bring it with your passport. Immigration officers don’t scan your phone. They want paper. And if you’re entering through a land border? Forget it. E-Visas only work at airports and major seaports. No land crossings. No train stations. Just the big entry points.

Below, you’ll find real traveler stories, hidden mistakes, and the exact steps to make sure your e-Visa arrives on time—no surprises, no stress, no missed flights.