If you’re planning a holiday to India, understanding the stay duration rules is just as important as booking flights and hotels. Many travelers face confusion about how long they can stay, exit, and re-enter the country. Whether you’re applying for an India tourist visa or checking rules for an India visa for tourists, this guide explains everything in a simple, human-friendly way so you can travel stress-free.

How Long Can Tourists Stay in India?

The length of stay in India depends on the type of visa issued. India has various types of tourist visas and each has its own validity period and stay rules.

1. Tourist e-Visa (30 Days)

• Valid for 30 Days from the date of arrival  
• Usually allows for dual entry  
•  Good for short holidays, visits to family or short sightseeing trips  
• Staying longer than permitted, even for a day, can lead to fines or restrictions on travel.  

2. Tourist e-Visa (1 Year)

• Good for 1 year from the date of issue  
• Allows multiple entries  
• Maximum stay: 90 days per stay for most nationalities  
• Best for people who travel a lot or take long vacations  

3. Tourist e-Visa (5 Years)

• Valid for 5 years  
• Permits multiple entries  
• Maximum stay: 90 days per visit  
• Perfect for travelers who visit India on a regular basis  

Important: Continuous stay within the entire validity of the visa is prohibited. The limit for the per-visit stay time must be strictly followed.

What Happens If You Overstay in India?

Overstaying your visa in India is taken seriously. Even a short overstay can cause problems.

Possible consequences include:

• Monetary fines

• Exit permit requirements

• Difficulty getting future Indian visas

• Temporary travel bans in serious cases

If you realize you might overstay due to emergencies (medical or flight issues), it’s best to contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) immediately.

Can Tourists Extend Their Stay in India?

In most cases, tourist visas may not be extended. Extensions are only allowed under exceptional circumstances, for example:

• Medical emergencies
• Natural disasters
• Irreparable travel interruptions

Tourists are advised to plan their itineraries around the time they are allowed to stay or they will face complications.

Exit and Re-Entry Rules You Should Know

Registration Rules for Tourists

• Tourists staying more than 180 days continuously must register with the FRRO (rare for tourist visa holders)

• Most short-term tourists do not need registration

Tips to Avoid Visa Issues While Traveling in India

• Make sure that you carefully document your dates of entry and exit.
• Have a copy of your visa and passport.
• Arrange return tickets according to the allowed period of stay.
• Avoid using a tourist visa for business or work-related purposes.

Final Thoughts

India is still a diverse and welcoming destination. However, following visa regulations is crucial for a smooth travel experience. By understanding the allowed duration of stay, requirements for entry, and consequences of overstaying, one can make the journey with a limited amount of undue stress. Whether the reason for visitation is cultural, culinary or adventurous, it is imperative that your itinerary is based on the conditions dictated by the India tourist visa requirements and the regulations that come with it.