India has quietly revised its e-Visa fee structure, increasing costs for business travellers and long-term tourists while keeping short-term travel unchanged. The move follows a recent extension of entry flexibility for 30-day tourist visas, creating a mixed signal for international visitors.
From higher business visa fees to a sharp rise in five-year tourist visas, these changes could affect travel budgets in 2025. Here’s what travellers need to know before applying.
India has quietly revised its e-Visa fee structure, increasing costs for certain business and long-term tourist visas while keeping short-term travel options unchanged. The update affects travellers planning extended stays or professional visits and is already in effect.
The move follows a recent policy change that made short trips more flexible, signaling a split strategy: easier entry for short-term tourism, higher fees for longer or business-related travel.
Here is what travellers need to know.
India Updates Its e-Visa Policy in 2025
The Government of India continues to fine-tune its digital visa system. While entry rules for short visits have become more flexible, selected e-Visa categories have seen sharp price increases, particularly those used by frequent visitors and business travellers.
The changes were implemented without a formal public announcement, making it important for applicants to verify fees before applying.
One-Year e-Business Visa Becomes Significantly More Expensive
The one-year e-Business Visa has seen the most immediate impact.
- Earlier fee: US$80
- Revised base fee: US$120
In reality, many travellers now pay more due to India’s nationality-based pricing, which is influenced by reciprocity agreements.
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Updated One-Year e-Business Visa Fees by Country
| Country | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 130 |
| Ukraine | 130 |
| United States | 140 |
| Poland | 145 |
| France | 165 |
| Czech Republic | 190 |
| Thailand | 200 |
| Australia | 215 |
| Saudi Arabia | 215 |
| Philippines | 220 |
| Ecuador | 240 |
| United Kingdom | 242 |
| United Arab Emirates | 415 |
For companies, consultants, and entrepreneurs who travel to India frequently, this increase may noticeably affect annual travel budgets.
Five-Year e-Tourist Visa Fees See a Major JumpThe five-year e-Tourist Visa, popular among repeat visitors and long-stay travellers, has also become considerably more expensive.
- Old fee: US$80
- New standard fee: US$200
Travellers from the United Kingdom and related territories such as Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man now pay US$484, marking one of the steepest increases across visa categories.
For many travellers, this shifts the decision toward shorter-term visas instead of long-duration options.
e-Visa Categories That Remain Unchanged
Not all visa applicants are affected. Several widely used e-Visa categories continue at the same price.
No changes apply to:
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant e-Visa
- e-Ayush Visa and e-Ayush Attendant e-Visa
This keeps short holidays, wellness travel, and medical visits affordable and predictable.
India Introduces Four New e-Visa Categories
Alongside the fee revision, India has expanded its digital visa system with four new e-Visa categories, reducing the need for in-person embassy visits.
Newly Added e-Visa Types
- Entry Visa – For specific entry-related travel needs
- Transit Visa – For travellers passing through India
- Mountaineering Visa – For adventure and expedition travel
- Film Visa – For international filmmakers and production crews
These additions aim to streamline access for specialized travel segments while keeping applications fully online.
What This Means for International Travellers
India’s updated e-Visa framework sends a clear but balanced signal:
- Short-term tourism is encouraged, with flexible entry windows and stable fees
- Long-term and business travel now comes at a higher cost, especially for certain nationalities
Travellers planning extended stays, business meetings, or repeat visits should review current visa fees carefully before applying.
Key Takeaway for 2025 India Travel Planning
India remains one of the most accessible destinations through its e-Visa system. However, the recent fee increases highlight the importance of advance planning, especially for business travellers and long-stay visitors.
Checking visa costs early can help avoid last-minute surprises and allow travellers to choose the most cost-effective visa type for their travel goals.
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