In 2026, the length of stay for an Indian tourist visa (e-Tourist or paper) is generally capped at 180 days per calendar year. While a 5-year or 10-year multi-entry visa allows for numerous visits, each individual stay must not exceed 180 continuous days. For citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, this 180-day limit applies even on long-term visas. It is crucial to note that extensions are rarely granted except in extreme medical emergencies or lost passports. Overstaying is a serious offense that can lead to significant fines, deportation, or even imprisonment, so travelers must monitor their 180-day window carefully across the January to December period.
The standard duration of stay on a tourist visa for India depends on the type of e-Visa you hold. Here’s a breakdown:
1. e-Tourist Visa (most common for short visits)
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa: Single entry, valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. Non-extendable and non-convertible.
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entries, valid for 365 days from the date of grant. Each stay during this period is limited to a maximum of 90 days per visit.
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: Multiple entries, valid for 5 years from the date of grant. Each stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days per visit.
2. Regular/Paper Tourist Visa (applied at an embassy)
- Typically issued for 6 months to 10 years with multiple entries.
- The key rule: You cannot stay more than 180 days (approx. 6 months) continuously on any single visit, regardless of the visa’s validity period. The specific duration per stay is usually decided by the Indian mission issuing the visa and is noted on the visa sticker.
Important Rules to Remember:
- “Maximum Stay Per Visit”: Even with a 1-year or 5-year visa, you must exit India before the 90-day (for e-Visa) or 180-day (for regular visa) limit for that particular trip. You can re-enter after a short gap if your visa allows multiple entries.