Planning to apply for an Indian visa? Before submitting your application, you should check the applicable visa fee, payment method and any additional charges. The amount you need to pay depends on several factors, including your nationality, visa category, visa duration and the Indian Mission handling your application.
India offers different visa categories, including Tourist, Business, Employment, Student, Medical, Entry and Transit Visas. Foreign nationals can apply through the regular visa process or, if eligible, use the electronic visa facility. Both routes have different fee structures and payment arrangements.
One important point is that India does not have a single fixed visa fee for all foreign nationals. Even applicants applying for the same visa category may pay different amounts depending on their nationality. Additional service charges or payment gateway charges may also apply.
This guide explains Indian visa fees, e-Visa charges, Regular Visa payment methods, additional costs, refund rules and what to do if your payment fails or money is deducted from your bank account without confirmation.
How Much Does an Indian Visa Cost?
The cost of an Indian visa depends on the visa category and the applicant’s nationality. The fee may also vary according to the duration of the visa and the Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate processing the application.
For example, an applicant applying for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa may pay a different amount from someone applying for a one-year or five-year e-Tourist Visa. Applicants from different countries may also have different fee rates for the same visa category.
The main factors affecting Indian visa fees are:
- Nationality: India follows country-specific visa fee arrangements. Applicants from different countries may pay different amounts.
- Visa category: Tourist, Business, Medical, Student, Employment and other visa categories have different fee structures.
- Visa duration: Short-term and long-term visas may have different charges.
- Application location: Regular Visa fees may vary according to the concerned Indian Mission’s fee schedule.
- Additional charges: Service fees, payment gateway charges or other applicable charges may increase the final payable amount.
Before paying, always check the fee displayed on the official application portal or the website of the Indian Mission responsible for your application.
Types of Indian Visa Fees
Foreign nationals generally apply for an Indian visa through one of two routes: the Regular Visa process or the e-Visa process. Their application procedures and fee arrangements are different.
Regular Indian Visa Fee
A Regular Indian Visa is processed through the Indian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or an authorised visa application centre, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
The fee depends on the visa category, requested duration, nationality and the applicable fee schedule of the concerned Indian Mission.
The online application system may display an indicative basic fee. However, the final amount can include additional applicable charges, such as service or processing fees.
Indian e-Visa Fee
The Indian e-Visa is an electronic visa facility available to eligible foreign nationals. Applicants can complete the application and pay the applicable fee through the official Indian e-Visa portal.
The e-Visa fee depends on the applicant’s nationality and selected visa category. The amount may also differ according to the validity of the visa.
Some nationalities have different fee arrangements, and certain eligible applicants may fall under a zero-fee category for specified visa types. Therefore, do not assume that the same e-Visa fee applies to every foreign national.
Indian e-Tourist Visa Fees
The e-Tourist Visa is available in different validity categories. The Indian government publishes nationality-wise fee schedules for these categories.
The main e-Tourist Visa options listed in the official fee schedule include:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa.
- One-year e-Tourist Visa.
- Five-year e-Tourist Visa.
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa fee may also vary according to the season in which the application is submitted. The official fee schedule separates the April-June period from the July-March period.
For illustration, the published fee schedule lists the following amounts for many eligible nationalities:
| e-Tourist Visa category | Published fee for many eligible nationalities |
|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist Visa (April-June) | US$10 |
| 30-day e-Tourist Visa (July-March) | US$25 |
| One-year e-Tourist Visa | US$40 |
| Five-year e-Tourist Visa | US$200 |
Important: These are illustrative rates from the published fee schedule, not universal prices for every nationality. Some countries have different rates or zero-fee arrangements. The applicable amount for your nationality must be checked in the latest official fee table.
You can download the official country-wise e-Tourist Visa fee schedule to check the rate applicable to your country.
Fees for Other Indian e-Visa Categories
India offers several e-Visa categories apart from the e-Tourist Visa. Each category has its own eligibility conditions and applicable fee arrangements.
Some of the main e-Visa categories include:
- e-Business Visa: For eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for permitted business activities.
- e-Medical Visa: For eligible foreign nationals travelling to India for medical treatment.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa: For eligible attendants accompanying a patient travelling on an e-Medical Visa.
- e-Ayush Visa: For eligible foreign nationals travelling for treatment under the permitted Indian systems of medicine.
- e-Ayush Attendant Visa: For eligible attendants accompanying an e-Ayush Visa holder.
- e-Conference Visa: For eligible foreign nationals attending approved conferences, seminars or workshops in India.
- e-Transit Visa: For eligible foreign nationals travelling through India to another destination.
The fee for these categories may differ according to nationality and the applicable fee schedule. Do not use the e-Tourist Visa fee table to calculate the cost of a Business, Medical or other e-Visa.
For the latest charges, check the official fee schedule for other e-Visa categories and confirm the final amount displayed during your application.
How to Check the Latest Indian e-Visa Fee by Nationality
Since Indian e-Visa charges vary by nationality, checking the official fee schedule before applying is important. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Official Indian e-Visa Portal
Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/.
Step 2: Check the Fee Information
Open the fee information or payment section available on the portal. You can also use the official country-wise fee PDFs linked in this article.
Step 3: Find Your Nationality
Locate your country or territory in the fee schedule. Check the corresponding row carefully because different nationalities may have different charges.
Step 4: Select the Correct Visa Category
Check the fee for the visa category you intend to apply for. For example, the 30-day, one-year and five-year e-Tourist Visa categories have separate fee arrangements.
Step 5: Verify the Final Payable Amount
Before completing payment, check the final amount displayed on the official application and payment pages. Additional payment gateway charges, where applicable, may appear separately.
Do not rely only on old fee charts, travel blogs or third-party websites. The official portal and its latest fee schedule should be your primary references.
Regular Indian Visa Fees by Category
Regular Indian Visa fees are not determined by one common rate. The amount depends on the visa category, requested duration, applicant’s nationality and the fee schedule of the concerned Indian Mission.
Some of the main Regular Visa categories include:
| Visa category | Purpose | Fee arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Tourism and permitted visits | Depends on nationality, duration and mission |
| Business Visa | Permitted business activities | Depends on nationality, duration and mission |
| Employment Visa | Eligible employment in India | Depends on nationality and applicable fee schedule |
| Student Visa | Approved studies in India | Depends on nationality and applicable fee schedule |
| Medical Visa | Medical treatment in India | Depends on nationality and applicable fee schedule |
| Entry Visa | Eligible entry-related purposes | Depends on nationality and applicable fee schedule |
| Transit Visa | Transit through India to another country | Depends on nationality and applicable fee schedule |
This table explains the fee structure, not the actual price of each visa. For the applicable amount, check the official fee page and the website of the Indian Mission responsible for your application.
If you need help understanding the Regular Visa application process, read our guide on Regular Indian Visa Application, Fees and Documents.
Additional Charges: Service Fees, Bank Charges and Payment Gateway Fees
The visa fee displayed for an application may not always be the only amount payable. Depending on the application route, additional charges may apply.
Visa Application Centre Service Charges
Some Indian Missions use authorised visa application centres or outsourcing agencies to receive applications. These agencies may charge a service or processing fee in addition to the basic visa fee.
The amount depends on the concerned Indian Mission and the service provider. Not every applicant will necessarily pay the same service charge.
Payment Gateway Charges
When paying online, a payment gateway or banking charge may apply depending on the payment method and the provider handling the transaction.
The Indian e-Visa portal has published different payment-provider instructions over time. Some older instructions mention specific percentages for certain payment methods, while newer payment instructions state that applicable processing charges will be displayed during checkout.
Therefore, do not assume that a particular percentage applies to every card, bank or payment method. Check the final amount displayed on the payment page before confirming the transaction.
Taxes and Other Applicable Charges
Depending on the application location and payment arrangement, taxes or other charges may be included in the final amount. Check the fee breakdown provided by the concerned Indian Mission or payment gateway.
Remember: Basic visa fee, service charge and payment gateway charge are separate components. Always check the final payable amount before making payment.
How to Pay Regular Indian Visa Fees
Regular Indian Visa payment arrangements may differ from one Indian Mission to another. Some missions provide online payment facilities, while others require applicants to pay through the concerned mission or authorised visa application centre.
Follow these general steps:
Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application
Visit the official Indian Visa Online portal and select the Regular/Paper Visa application option.
Enter your personal details, passport information, visa category and travel details. Submit the application and save the generated application reference number.
Step 2: Check the Payment Instructions
Read the instructions displayed by the concerned Indian Mission or visa application centre. Check whether online payment is available for your application.
Step 3: Pay Through the Prescribed Method
If online payment is available, follow the portal’s payment instructions and pay the amount displayed. If online payment is not available, follow the prescribed payment method of the concerned Indian Mission or authorised centre.
Step 4: Keep the Payment Receipt
Save the payment receipt, transaction reference or other proof of payment. You may need it if there is a payment-related issue or if the visa application centre asks for confirmation.
Step 5: Submit the Required Documents
Complete the remaining application formalities and submit your passport and supporting documents according to the instructions of the concerned Indian Mission or visa application centre.
Important: Do not assume that every Indian Mission accepts the same payment methods. Check the local instructions before visiting the application centre.
How to Pay Indian e-Visa Fees Online
Eligible foreign nationals can pay the e-Visa processing fee through the official Indian e-Visa portal. The payment process is completed online.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official e-Visa Portal
Open the Indian e-Visa website.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal information, passport details, nationality and travel information. Select the appropriate e-Visa category and complete the required fields.
Step 3: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the documents requested for your selected visa category. Check that the files are clear and meet the portal’s requirements.
Step 4: Proceed to Payment
After completing the application, follow the payment instructions displayed on the portal. The system will direct you to the available payment facility.
Step 5: Select an Available Payment Method
Choose one of the payment methods displayed on the checkout page. Depending on the gateway and your location, supported options may include debit cards, credit cards and other electronic payment methods.
Step 6: Confirm the Final Amount
Check the visa processing fee and any additional payment charges displayed before confirming the transaction.
Step 7: Complete the Payment
Enter the required payment details and complete the transaction. Do not refresh or close the payment page while the transaction is being processed unless the portal instructs you to do so.
Step 8: Save the Payment Confirmation
After successful payment, save the transaction reference and payment receipt, if available. You can use the official portal’s payment verification facility to check the transaction status.
Payment confirmation does not mean that your visa has been approved. The visa application is processed separately, and approval is subject to the decision of the Indian authorities.
Is the Indian Visa Fee Refundable?
In general, Indian visa processing fees are non-refundable once received. The official Indian Visa Online portal states that the fee is not refunded if the visa application is rejected, withdrawn or the visa is issued for a shorter duration or different conditions than requested.
Is the Regular Indian Visa Fee Refundable?
No. According to the official Regular Visa fee information, the fee once received is non-refundable.
A refund is generally not provided merely because:
- You withdraw your visa application.
- Your visa application is rejected.
- Your visa is issued for a shorter duration than requested.
- Your visa is issued with different conditions from those requested.
- You decide not to travel after paying the fee.
Is the Indian e-Visa Fee Refundable?
No. The Indian e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if the application is rejected or the applicant decides not to travel.
The fee is charged for processing the application and does not guarantee that an e-Visa will be granted.
Important distinction: A non-refundable visa processing fee is different from an unsuccessful or duplicate payment transaction. If money is deducted from your bank account but the payment is not successfully recorded, the transaction may be subject to reconciliation and an applicable refund process.
e-Visa Payment Failed but Money Was Deducted: What Should You Do?
One of the common problems applicants face is that money gets deducted from their bank account, but the e-Visa portal does not immediately show successful payment.
This can happen because of network interruptions, payment gateway delays or a temporary communication problem between the bank and the application portal.
If your payment fails or the portal does not show confirmation after a bank debit, do not immediately make another payment.
Step 1: Do Not Pay Again Immediately
First, check whether the transaction is pending or whether the payment confirmation has simply not reached the portal. Making another payment immediately may result in a duplicate debit.
Step 2: Wait for the Payment Status to Update
The official Indian e-Visa portal states that payment status updates may take up to two hours in some cases. Allow time for the transaction status to be updated.
Step 3: Use the Verify Payment Facility
Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal and open the Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee facility.
Enter the required application details and check the payment status.
Step 4: Check the Transaction Result
If the portal confirms successful payment, do not pay again. Save the payment confirmation and continue checking your visa application status separately.
If the portal shows that the transaction failed, follow the payment instructions displayed by the official portal before attempting another payment.
Step 5: Contact the Payment Gateway or Your Bank
If the payment remains unresolved, contact the payment gateway through the support details displayed on the payment page. You can also contact your card-issuing bank and ask about the transaction status.
Keep the following details ready:
- e-Visa application ID or reference number.
- Payment transaction ID, if generated.
- Date and approximate time of payment.
- Amount deducted.
- Bank debit message or transaction statement.
- Screenshot of the payment status, if available.
These details can help the payment provider or bank investigate the transaction.
Duplicate Indian e-Visa Payment: How to Get a Refund
If you accidentally make two successful payments for the same e-Visa application, the duplicate amount may be eligible for refund after the payment provider completes the necessary reconciliation.
However, duplicate payment refunds should not be confused with refunds of visa processing fees. The visa processing fee itself remains non-refundable under the published e-Visa rules.
What to Do After a Duplicate Payment
- Check your bank statement and identify both transactions.
- Save the transaction IDs and payment references.
- Keep your e-Visa application ID ready.
- Contact the payment gateway using the support details shown on the payment page.
- Provide proof of both successful debits when requested.
- Monitor the original payment method for the refund or reversal.
The refund process and time required may depend on the payment gateway, bank and transaction status.
Some older payment instructions mention a specific refund period for duplicate debits. However, newer payment-provider instructions indicate that reconciliation and refund timelines can vary. Therefore, a refund within a fixed number of days should not be treated as a universal guarantee.
Important: Do not make another payment simply because the portal has not updated immediately. First verify whether the earlier transaction was successful.
How to Download an Indian e-Visa Payment Receipt
If you have completed an e-Visa payment, you may be able to access the payment receipt through the official portal’s payment verification facility.
Follow these general steps:
- Open the Indian e-Visa portal.
- Select the Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee option.
- Enter the application or payment details requested by the portal.
- Follow the available payment verification and receipt instructions.
- Download or print the receipt if the facility is available for your transaction.
Keep the receipt safely until your visa application is completed.
Remember that a payment receipt only confirms the payment transaction. It does not prove that your visa application has been approved.
Does Paying the Indian Visa Fee Guarantee Visa Approval?
No. Paying the visa fee does not guarantee that an Indian visa will be granted.
The fee is charged for processing the application. The competent Indian authorities examine the application and supporting documents before making a decision.
An application may be rejected even after successful payment. In such cases, the visa processing fee is generally non-refundable.
Applicants should therefore check their eligibility, visa category, passport details and supporting documents before submitting the application and paying the fee.
If you have already submitted an application, you can read our guide on how to check Indian Visa Application Status online.
Official Websites to Check Indian Visa Fees and Make Payments
Always use official Indian government websites for visa fee information, application submission and payment verification. The following resources are useful:
- Indian Visa Online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ – Official portal for Regular Indian Visa applications.
- Indian Visa Fee Information: Regular Visa fee details – Information about applicable Regular Visa fees and charges.
- Regular Visa Application Instructions: Application instructions – Details about the online form, submission and payment arrangements.
- Indian e-Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ – Official portal for e-Visa applications, payment and status verification.
- e-Tourist Visa Fee Schedule: Country-wise e-Tourist Visa fees – Published fee schedule for different nationalities.
- Other e-Visa Fee Schedule: Other e-Visa category fees – Fee information for other electronic visa categories.
- Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.mha.gov.in/ – Government policies and immigration-related information.
- Bureau of Immigration: https://boi.gov.in/ – Official immigration information.
Visa fees, payment options and application procedures may change. Always check the latest information on the official portal before making a payment.
Conclusion
Indian visa fees depend on the applicant’s nationality, visa category, duration and application location. Regular Visa applicants should follow the fee schedule of the concerned Indian Mission, while eligible e-Visa applicants can check their country-specific charges through the official Indian e-Visa portal.
Before paying, check the basic visa fee, applicable service charges and any payment gateway charges. Remember that visa processing fees are generally non-refundable, even if an application is rejected or travel plans change.
If your e-Visa payment fails after money has been deducted, do not immediately pay again. Allow time for the transaction status to update and use the official payment verification facility. This can help prevent unnecessary duplicate payments.
For the most accurate information, always rely on the official Indian government visa portals and the latest fee schedule applicable to your nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. There is no single fixed fee for every Indian visa applicant. The amount depends on nationality, visa category, duration and the concerned Indian Mission. For e-Visas, applicants should check the country-wise fee schedule on the official Indian e-Visa portal.
Ans. No. Indian e-Visa fees vary according to nationality and visa category. Some countries have different fee rates, and certain eligible nationalities may have zero-fee arrangements for specified categories.
Ans. The published fee schedule lists different charges for the April-June and July-March periods. For many eligible nationalities, the listed amounts are US$10 and US$25, respectively. However, the actual fee depends on nationality, so check the latest official fee table before applying.
Ans. The published fee schedule lists US$40 for many eligible nationalities. However, the amount may differ for certain countries. Check the official country-wise fee schedule to confirm your applicable charge.
Ans. The published fee schedule lists US$200 for many eligible nationalities. The actual fee may vary according to nationality and the applicable government schedule.
Ans. No. Indian visa processing fees are generally non-refundable once received. Rejection of an application does not normally make the visa processing fee refundable.
Ans. No. The e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable even if you cancel your travel plans after making the payment.
Ans. Do not make another payment immediately. Wait for the payment status to update, as the official portal states that updates may take up to two hours. Then use the Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee facility to check the transaction status. If the issue remains unresolved, contact the payment gateway or your bank.
Ans. The official e-Visa portal states that payment status may take up to two hours to update in some cases. Applicants should verify the transaction through the official portal before attempting another payment.
Ans. If two successful payments are recorded for the same application, the duplicate amount may be eligible for refund after reconciliation. Contact the payment gateway with your application ID, transaction references and bank debit proof. Refund timing depends on the payment provider and bank.
Ans. Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal and use the Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee facility. Enter the required application details to check the payment status.
Ans. Online card payments may be available depending on the visa application route and payment gateway. The supported payment methods are displayed on the official checkout page. For Regular Visa applications, payment options may differ by Indian Mission.
Ans. Not necessarily. Additional payment gateway or banking charges may apply depending on the payment method and provider. Check the final payable amount displayed on the checkout page before confirming payment.
Ans. Online payment is available for some Regular Visa application arrangements, but not every Indian Mission follows the same procedure. Check the payment instructions of the concerned Indian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or authorised visa application centre.
Ans. No. Payment confirms the transaction, not visa approval. The application is examined separately by the competent Indian authorities, and the visa may be granted or rejected after processing.
Ans. Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal and use the Verify Payment / Pay e-Visa Fee facility. Follow the available instructions to access or download your payment receipt, if provided for your transaction.
Ans. The official e-Visa FAQ states that applicants do not need to pay an additional e-Visa processing fee at the airport. Be cautious of intermediaries asking for unauthorised additional payments.
Ans. You can check Regular Visa fees on the official Indian Visa Fee Information page and e-Visa fees on the official Indian e-Visa portal. Always verify the amount applicable to your nationality and visa category.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.