Most families visiting India for tourism will apply for an e-Visa, a fully online process that has made India far simpler to visit than it was a decade ago. Every traveler, including infants, needs their own visa — there’s no exemption for young children.
The e-Visa Process
Eligible nationalities can apply for an India e-Visa (Tourist) online through the official Indian government e-Visa portal. The application requires a digital passport-style photo and a scan of the passport bio page for each traveler, including children. Processing is typically listed at around 3-5 business days, but applying at least 2-4 weeks before departure gives a comfortable buffer for any delays or requests for additional documentation.
Each e-Visa is tied to the specific passport used in the application — if a child’s passport is renewed between applying and traveling, the e-Visa becomes invalid and must be reapplied for.
Documents Needed for Each Family Member
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry
- A recent digital passport-style photograph, per traveler
- A scanned copy of the passport’s bio page
- Confirmed onward/return flight details (some applications request this)
Practical Notes for Families
Double-check the e-Visa confirmation email for each family member’s name and passport number before travel — errors are far easier to correct before departure than at immigration. Print physical copies of each e-Visa approval to carry alongside passports, since airline check-in staff sometimes request to see it before boarding.
Next Steps
Once visas are confirmed, see our India family travel guide for cost planning and the best regions to visit with kids.