India has long been a top destination for travelers seeking cultural enrichment, spiritual growth, medical treatment, business opportunities, and tourism. If you find yourself frequently visiting India—or planning extended travel over multiple years—the Five-Year Indian Visa is your most convenient and cost-effective option.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the FIVE YEAR INDIAN VISA in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application process, documentation, fees, and travel conditions. Whether you are a tourist, businessperson, or someone with family ties in India, this visa offers unmatched flexibility for multiple entries over five years.
What is a Five-Year Indian Visa?
The Five-Year Indian Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to visit India as many times as they like over a 5-year period. It is available for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and visiting family.
It is offered in two formats:
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5-Year Tourist e-Visa (Online Application)
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5-Year Regular Visa (Sticker Visa via Indian Embassy)
The e-Visa format is more accessible and faster for most nationalities, while the sticker visa is generally used for longer stays or specific purposes.
Who Should Apply for a 5-Year Indian Visa?
The 5-Year Visa is ideal for:
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Frequent travelers or repeat tourists
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Non-resident Indians (NRIs) visiting family often
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Spiritual seekers attending long-term programs
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Business professionals with recurring meetings or partnerships in India
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Foreigners undergoing multiple medical visits or treatments
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Retired individuals spending part of the year in India
Key Features of the Five-Year Indian Visa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years from the date of issue |
| Entries | Multiple entries allowed |
| Stay Duration | Up to 90 days per visit (180 days for some nationals) |
| Application Modes | Online (e-Visa) and Offline (Embassy Visa) |
| Eligibility | Citizens of eligible countries |
| Processing Time | 3–5 days (e-Visa), 7–15 days (Embassy Visa) |
Note: Some nationalities (e.g., US, UK, Japan) may be granted up to 180 days per visit under this visa.
Types of Five-Year Visas Offered by India
1. Five-Year Tourist Visa (e-Tourist Visa)
Ideal for those traveling frequently for leisure, sightseeing, spiritual journeys, or visiting friends and family.
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Stay limit: Up to 90 days per visit
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Application: Online via Indian e-Visa Portal
2. Five-Year Business Visa
Issued to entrepreneurs and businesspeople attending meetings, trade shows, or exploring opportunities in India.
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Stay limit: 180 days per visit
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Application: Through Indian Embassy/Consulate
3. Five-Year Entry Visa (for Family Visits)
Issued to foreigners with Indian-origin family members (such as OCI holders or Indian citizens).
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Stay limit: Typically 180 days per visit
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Application: Through Embassy
4. Five-Year Medical Visa
For patients requiring long-term or recurring medical treatment in India.
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Stay limit: Based on treatment schedule and approval by FRRO
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Application: Embassy or online for short-term cases
How to Apply for a 5-Year Indian e-Visa (Tourist)
Follow these steps for a smooth online application process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Indian e-Visa website
Step 2: Choose Visa Type
Select e-Tourist Visa and choose 5 Years (Multiple Entry)
Step 3: Complete the Form
Fill out the required information such as:
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Passport details
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Personal information
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Travel history
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Purpose of visit
Step 4: Upload Documents
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Recent passport-size photo (white background)
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Scanned copy of passport’s bio page (PDF)
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Visa fee depends on nationality and ranges from $80 to $120 USD, plus a small banking fee.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Processing time is typically 3 to 5 business days. Approved visas are sent via email.
Step 7: Print Your Visa
Carry a hard copy of the visa when traveling to URGENT EMERGENCY INDIAN VISA. Digital copies are not always accepted at checkpoints.
Applying for a 5-Year Regular Visa via Indian Embassy
For longer stay durations or non-tourist purposes, follow these steps:
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Visit the website of the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate
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Download and complete the visa application form
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Gather required documents, which usually include:
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Passport
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Photos
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Proof of residence
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Invitation letters (for business or family visits)
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Financial statements
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Submit the application and schedule an appointment
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Attend a biometric interview (if required)
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Wait for approval and visa stamping
Required Documents for 5-Year Indian Visa
For e-Visa (Tourist):
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Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages)
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Digital photo
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Scanned passport bio page
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Email address and credit/debit card for payment
For Embassy Visa:
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Completed visa application form
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Two recent passport-size photos
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Original passport
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Proof of reason for long-term travel (business invitation, medical need, or family ties)
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Bank statements or proof of financial support
Countries Eligible for 5-Year Indian e-Visa
As of 2025, over 160 countries are eligible for the 5-Year Indian Tourist e-Visa, including:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Canada
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Australia
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Japan
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Germany
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France
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UAE
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Brazil
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South Africa
Note: Eligibility may vary by country. Check the e-Visa portal for the most updated list.
Entry Points for 5-Year e-Visa Holders
e-Visa holders can enter India only through designated airports and seaports, such as:
Airports:
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New Delhi
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Mumbai
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Chennai
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Kolkata
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Hyderabad
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Bengaluru
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Goa
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Kochi
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Ahmedabad
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Jaipur
Seaports:
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Chennai
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Cochin
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Goa
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Mangalore
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Mumbai
Exit is allowed through any authorized immigration checkpoint.
Important Rules & Restrictions
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No employment or journalism is allowed on a tourist or business visa.
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Overstaying is a serious offense and may lead to fines or future visa denial.
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The visa is non-convertible and non-extendable.
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Visitors staying more than 180 days must register with the FRRO.
Benefits of the 5-Year Indian Visa
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Cost-effective for frequent travelers
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Multiple entries without repeated applications
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Ideal for long-term projects, studies (non-formal), or extended family visits
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Avoids visa renewal stress for 5 years
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Saves processing time and embassy visits
Final Thoughts: Travel to India with Long-Term Freedom
The Five-Year Indian Visa is perfect for those who view India not just as a one-time destination, but as a recurring journey of discovery, business, healing, or connection. With generous stay durations, multiple entries, and hassle-free application processes, this visa gives you the flexibility to explore India’s limitless offerings—again and again.
