Complete Guide to the 10-Year Tourist Visa for India
- Feb 27
- 5 min read
YouTube link of this guide is at the end of the Blog
If you are planning to visit India and want a 10-year tourist visa, this complete guide will walk you through every step of the process. From understanding eligibility to submitting documents and tracking your application, this article explains everything clearly so you can avoid delays or rejections.
What Is the 10-Year Tourist Visa for India?
The 10-year visa is a multiple-entry tourist visa issued by the Government of India. It allows you to visit India for tourism, to meet family and friends, and to attend casual events.
Each stay is typically limited to 180 days per visit for most nationalities. It is very important to understand that you cannot work or conduct business on this visa. You also cannot extend or convert this visa while in India.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The 10-year tourist visa is generally available to citizens of many countries, including:
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and several European, Asian, and African countries. Eligibility depends on your nationality, not just where you live. Some nationalities are not eligible for the 10-year validity and may only receive shorter-term visas.
If you are applying from outside India, your application is processed through the official outsourcing partner, such VFS Global in USA and UK or BLS in Canada. You must apply from your country of citizenship or country of legal residence. Applicants with Pakistani origin documentation are subject to special rules. You must also confirm that you do not intend to work, conduct business, or engage in long-term study in India on this visa.
Step 1: Fill Out the Online Government Application
Start by visiting the Government of India visa website and selecting the regular paper visa application link. You must choose the country you are applying from and the correct Indian consulate. Enter your details exactly as they appear in your current foreign passport. This includes your full name, date of birth, passport number, place of birth, and citizenship details. You will also provide your expected arrival date, visa type, and purpose of visit.
You must provide detailed personal information, including: Current address and contact information, Parents' names and their citizenship details, Marital status, Occupational information, Employer details, and Military or armed forces history if applicable. You will also provide details of previous Indian visas, prior visits, cities visited, and whether you were ever refused a visa. You must list all countries visited in the past 10 years including South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries (SAARC) such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Provide a reference in India and a reference in your home country. Carefully answer all criminal history questions.
Photo Upload Requirements
You must upload a digital photograph in JPG format with a maximum size of 100 kilobytes. The image should be 350 by 350 pixels with a white background. Your face must be centered and cover about 70 to 80 percent of the image. If the digital photo does not meet the specifications, your application may be rejected.
After completing the form, review all details carefully. Download the application as a PDF and print it. Affix a 2*2-inch color photograph in the space provided and sign below the photo. Sign again on the last page. For minors, the child writes their name below the photo. If under five years old, a thumb impression may be placed. Both parents must sign the first and last pages of a minor application below the minor's signature or thumbprint.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Processing usually takes about 15 days, but can extend to 30 or even 60 days depending on the case. It is best to apply early. Download the checklist for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Complete the top section by typing the information, as handwritten forms are not accepted.
Mandatory documents generally include:
Printed and signed the visa application form
One physical passport photo
Proof of current address, such as drivers license, state ID, utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage papers, or tax return
Proof of legal status for non-US passport holders, such as a green card, visa, EAD, I797, or I94
Annexure A completed and signed
Original current passport
Photocopies of the first two and the last two pages of the passport
If you ever held an Indian passport, you must provide a surrender certificate.
For minor applicants, additional documents are required, including:
Notarized parental authorization form
Annexure B
Birth certificate
Copies of both parents passports
Marriage certificate, if applicable
Visa status documents for non-US national parents
If parents are divorced or separated, proper court documents must be included.
Step 3: Register and Pay Through VFS
Next, register on the VFS payment portal. Create an account, activate it via email, and log in. Select your consulate, service type, current citizenship, and tourist visa category. Enter your application reference number and personal details. If applying for multiple family members, use the add another applicant option to pay together.
You must purchase an inbound shipping label to send your documents to VFS. You can buy the discounted FedEx label through VFS or use another courier. VFS returns your passport using their service. Enter the tracking number for your inbound shipment. Complete the payment for the visa application fees using a debit or credit card.
Final Checklist Before Mailing
Your package should include:
Printed application form with photo
Proof of address
Proof of legal status, if applicable
Annexure A
Original passport and photocopies
VFS payment receipt
Signed VFS checklist
Surrender certificate if applicable
Minor-specific documents if applying for a child
A cover letter explaining what is included in the package is highly recommended.
Send your documents within 30 days of submitting your online application. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
Tracking Your Application
You can track your application on both the Government of India and VFS Global websites.
On the government website, enter your application reference number and passport number. On VFS, enter your reference number and date of birth to check status updates.
Receiving Your Passport and Visa
After your package is received, processing may take up to 15 days or longer, depending on circumstances. Once approved, your passport will be returned by mail with the visa stamped inside.
Applying for a 10-year tourist visa to India involves multiple steps, but if you follow the process carefully and submit complete documentation, the experience can be smooth and straightforward. Always double-check details, apply early, and ensure you select the correct consulate. If done correctly, you will soon receive your visa and be ready to travel.
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