India announced the rollout of 10-year multiple-entry e-visas for all US citizens effective July 1 2026. Applicants will pay a flat $100 fee and receive approval within 72 hours via the official portal. The policy covers tourism business and medical visits with no limit on entries during the validity period.
Current one-year e-visas will automatically convert to the new 10-year format upon renewal. Officials expect the move to boost arrivals from the United States by 25 percent within the first year. Processing centers in New York Chicago and San Francisco will handle in-person verification for first-time applicants.
The decision follows a bilateral tourism agreement signed in March 2026 between the two governments. India already grants similar long-term e-visas to citizens of Japan South Korea and the UAE. Tourism boards in Rajasthan and Kerala have prepared special packages targeting repeat American visitors.
What this means for you
US travelers should apply through the official Indian e-visa website at least two weeks before departure to avoid peak-season delays. Keep digital and printed copies of the approval on all devices and carry the passport used during application. Families can now plan multi-year itineraries without repeated paperwork.
Book flights and hotels with flexible change policies in case of processing backlogs during the July launch. Avoid third-party agents charging extra fees as direct applications remain the only official channel. Monitor the Indian Bureau of Immigration site for any last-minute documentation updates.
The extended visa will encourage deeper exploration of lesser-visited states such as Odisha and Meghalaya over the coming decade.