India e-Visa Overview
Travelers from eligible countries, including Vietnam, can apply for the India e-Visa entirely online through the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in. It is the most convenient way to visit India for short tourism or business trips without going to an embassy.
Common e-Visa Categories
- e-Tourist Visa: For tourism, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends
- e-Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, and partner visits
e-Medical and e-Conference visas are also available for specific purposes. Check the full list on the official portal before you apply.
How the e-Visa Works
Once your application is approved, you receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) by email. You must print the ETA and carry it when you enter India.
- When to apply: At least 4 days before arrival, and up to 120 days ahead of your trip
- Entry points: Entry is allowed only through designated airports and seaports for the e-Visa
- What to carry: The printed ETA & your original passport valid for at least 6 months
India e-Visa Photo Requirements
The India e-Visa photo follows rules that differ noticeably from many other countries: the photo must be square (height equal to width) and is specified in pixels, not millimeters.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square (height equals width) |
| Size (pixels) | 350 x 350 to 1000 x 1000 px |
| Printed equivalent | 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 10 KB to under 1 MB |
| Background | Plain light-coloured or white, no shadows |
| Face | Full front view, top of hair to chin, centered |
| Eyes | Open, looking straight at the camera |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (spectacles prohibited) |
| Borders | No borders |
| Recency | Recent photo |
Important: There Is No Official "40 x 40 mm" Size
Many unofficial sources mention a "40 x 40 mm" size for India visa photos, but the actual e-Visa specification is pixel-based and square. Prioritize the square shape and the 350 x 350 to 1000 x 1000 pixel range. When you need a print, the 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) format is the right equivalent.
Documents You Need
Core Documents
- Original passport: Valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
- Portrait photo: A square JPEG file meeting the requirements above
- Passport bio page scan: Clear and fully legible
- Valid email: To receive the ETA and notifications
- International payment card: To pay the fee online
By Visa Type
- e-Tourist: Travel itinerary and accommodation details in India
- e-Business: Invitation letter from the Indian company and details of both companies
Online Application Process
- Step 1: Go to the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in and choose your e-Visa type
- Step 2: Fill in personal, passport, and travel details
- Step 3: Upload your square portrait photo & passport page scan
- Step 4: Pay the fee online
- Step 5: Receive the ETA by email, print it, and carry it on arrival
India e-Visa Fees
The e-Visa fee varies by nationality and validity subcategory (30-day / 1-year / 5-year), plus an approximately 3% bank charge at the payment gateway.
| Subcategory | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30-day e-Visa | Depends on nationality — verify on the portal |
| 1-year e-Visa | Depends on nationality — verify on the portal |
| 5-year e-Visa | Depends on nationality — verify on the portal |
| Bank charge | About 3% of the total fee |
Exact fees change over time. Please verify the current fee on indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying.
Processing Time
- Typical: A few business days after a complete submission
- Recommended: Apply at least 4 days before arrival to avoid delays
Create Your India e-Visa Photo Now
Square pixel-perfect size - Light/white background - Automatic AI background removal
Get StartedSee also: India visa photo page — full size, background and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the India e-Visa photo?
The photo must be square (height equal to width), between 350 x 350 and 1000 x 1000 pixels, in JPEG format, and 10 KB to under 1 MB in file size. The requirement is pixel-based rather than in millimeters; for a print, the 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) format is the right equivalent.
Can I wear glasses in the India e-Visa photo?
No. India prohibits glasses in the e-Visa photo, including prescription spectacles. Remove your glasses before taking the photo, keep your eyes clearly open, and look straight at the camera.
Are travelers from Vietnam eligible for the India e-Visa?
Yes. Vietnam is among the countries eligible for the India e-Visa. You apply entirely online through the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in without visiting an embassy.
Where can I enter India with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa allows entry only through designated airports and seaports. If you arrive at a land border or a port not on the approved list, the e-Visa will not be valid. Check the list of designated entry points on the official portal.
How far in advance should I apply for the e-Visa?
You must apply at least 4 days before your expected arrival in India, and you can apply up to 120 days ahead of your trip. Applying early gives you time to fix any issues if your application needs additional documents.