With a vast cultural diversity, India is fast becoming a popular travel destination for people all over the world.
Keeping in mind the positive response it gets via tourism, the Indian government has announced a 5-years visitor visa
for various countries, including the USA.
The 5-years tourist visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit India for continuous trips.
The maximum number of days the US citizens can stay in India is 180 days per visit.
However, the applicant bearing the FIVE-year visa is allowed multiple entries into India.
The maximum number of days US citizens can stay in a calendar year is 180 days.
The Indian government has further made it easy to apply for the 5-year tourist visa by providing the
facility of an e-visa for five years.
Availing of this, US nationals who wish to visit India can apply for a visa without visiting the embassy or
consulate.
So now US citizens can apply for Indian tourist visa Online from the comfort of their homes.
Indian immigration authority changed its visa policy in September 2019.
To achieve Prime Minister Narender Modi’s vision of doubling the number of tourists coming to India from the
United States, tourists minister Prlahad Singh Patel announced several changes to the Indian online visa process.
From September 2019, a long-term India e-visa is now available to tourists holding US passports who wish to
visit India multiple times in five years.
Processing Time for E Tourist visa for Five Years
There are THREE processing options available for the long-term e-tourist visa.
Select the option carefully while filling out your India tourist visa application form online.
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Normal Processing Time: The processing time of visas under this option is 3 to 5 working days from the date of application.
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Urgent Processing Time: The processing of Visas under this option is 1 to 3 business days with an additional fee.
Some Vital Points to be Noted
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A maximum of 90 days of continuous stay is allowed during each visit to foreign citizens holding a 5-year
tourist visa except for the citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, and Japan.
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For the citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, and Japan, the maximum number of days they can stay in
India shall not be more than 180 days.
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The validity of the visa is accountable from the issuing date and not from the day the applicant enters
India.
5-Year Indian Tourist Visa For US Citizens Allows Multiple Entries
If you are willing to get an Indian Tourist visa valid for FIVE years, an Indian E-Tourist-Visa for five years
with multiple entries is the way to go.
This visa category was initiated in September 2019 and is valid for FIVE years from the issue date.
However, US citizens will not be allowed to stay in India for more than 180 days during each visit.
It is a 5-year-long travel visa and not a FIVE-year stay visa. Overstaying in India during a trip can result
in hefty fines from the Indian government.
But realistically, this visa allows US citizens to enter India multiple times if they
apply for Indian tourist visa for five years.
Documents Needed To Apply For Indian Tourist Visa Online:
The following documents will be required for FIVE years of Indian Tourist visa Application.
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Photograph: Applicant photograph, passport sized colored with white background less than 3 MB in size, must be in PDF, PNG, or JPG file format.
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Scanned Passport Copy: Scanned copy of the passport’s first page. And make sure it is valid for at least six months, and ensure it has at least two blank pages to meet immigration requirements.
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Email ID: A valid email ID of the applicant
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Fee: Debit/credit cards or a PayPal account to pay the visa fee.
Click here to learn about Indian e-Visa Documents Requirements.
Activities Permitted Under 5-Year Indian Tourist Visa For US Citizens
Indian tourist visa for US citizens is granted to those who intend to travel to India for one or more of the following reasons:
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For recreation or sightseeing
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Visiting family, relatives, or friends
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Trips to attend camps life like – a short-term yoga program
Read more about Tourist e-Visa for India
Top Places Of Interest For US Citizens In India
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Taj Mahal - Taj mahal needs no introduction as it is the finest monument of love and devotion. Agra also boasts of many other historical monuments of the Mughal era, and it is a city filled with heritage and culture.
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Ladakh - Ladakh is a major attraction due to its exceptional beauty and culture. Situated in Jammu and Kashmir
, it boasts lovely weather and houses many ancient Buddhist monasteries.
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Sikkim - Sikkim is one of the smaller and least populous Indian states located at the base of the Himalayas, surrounded by beautiful mountains and a combination of Buddhist and Tibetan cultures.
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Kerala - Kerala offers beautiful beaches, natural spas, and Ayurveda resorts. It is must visit place for US citizens and perfect for couples or family vacations.
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Breath-stopping beaches to lounge on, delicious seafood, water sports, elephant safari, and sea walking are some of the attractions of this tourist destination.
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Lush Tea Plantations in Darjeeling - World famous for its tea and Darjeeling Himalayan railway, happy valley tea estate is another popular tourist attraction.
The flavor and aroma of magical Darjeeling tea are unforgettable.
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Forts and Palaces of Jaipur - Jaipur is well-known for its historical monuments.
Multiple palaces and forts like – the city palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, Ajmer and Jaigarh fort, a world heritage site also famous for Laxmi Narayan Temple.
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A Spiritual Hub Rishikesh - An ideal place at the foothills of the Himalayas to savor the spiritual experience in the form of many great ashrams and temples. The city is also famous for yoga camps among Americans.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram is a high-significance place because the Beatles visited here in the 1960s.
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Goa: Famous for its pristine beaches, laid-back lifestyle, hippie vibes, and vibrant
parties, Goa is among the best holiday destinations in India.
The union territory is frequently visited by US citizens year-round, especially in the winter when the
weather is pleasant.
And the entire place comes alive with Christmas and New Year celebrations and parties.
However, seasoned tourists also visit Goa in the summer.
If you are looking for an economical and peaceful holiday, try to visit Goa during the off-season when the sun-kissed
beaches, flea markets, and other tourist destinations are less crowded.
