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India Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

German citizens need an e-Visa for India, applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in; a 30-day e-Tourist visa costs around USD 25-30 with processing of about 3-5 business days.

Guide last updated September 9, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online e-Visa application at indianvisaonline.gov.in
  • Digital passport-style photo (color, plain white/light background, taken within the last 6 months) uploaded during the application
  • Scanned copy of your passport bio page (front page with photo)
  • Return or onward flight ticket details for the application form
  • Proof of accommodation in India may be requested
  • Biometrics are not required for the e-Visa itself, but on-arrival biometric enrollment (photo and fingerprints) is now standard at Indian airports for most foreign nationals
  • Travel health insurance is recommended though not mandatory for German citizens

Visa types

  • e-Tourist visa: single, double, or multiple entry, valid for 30 days from arrival (short-term), 1 year (multiple entry), or 5 years (multiple entry); approximate fees USD 25-30 (30-day), USD 40-45 (1-year), USD 80 (5-year)
  • e-Business visa: multiple entry, valid 1 year, approximate fee USD 80, for attending meetings, trade fairs, or setting up a business
  • e-Medical visa and e-Medical Attendant visa: for patients seeking treatment in India and their accompanying attendant, triple entry, valid 60 days from arrival, approximate fee USD 80
  • e-Conference visa: single entry, for attending a specific conference, approximate fee USD 25

How to apply online

  • Apply at the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, no earlier than 120 days and no later than 4 days before your travel date
  • Fill in personal details, passport information, and trip details (purpose, port of arrival, duration)
  • Upload your digital photo and a scan of your passport bio page
  • Pay the visa fee online by credit/debit card in USD (fee is non-refundable if the application is rejected)
  • Standard processing takes about 3-5 business days; you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email as a PDF
  • Print the ETA and present it along with your passport at immigration on arrival at one of India's designated e-Visa airports or seaports (major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai are included)

Fees & processing time

  • 30-day e-Tourist visa: approximately USD 25-30
  • 1-year multiple-entry e-Tourist visa: approximately USD 40-45
  • 5-year multiple-entry e-Tourist visa: approximately USD 80
  • e-Business visa (1 year): approximately USD 80
  • No separate service fee since the application is filed directly through the Indian government portal
  • Standard processing: 3-5 business days; apply at least 1-2 weeks ahead to allow for delays

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel even though the stated processing time is a few days, since delays happen during peak season
  • Double-check that your uploaded photo meets the exact specifications (plain background, no glasses, full face visible) - this is the most common reason for rejection or requests for resubmission
  • Multiple-entry visas (1-year or 5-year) are worth the small extra cost if you plan repeat visits, since a fresh e-Visa is otherwise needed for each trip
  • The e-Visa is not extendable or convertible to another visa type from within India - overstays or purpose changes require exiting and reapplying, or converting through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in complex cases
  • Keep both digital and printed copies of your ETA, passport photo page, and onward ticket when checking in at German airports, since airlines validate e-Visa status before boarding

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.