10-Year India visa for US citizens: A comprehensive guide

US passport holders can now enjoy extended travel privileges with India’s 10-year regular paper tourist visa, allowing multiple entries and stays up to 180 days per year.

Visitors from the United States who hold US passports can obtain a 10-year visa for India. It is important to note that this visa is a regular paper tourist visa. Therefore, it should not be mistaken for an electronic visa.

Read on to learn more about the 10 year India visa for US citizens below.

Do US citizens require a 10-year Indian visa

A 10-year Indian visa is a long-duration tourist visa for US nationals. Unlike the India e-Visa, it is a regular paper visa processed through the embassy.

Other Types

Alternatively, Americans can also apply for the Indian tourist e-Visas (30 days, 1 year, and 5 years). They can also get other e-Visas (business, conference, medical, Ayush, etc.) except e-Emergency X Misc visa for Afghan nationals.

"Make sure your images are high in quality and not blurry. This will avoid delays."

-Natvisa Specialist

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria and key features of the 10-year India Visa for US passport holders are as follows:

• Type: Long-duration regular paper tourist visa
• Eligible countries: USA and Japan (Canadians are no longer eligible for it)
• Issuing authority: The visa application is filled out online and then processed through an Indian Embassy or Consulate
• Validity: 10 years
• Duration: 180 days in a year (approximately six months)
• Purpose: Travel and tourism
• Entry type: Multiple entry
• Fees: USD 160 (it is subject to change)
• Processing time: Typically takes 5 days (may take longer in some cases)
• Requirements: Passport with at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages, 2 passport photos (51 mm x 51 mm) against a white background, and a completed application form.

Note: Applicants from the United States must re-check the requirements with the nearest Indian embassy, as it may change without any further notice.

Purpose of visit

A 10-year tourist visa is issued to US citizens who intend to visit India solely for:

• recreational activities/sightseeing
• casual visits to meet friends or relatives
• Join short yoga programs (up to 6 months) without receiving any certificate or diploma.

Comparing India tourist visas: 5-year e-visa vs. 10-year visa

US nationals can easily apply online for a multiple-entry, 5-year Indian tourist e-Visa without visiting the embassy. However, US citizens need to submit documents for the embassy-processed regular 10-year tourist paper visa.

Both allow stays up to 180 days in a calendar year.

Eligibility

• 5-Year e-Visa: 171 eligible nations, including the United States
• 10-Year Visa: Only for US and Japanese citizens

Benefits

• 5-Year e-Visa: Quicker processing and paperless
• 10-Year Visa: Less frequent renewals, easier long-term travel

Case study: Stay duration for India’s 10-year tourist visa for US citizens

Issue:A US citizen with a 10-year tourist visa to India comes across conflicting information about the maximum stay duration. Let’s break down the issue and explore the next steps:

Traveler’s Dilemma :

• Option A: 180-day annual limit

The visa holder can stay a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.

• Option B: 180-day continuous stay

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) PDF and some online sources argue that the continuous stay can be at most 180 days on a 10-year tourist visa. Thus, US visitors can stay more than 180 days in a calendar year, provided no single stay exceeds 180 days.

Point of Confusion:

• Recent policy changes: India did introduce new visa restrictions in 2022, potentially affecting the interpretation of the 10-year visa.
• Conflicting sources: Official documents and online information contradict each other, further complicating the situation.
• Unclear interpretation: The exact wording of the visa stipulation ("Each stay not to exceed 180 days") leaves room for confusion.

Next steps for clarity

Natvisa suggests

• Seek official confirmation: Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the region for a definitive answer to the specific situation.
• Consult immigration experts: Consider speaking with an Indian immigration attorney who can provide expert guidance and clarify the legalities.
• Review updated resources: Look for official updates or clarifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs or relevant Indian government agencies.

Remember:

• Avoid relying solely on the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO): Some experts on travel forums suggest not relying much on FRRO as their information might not be accurate or up-to-date.
• Document the communication: Keep records of official inquiries or responses the applicant may receive regarding the 10-year visa stay duration limit.
• Prioritize clarity: It is best to exercise caution and ensure the travel plans comply with the latest ten-year visa regulations.

By following these steps, US tourists can navigate this confusing situation and plan their trip to India with confidence. Remember, clear official communication with relevant authorities is key to avoiding any complications during the stay.

FAQs

Q1: Can a US national transfer a 10 year India visa to a new passport?

Ans. If a US national has a valid Indian visa for ten years on an expired passport, they can still travel to the country with both the old passport (with the visa) and the new valid passport. However, it’s recommended to transfer the Indian visa to the new US passport for convenience.

Q2: Is there a 2-month gap requirement between visits on a 10 year paper visa valid for Americans?

Ans. No, there is no longer a requirement for a 2-month gap between visits for US travelers. According to some visitors from the US, it was an old rule that has been removed. However, if returning after a short gap, especially after multiple visits, US nationals might face additional checks at immigration.

Authorities may want to ensure they are not working in India and have sufficient funds for their stay. However, the two-month gap rule may still apply to other nationalities. Still, US travelers are advised to check with the nearest embassy as policies can change.

Q3. Is the 10 year Indian tourist visa issued before the pandemic still valid?

Ans. Yes, if the 10-year tourist visa was issued before the pandemic and has not yet expired, it remains valid. Despite the cancellation of visas before March 2020 due to the pandemic, previously issued paper visas have been restored.

Many US travelers have successfully entered India using their pre-pandemic 10-year visas.

Q4. Can US Green Card holders apply for a 10 year visa to India?

Ans. US Green Card holders are not eligible to apply for a 10-year visa to India. It’s important for applicants to consult the Indian embassy, as visa rules and regulations are subject to change.

Things to keep in mind

• Entry Points for US Nationals: When applying for a 10-year India visa, US nationals are permitted entry only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs.
• Restriction on Entry Routes: US nationals cannot enter India through land borders or riverine routes on 10-year tourist visas.

Conclusion

With the 10 year India visa for US citizens, tourists can look forward to a decade of hassle-free travel. This long-term visa eliminates the need for frequent visa applications, allowing for multiple entries over a ten-year period.

All that remains is for travelers from the United States to plan their various trips. They can set dates to explore India’s rich culture and diverse landscapes over the years. The 10 year visa marks the beginning of an extended, convenient travel experience for US citizens visiting India.