Indian eVisa for US Citizens: 1-Year vs 5-Year

Planning a trip to India from the USA and unsure whether to choose a 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa? The right option depends mainly on how often you expect to visit India.

For U.S. citizens, both options allow multiple entries, but their validity periods are very different. Here is what you need to know before applying for an Indian eVisa for US Citizens in 2026.

Indian eVisa for US Citizens: 1-Year vs 5-Year

The Indian e-Tourist Visa is available to eligible U.S. passport holders for tourism and other permitted short-term activities. The official Indian e-Visa system lists both 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas as multiple-entry visas.

The main difference is simple:

• 1-Year e-Tourist Visa: Valid for 365 days from the date the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is granted.

• 5-Year e-Tourist Visa: Valid for five years from the date the ETA is granted.

• Both: Multiple entries are allowed.

• Maximum stay: For 1-year and 5-year tourist e-Visas, your total stay in India during a calendar year should not exceed 180 days.

This means a 5-year visa does not mean you can stay in India continuously for five years.

Quick Comparison

The current government fee schedule lists US$100 for U.S. citizens for both the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visa, plus a 3% bank charge on applicable e-Visa fees. Always check the latest fee before payment because government fees can change.

Which Indian Visa for US Citizens in 2026 Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your travel plans.

Choose the 1-Year eVisa if You Have One Trip Planned

If you're traveling from the USA to India once, or perhaps twice within the next year, the 1-year option may be enough.

For example, imagine you are planning a family vacation to India in December 2026 and do not expect to return until 2028. A 1-year e-Tourist Visa may make more sense than choosing a longer validity simply because it is available.

The 1-year visa provides multiple entries during its validity period, so it can also work well for travelers who may make several India trips within the same year.

Choose the 5-Year eVisa for Frequent Travel

The 5-year option can be more convenient if you regularly travel between the United States and India.

For example, you may:

• Visit family in India every year.

• Take regular vacations in India.

• Travel to India for cultural or personal trips.

• Expect to make several trips over the next few years.

Instead of applying for another tourist e-Visa after one year, the 5-year option provides a longer validity period.

However, remember that the visa's validity does not remove the annual stay limit. The maximum stay in India during a calendar year for the 1-year and 5-year tourist e-Visas is 180 days.

5 Year Multiple Entry Visa India Cost for US Citizens

One of the most important questions for U.S. travelers is the 5 year multiple entry visa India cost.

As of the current 2026 government fee schedule, the e-Tourist Visa fee for U.S. citizens is:

5-Year e-Tourist Visa: US$100

A 3% bank charge is also listed as an additional charge on applicable e-Visa fees.

Interestingly, the government fee schedule currently lists the same US$100 government fee for the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visa for U.S. citizens.

Because fees can be revised, check the amount displayed at the time of application before completing payment.

US Passport Requirements for India

Before applying for an Indian eVisa for US Citizens, make sure your U.S. passport meets the basic requirements.

According to the Indian e-Visa rules, your passport should have:

• At least six months of validity when applying.

• The required blank pages for immigration and visa formalities.

• A valid individual passport rather than being included on another person's passport.

• A clear passport information page for the online application.

Travelers should also have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in India.

If your passport is close to expiration, consider renewing it before applying. This can help avoid problems when preparing your travel documents.

For a broader checklist, you can also review the 2026 India eVisa rules and requirements guide before starting your application.

How to Apply for an Indian eVisa from the USA

The online process is straightforward when you have your documents ready.

Step 1: Select the Correct Visa

Decide whether you need the 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa based on your expected travel frequency.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Typically, you will need your:

• Valid U.S. passport

• Recent passport-style photograph

• Travel information

• Personal details

• Email address

• Payment method

The official e-Visa process requires applicants to upload a recent photograph and the passport information page.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Enter your information carefully. Make sure your name, passport number, date of birth and other details match your passport.

Small mistakes in passport information can create unnecessary problems.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable e-Visa fee online. For U.S. citizens, the current government schedule lists US$100 for both the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visa, plus the applicable bank charge.

Step 5: Receive Your ETA

After your application is processed, the Electronic Travel Authorization is sent to your email address. The official system instructs travelers to print the ETA and present it at the immigration checkpoint when traveling to India.

You can use the India eVisa online application page to start your application and review the information required before submitting your details.

Example: Which Visa Is Better?

Suppose Sarah is a U.S. citizen.

She plans to visit India in December 2026 for a two-week vacation and does not currently have another India trip planned.

Sarah's likely choice: 1-year e-Tourist Visa.

Now consider David. He has family in India and expects to visit every year for the next four years.

David's likely choice: 5-year e-Tourist Visa.

The important point is that the 5-year visa offers longer validity, not unlimited stay.

Important Things US Travelers Should Remember

Before traveling to India, keep these points in mind:

• Your e-Visa must be valid for your travel.

• Check your passport's validity before applying.

• The 1-year and 5-year tourist e-Visas allow multiple entries.

• The maximum stay during a calendar year is 180 days for these visas.

• Keep a copy of your ETA with your travel documents.

• Review the latest rules before booking your trip.

• Make sure the information in your application matches your passport.

Rules and fees can change, so checking current information before submitting an application is always a smart step.

FAQ: Indian eVisa for US Citizens

1. Can US citizens apply for an Indian eVisa?

Yes. U.S. passport holders are listed among the nationalities eligible for India's e-Visa system, subject to the applicable requirements and visa category.

2. Is the 5-year Indian eVisa multiple entry?

Yes. The 5-year e-Tourist Visa allows multiple entries during its five-year validity period. However, the maximum stay in India during a calendar year is 180 days.

3. How much does a 5-year Indian eVisa cost for US citizens?

The current government fee schedule lists the 5-year e-Tourist Visa for U.S. citizens at US$100, with a 3% bank charge applicable to e-Visa fees.

4. How long must a US passport be valid for an Indian eVisa?

The passport should have at least six months of validity at the time of applying for the Indian e-Visa.

Apply for Your Indian eVisa

Choosing between a 1-year and 5-year Indian eVisa is mainly about your future travel plans. If you expect to visit India several times over the next few years, the 5-year option can provide greater convenience. For a single or occasional trip, the 1-year option may be sufficient.

If your documents are ready, apply now through the India eVisa online application page and review your details carefully before submitting. Checking the current requirements and fee before payment can help you prepare for a smoother journey.