Planning a trip to India? One of the most common questions travelers ask is: What is the difference between the 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year Indian eVisa fees—and which one should I choose?
Understanding the cost structure and validity rules can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and application mistakes. In this guide, we break down the Indian eVisa fee structure, entry rules, and which option makes the most financial sense for your travel plans.
Overview of Indian eVisa Types
India offers three main tourist eVisa durations:
- 30-Day Tourist eVisa
- 1-Year Tourist eVisa
- 5-Year Tourist eVisa
All are electronically issued travel authorizations (ETA) that must be approved before boarding your flight to India. The main differences lie in validity, number of entries, stay duration per visit, and cost.
1. 30-Day Indian eVisa Fees and Rules
Validity
- Valid for 30 days from date of entry
- Double entry permitted
Stay Duration
- Maximum stay: 30 days total
Fee Structure
The 30-day eVisa has seasonal pricing:
- Lower fee during off-peak months (April to June)
- Higher fee during peak travel season (July to March)
This option is ideal for:
- Short vacations
- Business trips under 2–3 weeks
- First-time visitors unsure of future travel plans
Best for: Budget travelers visiting India once within a short timeframe.
2. 1-Year Indian eVisa Fees and Rules
Validity
- Valid for 1 year from date of grant
- Multiple entries allowed
Stay Duration
- Maximum 90 days per visit (180 days for certain nationalities)
Fee Structure
The 1-year eVisa costs more than the 30-day visa but is significantly more economical for travelers planning multiple trips within a year.
This option is ideal for:
- Frequent business travelers
- Family visits
- Travelers combining multiple India trips in one year
Cost Efficiency Tip: If you plan to visit India twice within a year, the 1-year visa is usually more cost-effective than applying for two 30-day visas.
3. 5-Year Indian eVisa Fees and Rules
Validity
- Valid for 5 years from date of issue
- Multiple entries allowed
Stay Duration
- Up to 90 days per visit (varies by nationality)
Fee Structure
The 5-year visa has the highest upfront cost but offers the best long-term value.
This option is ideal for:
- NRIs with foreign passports
- Travelers with family in India
- Spiritual retreats or repeat tourism
- Long-term travel planners
If you anticipate visiting India more than twice over several years, this visa typically offers the lowest cost per trip.
Comparing Indian eVisa Fees: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose 30 Days if:
- You are visiting once for tourism
- Your trip is under a month
- You want the lowest upfront fee
Choose 1 Year if:
- You expect multiple visits within 12 months
- You travel to India for business or family reasons
Choose 5 Years if:
- You regularly visit India
- You want long-term flexibility
- You prefer avoiding repeated applications
Hidden Costs Travelers Often Overlook
While comparing Indian eVisa fees, consider:
- Incorrect passport details leading to reapplication
- Uploading the wrong photo format
- Mistakes in travel dates
- Receiving an ETA in the wrong structure or layout
Many travelers later realize they need to retrieve their correct Indian eVisa copy before boarding. Ensuring the correct ETA format for India is crucial, as airlines may deny boarding if details don’t match your passport exactly.
This is where structured application review becomes important. LeSo helps travelers verify passport details, photo specifications, ETA formatting, and overall application accuracy before submission to reduce rejection risks. If you want a professional review before applying or need help correcting an issued ETA, you can check our Website or reach out to us on WhatsApp for structured India eVisa support.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Indian eVisa Duration
- Selecting 30 days when planning a second trip within the same year
- Confusing visa validity with allowed stay duration
- Assuming the visa validity starts from the travel date (it starts from the issue date for 1-year and 5-year visas)
- Ignoring nationality-specific stay limits
Understanding these distinctions can prevent unnecessary reapplications and added fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the 5-year Indian eVisa cheaper in the long run?
Yes. If you plan multiple trips over several years, the cost per visit becomes significantly lower than repeatedly applying for short-term visas.
2. Can I extend my 30-day Indian eVisa?
No. Tourist eVisas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible.
3. Does visa validity mean I can stay in India for that entire period?
No. Validity refers to how long the visa remains usable. Stay duration per visit is capped (usually 90 days).
4. When does the 1-year or 5-year visa validity begin?
It begins from the date of issue, not your arrival date.
5. What if I made a mistake on my eVisa application?
Errors in passport number, name, or date of birth usually require a fresh application. In some cases, travelers may need assistance to retrieve your correct Indian eVisa copy before travel.
