Tourist Visa (e-Tourist & Regular Tourist Visa): Allows stays of up to 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years, depending on the visa type. Multiple entries allowed.
Temporary Resident Visa (Employment, Student, Business, Medical Visas): Typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the purpose. Renewable.
Permanent Resident Visa (Overseas Citizen of India - OCI): Grants indefinite stay with multiple entry privileges.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa: Costs range from $10 to $100, depending on nationality and duration.
Temporary Resident Visa: Costs vary from $75 to $200, depending on type and duration.
Permanent Resident Visa (OCI): Application fee is approximately $275.
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: Not extendable except in exceptional cases.
Temporary Resident Visa: Renewable as per visa type and conditions.
Permanent Resident Visa (OCI): Not applicable; provides lifetime validity.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Typically processed within 2 to 5 days for e-Visas; regular visas may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Temporary Resident Visa: Processing time ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on visa type.
Permanent Resident Visa (OCI): Processing takes 6 to 12 weeks.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Available to citizens of most countries; eligibility varies based on diplomatic agreements.
Temporary Resident Visa: Individuals seeking work, education, business, or medical treatment in India.
Permanent Resident Visa (OCI): Foreign nationals of Indian origin or spouses of Indian citizens.
Where to apply?
Applications can be submitted online via the Indian e-Visa portal or at an Indian consulate/embassy in your country of residence.