India
Strict — systematically checked at boarding and arrivalIndia welcomed 9.5 million international tourists in 2023, a 44% increase from 2022. The main source markets are Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
India requires proof of return or onward travel for all foreign travelers applying for an e-visa. It is one of the strictest destinations in Asia on this point: the return ticket is a mandatory document in the e-visa application form. Airlines also verify before boarding. With nearly 10 million international tourists per year, India remains a major destination for backpackers and long-term travelers seeking cultural experiences across the subcontinent.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
India has modernized its visa system with the e-visa, available to over 170 nationalities. Three options are available for tourists: the 30-day e-visa (double entry), the 1-year e-visa (multiple entry), and the 5-year e-visa (multiple entry). Since October 2025, the digital Electronic Arrival Card is progressively replacing the paper arrival form.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa (30 days) | 30 days (double entry) | 25 USD~23 EUR |
| e-Tourist Visa (1 year) | 1 year (multiple entry, 90 days per stay) | 40 USD~37 EUR |
| e-Tourist Visa (5 years) | 5 years (multiple entry, 90 days per stay) | 200 USD~185 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Indian airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) requires a transit visa or e-visa even for a short layover. The e-Transit Visa category exists but is rarely used. A confirmed ticket to your final destination is mandatory.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages
- Printed e-visa (ETA Granted) or saved on phone
- Electronic Arrival Card completed online before flight (mandatory since 2025)
- Proof of onward or return travel (mandatory for e-visa)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement or cash)
Practical tip
When applying for an Indian e-visa online, you must provide your return ticket details in the application form. A Volward onward ticket allows you to fill these fields with verifiable information and obtain your visa without purchasing a definitive return ticket.
Order an onward ticket for India
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket to enter India?▾
Yes, it is mandatory. The Indian e-visa application form requires your return or onward ticket details. Without this information, your visa application is likely to be rejected. Airlines also verify at the check-in counter before boarding.
Which Indian e-visa should I choose: 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years?▾
The 30-day e-visa (25 USD) is suitable for a short trip. The 1-year e-visa (40 USD) is ideal for travelers who plan to return to India. The 5-year e-visa (80 USD) offers maximum flexibility for frequent visitors. In all three cases, each stay is limited to 90 days.
Is the Electronic Arrival Card mandatory for entering India?▾
Since October 2025, India has been rolling out the digital Electronic Arrival Card via the official website or the Su Swagatam mobile app. It is progressively replacing the paper form. We recommend completing it online before your flight to avoid long queues at immigration.
Do Indian airlines check return tickets?▾
Yes. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and all airlines operating flights to India verify return tickets in accordance with IATA regulations. European carriers (Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways) departing for India are equally strict about this verification.
Can I extend my stay in India beyond 90 days?▾
No, the e-Tourist Visa cannot be extended beyond 90 days per stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave the country and return (if your visa allows it). For extended stays, a regular consular visa is required.
Does transiting through India require a visa?▾
Yes, unlike many countries, India does not allow visa-free transit. Even for a simple plane change, you need a transit visa or e-visa. The e-Transit Visa is a quick option for short-duration transits through Indian airports.
Is a train ticket to Nepal accepted as proof of exit?▾
Airlines at the check-in counter almost exclusively accept flight tickets with a verifiable PNR. A train or bus ticket to Nepal, even with a confirmed reservation, will likely not be accepted at check-in for your flight to India.
Are immigration checks strict at Delhi and Mumbai?▾
Immigration checks in India are rigorous, especially at Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi (DEL) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai (BOM). Officers systematically verify the e-visa, stay details, and may ask for your return ticket. Having a verifiable PNR significantly facilitates the process.
