Do Australians need a visa for India?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australians need a visa for India. The e-Tourist Visa is applied for online and approved by email, and comes in 30-day, one-year and five-year versions.
Passport validity
At least 6 months from your date of arrival
Length of stay
30 days, 1 year or 5 years depending on the visa you buy
Onward ticket
Required — airlines check this at Australian check-in.
Blank passport pages
2
e-Tourist Visa (eTV)
Apply only at indianvisaonline.gov.in. You'll need a passport-style photo with a plain white background and a scan of your passport bio page.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa, 30 days | USD $25 (about AUD $38), seasonal pricing applies | All Australian visitors |
| e-Tourist Visa, 1 year | USD $40 (about AUD $60) | Multiple entries |
| e-Tourist Visa, 5 years | USD $80 (about AUD $120) | Multiple entries |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Check your passport has 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Prepare a square passport photo with a plain white background — the wrong aspect ratio is the most common rejection reason.
- Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least four days before you fly.
- Print the approved ETA email — you need to present it on arrival.
- Arrive at a designated e-Visa airport or seaport; land borders generally aren't covered.
What catches Australians out
Your name on the application must exactly match your passport, including middle names. A mismatch means reapplying and paying again.
e-Visas are only valid for arrival at designated airports and seaports.
Journalists and anyone planning volunteer or religious work need a different visa class.
Restricted Area Permits are required for parts of the north-east, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Sikkim.
Health cover for Australians in India
No reciprocal agreement. Private hospitals in major cities are good but require payment or an insurer guarantee upfront.
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and typhoid strongly recommended. Consider rabies, Japanese encephalitis and cholera depending on your itinerary. Malaria prophylaxis for some regions.
Medications: Bring a full supply with prescriptions and a doctor's letter.
Compare travel insurance for IndiaMore India essentials
India entry requirements FAQs
Do Australians need a visa for India?
Yes. Every Australian needs a visa. The e-Tourist Visa is applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in and comes in 30-day (from USD $25), one-year (USD $40) and five-year (USD $80) versions.
How long does an Indian e-Visa take to approve?
Usually two to four days, but apply at least four days before you fly. You can't apply more than 30 days before travel for the short-stay visa.
Why do Indian e-Visa applications get rejected?
Almost always because of the photo or a name mismatch. The photo must be square with a plain white background, and your name must match your passport exactly, including middle names.
Watching India?
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