The visa is the first tourist trap. Skip it.

1. A passport with six months left on it

   Valid at least six months beyond your arrival date, with two blank pages.

2. Apply on the official government portal — only

   indianvisaonline.gov.in. The official e-Tourist Visa costs roughly $10–80 depending on duration and nationality (30-day, 1-year and 5-year options). Any site charging more is a middleman.

3. A square photo on a white background

   A phone photo works — even light, no shadows, no glasses.

4. A scan of your passport's photo page

   Every detail you type must match this page exactly — one mismatched letter can mean a refusal at boarding.

5. Your first night's address, and a ticket out

   The form asks for your arrival hotel and evidence of onward or return travel.

6. Apply at least four days before you fly

   Two weeks is comfortable. Approval — the ETA — arrives by email, usually within 72 hours.

7. Print the ETA and carry it

   Airlines still ask for paper. Fingerprints and the stamp happen at the airport; enter through a designated e-visa airport (all major hubs qualify).

[Email capture for the free “Visa Papers” PDF wires up in a later build pass.] Spot a rule change? Tell us — we fix it in days.