India visa for Irish citizens

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Irish citizens can travel to India with an e-Visa, which you apply for entirely online. The e-Visa covers tourism, business and medical visits. You must get the electronic travel authorisation before departure. Always check the latest requirements on the official government e-Visa website, as rules and fees change.

What the e-Visa means

The Indian e-Visa is an official permit linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to visit an embassy or post your passport. It is designed for short visits. The e-Visa categories include tourist, business, medical and conference visas. Each has different conditions. Check the official site for the correct category for your trip.

The e-Visa is not a sticker in your passport. Immigration officers at the airport check the authorisation on their system. You still need a valid passport. The e-Visa is for entry at designated airports and seaports only. Land borders are not covered. Confirm your port of entry is on the list of e-Visa airports.

Before you travel

Apply online on the official Indian e-Visa website. Do not use third-party sites. You need a digital photo and a scan of your passport's biographical page. Pay the fee online. The website gives a reference number. Keep this for tracking. Processing times vary so apply well in advance of your departure date.

Once approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email. Print a copy to carry with your travel documents. The ETA is valid for entry during a specific window. Double-check your passport details on the ETA. Any error may cause problems at immigration. Contact the helpdesk on the official site if there is a mistake.

On arrival in India

Arrive at an e-Visa-designated airport. Major airports include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. At immigration, join the e-Visa queue. Present your passport and printed ETA. An immigration officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel details. Keep these documents handy.

Biometrics are taken on arrival: fingerprints and a photograph. The process is quick. You receive a stamp in your passport with the entry date. The e-Visa is typically for a single or multiple entries depending on the category. Do not overstay the permitted period. Check the exact conditions on your ETA.

Staying longer, working or studying

The e-Visa is for short stays only. If you plan to work in India, you need an employment visa from an Indian mission. Students must apply for a student visa in advance. These visas are not available through the e-Visa system. Contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate in Ireland for details.

For a longer tourist stay beyond the e-Visa limit, you may need a regular tourist visa from the Indian mission. E-Visa extensions are not normally possible. Do not overstay your visa. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation or a ban. For any special circumstances, visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in India.

How to apply for the e-Visa

1. Go to the official Indian e-Visa website at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
2. Fill in the online application form with your passport and travel details.
3. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scan of your passport's bio page.
4. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
5. Wait for the Electronic Travel Authorisation to be sent by email.
6. Print a copy of the ETA and carry it with your passport.
7. Travel to India and arrive at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport for biometrics on arrival.

Documents to carry

• Valid passport with at least six months' validity
• Printed copy of the Electronic Travel Authorisation
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation details
• Recent passport-size photograph (digital copy for upload)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

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