Do U.S. Citizens or Green Card Holders Need a Visa to Enter India?

Here’s the short answer upfront:

• U.S. citizens: Yes, you must have a valid visa to enter India.
• U.S. green card holders (non-U.S. citizens): You also need a visa, based on your passport nationality.

India does not offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for U.S. passport holders. However, the application process has become much easier thanks to India’s electronic visa system.

If you hold a U.S. passport, you are required to obtain a visa before traveling to India. Most travelers today choose the Indian e-Visa, which allows you to apply online without visiting a consulate.

Common Visa Options for U.S. Citizens

• Tourist e-Visa
  Ideal for sightseeing, visiting family, or short leisure trips.
  • Available in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year options
  • Multiple entries allowed (depending on validity)
  • Typical stay limit: up to 90 days per visit
• Business e-Visa
  For meetings, conferences, or commercial activities.
  • Usually valid for 1 year
  • Multiple entries permitted
  • Each stay typically capped at 180 days
• Medical e-Visa
  For those traveling for medical treatment.
  • Short-term validity
  • Allows entry for patient and attendants

All visas are issued under regulations set by the Government of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs, so accuracy in your application matters.

Holding a U.S. green card does not exempt you from India’s visa requirements. Your visa eligibility depends entirely on the passport you carry.

For example:

• An Indian passport holder with a U.S. green card may qualify for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) benefits.
• A green card holder with a passport from another country must follow India’s visa rules for that nationality.

Key Point to Remember

India grants visas based on citizenship, not U.S. residency status. Always check requirements according to your passport country before applying.

The e-Visa system is designed to be traveler-friendly and efficient.

What You’ll Need

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• A recent passport-style photograph
• A scanned copy of your passport bio page
• Travel details and arrival port information

Processing Time

Most e-Visas are processed within 3–5 business days, though applying at least a week in advance is strongly recommended.

Once approved, the e-Visa is emailed to you. You’ll present it upon arrival in India, along with your passport.

Indian e-Visas are valid at major international airports and seaports across the country. Travelers from the United States typically arrive via major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.

If you’re planning a long-haul journey, align your visa validity carefully with your travel dates—especially if you’re hunting for a cheap flight from USA to India that may involve flexible departure or return options.

Even experienced travelers can run into issues. Watch out for these common errors:

• Applying for the wrong visa category
• Entering incorrect passport details
• Waiting until the last minute to apply
• Assuming a green card replaces a visa requirement

Small mistakes can lead to denied entry, so double-check every detail before submitting your application.

Visa duration and stay limits depend on the type of visa issued:

• Tourist e-Visa: Up to 90 days per visit
• Business e-Visa: Up to 180 days per visit
• Medical e-Visa: As specified in approval

Overstaying—even by a single day—can lead to fines or future travel restrictions. Always track your permitted stay carefully.

Travel regulations can change, but India’s visa policy for U.S. citizens and green card holders has remained consistent: a visa is mandatory before arrival. Planning early gives you the flexibility to coordinate your documents, travel dates, and budget—especially when you’re trying to time visa approval alongside cheap flight tickets to India from USA during peak seasons.

Yes—U.S. citizens and green card holders need a visa to enter India. The good news? The e-Visa system makes the process straightforward if you apply correctly and on time.

With your visa sorted, you can focus on the exciting parts of your journey—exploring India’s culture, cuisine, and history— while keeping your travel plans smooth and stress-free.