India attracts millions of tourists annually with its unparalleled cultural wealth, magnificent palaces of Rajasthan, spiritual centers like Varanasi, and the paradisiacal beaches of Goa. For international travelers, the regular tourist visa (also known as consular visa or paper-sticker visa) offers a proven and secure way to explore the fascinating subcontinent.
The regular Indian tourist visa is applied for through Indian consulates and embassies and is affixed as a physical sticker in your passport. Unlike the e-Visa, it offers more flexibility for entry and allows longer stays in India.
Most foreign nationals require a valid visa for entry to India. There is no visa-free entry for most tourists. The regular tourist visa is particularly suitable for travelers who want maximum flexibility or have special requirements.
Basically, nationals of most countries can apply for a regular Indian tourist visa. The following regions have standardized processing procedures:
European Countries:
Other Eligible Countries:
Only very few countries enjoy visa-free entry to India:
Important Exclusions:
Nationals of Pakistani origin must apply for a regular visa at an Indian mission as they are excluded from the e-Visa system. However, there are no such restrictions for the regular visa.
The application process varies by country and consulate. Many Indian missions worldwide have implemented outsourced service providers to streamline the application process. The procedure generally consists of several steps and may require personal appointments.
Step 1: Fill Out Online Application Form
Step 2: Schedule Appointment at Consulate or Authorized Service Center
Step 3: Personal Appointment
Step 4: Processing and Collection
Processing times for regular tourist visas are significantly longer than for e-Visas:
Important Notes on Processing Time:
Regular tourist visas must be applied for through Indian consulates, embassies, or their authorized service providers. The specific process varies by country and location.
Applications must be submitted to the Indian mission responsible for your area of residence:
Many Indian missions worldwide work with authorized service providers:
Always use official channels for your application. Many consulates no longer accept postal applications and require in-person submissions through authorized centers.
The costs for regular tourist visas consist of various components and are generally higher than e-Visas.
| Cost Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Consular Fee | Country-dependent | Official Indian government fee |
| Service Provider Fee | Varies by location | Processing fee (including taxes) |
| Biometric Data | Usually included | Fingerprints + facial recognition |
| Optional: Express Service | Variable | Expedited processing |
Document Authentication:
Return Shipping:
Accepted Payment Methods (varies by location):
Important Note: All fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
The document requirements for regular tourist visas are more comprehensive than for e-Visas but offer more security during processing.
Passport:
Application Form:
Biometric Passport Photo:
Financial Evidence:
Travel Documents:
Additional Documents by Purpose:
For Minor Applicants:
Document Authentication:
In some cases, certain documents may need to be authenticated. Apostille authentication is not recognized by Indian authorities in some countries.
Although the regular tourist visa offers comprehensive advantages, there are other visa options for different travel needs.
The e-Tourist Visa can be applied for online with validity up to one year with multiple entries:
Advantages of e-Tourist Visa:
Disadvantages of e-Tourist Visa:
For frequent India travelers, there are long-term tourist visas:
5-Year Tourist Visa:
10-Year Tourist Visa:
For business purposes, a business visa is required:
When a Business Visa Is Needed:
Choose the Regular Tourist Visa if:
Choose the e-Tourist Visa if:
The regular tourist visa offers international travelers the most reliable and flexible way to travel to India. Despite longer processing times and higher costs, it scores with maximum flexibility for entry, longer possible stays, and the security of a proven system. With the implementation of outsourced service providers at many missions, the application process becomes more professional and efficient. The key success factors are timely application (at least 4-6 weeks before travel), complete documentation, and using official consular services. This way, nothing stands in the way of your comprehensive discovery journey through diverse India with all its cultural treasures, spiritual experiences, and scenic wonders.
The regular tourist visa offers several advantages: You can enter through all border crossings (not just designated airports), longer stays are possible, and there is more flexibility with visa durations. E-Visas cannot be extended - for longer stays, you need a regular visa from an Indian consulate.
Most Indian missions now require personal appointments either at the consulate directly or at authorized service centers. You must appear in person to provide biometric data and submit your documents.
Tourist visas are not extendable and not convertible, except under certain conditions for which the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) can be contacted. In most cases, you must exit before expiry and apply for a new visa.
Single entry allows one-time entry, multiple entry allows multiple entries during the validity period. Most tourist visas are issued as multiple entry, which is much more practical for travelers who might want to visit neighboring countries.
Fees are non-refundable, even if rejected. However, you can submit a new application after addressing the rejection reasons. Authorized service providers often offer professional consultation to improve success chances for reapplications.