If you already have a visa for India, but the expiration date is approaching, applying for a visa extension is possible.
For the Indian visa extension process, you must complete an online application on the Indian Government Website (e-FRRO/FRO).
Extending your India Visa
You have three options for an India Tourist eVisa: 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years validity. The number of entries and length of stay are different for each.
The Indian Medical Visa is valid for 60 days and three entries, while the Indian Business Visa allows multiple entries and is valid for up to 1 year.
For comprehensive information on your India Tourist e-visa validity, check out our blog.
If you are already in India and wish to extend your stay, you can contact the FRRO, which decides the policy of extension of visas. This can be done through the e-FRRO, an online FRRO/FRO service delivery mechanism that eliminates the need to visit an FRRO/FRO Office. All foreigners who desire Visa and Immigration services in India, including registration, visa extension, visa conversion, and exit permits, must apply for e-FRRO1.
You also have the option to exit India for a few days by traveling to a neighboring country like Sri Lanka or Nepal and then re-applying for a Tourist eVisa at Indian Visa Online.
Apply for an Indian eVisa here!
How much does it cost to extend the Indian visa?
The Indian government establishes the visa fee depending on the traveler’s country and type of visa extension. You can make international payments or deposits online. Among the various payment modes are MasterCard, Visa, and UnionPay.
Be aware that the government can apply an additional penalty if the visitor stays longer than authorized or does not return to the country. The penalty is calculated after the submission of the application.
How long does it take to get a visa extension in India?
The visa extension processing time usually is 7 to 10 days after the form submission and payments are made. The FRRO/FRO visa officers, request that foreign nationals apply for the extension at least 60 days before the expiration date.
What happens if I overstay my Indian Visa?
As for how long you can stay in India, it depends on several factors. The 30-day Indian Tourist Visa is a double-entry visa, while the 1-year and 5-year Indian Tourist Visas allow multiple entries.
In case of an overstay, it's important to note that the penalties can be severe. For instance, if you have not contacted the Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) and have breached your eVisa stay condition, you are liable to pay a fine of $100 for one week of extra stay and $300 for one year of stay in India at the Indian Airport or Seaport at the time of departure1.
Can the India eVisa be Extended?
The electronic Indian Visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, apply for a new eVisa, which is not extensible, cancellable, transferable, or amendable.
The eVisa India can be used for various purposes, such as recreation, sightseeing, meeting family or friends, attending Yoga programs or short courses, volunteer work (up to 1 month), setting up an industrial complex, initiating or continuing a business venture, selling or buying products or services in India, hiring staff from India, and attending business-related events2.
It's crucial to remember that the eVisa only allows entry into India via air or sea. Access via road or train is not permitted. If you are coming on a Business Visa, you must hold an eBusiness Visa, not a Tourist Visa. If you are coming for medical reasons, you cannot bring more than two Medical Attendants. Additionally, you cannot enter protected areas on the eVisa.
