I was just wondering - how long can one stay on just a 'normal' visit? I am not going to India to work or be a student. I would like to visit a friend for an extended period of time. In most other countries, you are allowed to stay for up to 3 months. Is that also the case for India?
How Long Can I Stay?
- Thread starter Barty
- Start date
That's a very good question. I think they do that because it would be irritating to have to get a new visa every
time you want to travel, so they give you 10 years off the bat. But you can only stay for a limited time each visit.
MelanieTherese
New Member
I'm also an American interested in an extended stay. This information isnteresting, but confusing as well. I wonder about the requirements for a longer visa period. Just paperwork, a fee, proof of funds?
I'm also wondering about the logistics of resetting your six months - how long do you have to stay outside India before re-entering?
Cheers,
Melanie
I'm also wondering about the logistics of resetting your six months - how long do you have to stay outside India before re-entering?
Cheers,
Melanie
TravelCheap3
Member
I believe you can stay for a max of 6 months then revisit the country.
pravish
Member
Every country has their own immigration rules and this particular rule the one which most of the countries around the world follow. They grant a 5 or 10 year visa but one has to leave the country before he completes 3 months. He/ she doesnot have any restriction about re-entering the country with in the validity of the visa. Same rule does apply for the Indians visiting the United States with a visit(B1/B2) visa. They convenience of such type of visa is that it is multiple entry visa and you donot have to keep reapplying if you plan to visit a certain country over and over again.
You've got it! For casual tourists like yourself, visas to India offer stays comparable to other countries, with options for extended visits:
e-Visa (Tourist): This electronic visa is ideal for shorter extended stays, allowing up to 60 days in India. Apply online beforehand for a smooth process [refer to Indian government websites or travel advisories for application details].
Regular Tourist Visa: For longer visits with your friend, a regular tourist visa grants a stay of up to 180 days (6 months). Apply through an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Remember, these are the most common options. It's always wise to double-check the latest visa information with the Indian government or embassy closest to you to ensure you have the most up-to-date details.
e-Visa (Tourist): This electronic visa is ideal for shorter extended stays, allowing up to 60 days in India. Apply online beforehand for a smooth process [refer to Indian government websites or travel advisories for application details].
Regular Tourist Visa: For longer visits with your friend, a regular tourist visa grants a stay of up to 180 days (6 months). Apply through an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Remember, these are the most common options. It's always wise to double-check the latest visa information with the Indian government or embassy closest to you to ensure you have the most up-to-date details.
The length of stay in India depends on your visa type and nationality. Here’s a breakdown of how long you can stay based on different visa categories:
✔ Regular Tourist Visa – Typically issued for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years, but each stay is limited to 90 or 180 days, depending on nationality.
Pro Tip: If you have a long-term visa (e.g., 5-year tourist visa), you still need to exit India before 90/180 days and re-enter if needed.
Overstaying beyond your visa validity can lead to fines, legal trouble, and future visa denials.
The fine starts at $300 (approx ₹25,000) and increases with duration.
If you’ve overstayed, you should visit the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) immediately to avoid serious penalties.
Tourist visas cannot be extended in most cases.
Some visas (like business or student visas) can be extended via the FRRO portal (e-FRRO Home).
Final Tip: Always check your visa conditions before booking long-term travel to India. If you plan to stay longer, ensure you have a visa that permits it or consider reapplying from your home country.
Have you had any experiences with long-term stays in India? Let’s discuss!
Tourist Visa (e-Visa & Regular Visa)
✔ e-Tourist Visa (Most Nationals) – Allows stays of 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years, but each visit cannot exceed 90 days (for most countries) or 180 days (for US, UK, Canada, and Japan).✔ Regular Tourist Visa – Typically issued for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years, but each stay is limited to 90 or 180 days, depending on nationality.
Pro Tip: If you have a long-term visa (e.g., 5-year tourist visa), you still need to exit India before 90/180 days and re-enter if needed.
Business Visa
✔ Generally issued for 1 to 5 years with multiple entries, but each visit is usually limited to 180 days.Student Visa
✔ Allows you to stay for the duration of the course (up to 5 years) with proper university documentation.Medical Visa
✔ Typically valid for 60 days per visit, with up to 3 entries allowed.Overstaying in India – What Happens?
Overstaying beyond your visa validity can lead to fines, legal trouble, and future visa denials. The fine starts at $300 (approx ₹25,000) and increases with duration. If you’ve overstayed, you should visit the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) immediately to avoid serious penalties.Extending Your Stay in India
Tourist visas cannot be extended in most cases. Some visas (like business or student visas) can be extended via the FRRO portal (e-FRRO Home).Final Tip: Always check your visa conditions before booking long-term travel to India. If you plan to stay longer, ensure you have a visa that permits it or consider reapplying from your home country.
Have you had any experiences with long-term stays in India? Let’s discuss!