Home  ›  United States  ›  India
Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do United States citizens need a visa for India?

e-Visa / ETA

United States citizens need an e-Visa or ETA to enter India — applied for online before departure.

VISAXSAug 2026
e-Visa / ETA
United States → India
e-Visaonline

Everything for your trip to India

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

United States vs India: passport comparison

United States

116

visa-free countries

Global rank: #40 · mobility 166.1

India

27

visa-free countries

Global rank: #137 · mobility 85
22

countries both United States and India can enter visa-free together

United States + India: passport compatibility

39%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where United States and India travel together — by entry type:

22 both visa-free
21 both visa on arrival
18 both e-visa / eTA
15 both need a visa
121 access differs

Where United States and India can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Only India is visa-free (5)

How the entry rule changed: United States → India

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The United States → India rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

1passports gained easier entry to India
0passports saw India tighten its rules
6rule changes for the United States passport, 3 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

India: good to know

New Delhi

Capital

Indian Rupee (INR)

Currency

India Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Time zone

+91

Calling code

C, D, M

Power plug

230V / 50Hz

Voltage

Left-hand

Driving side

Where else United States goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for India

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

e-Visa / eTA

Applied for online before you fly

Frequently asked

Do United States citizens need a visa for India?
United States citizens need an e-Visa or ETA to enter India — applied for online before departure.
Which passport is stronger — United States or India?
The United States passport is stronger: 116 visa-free countries versus 27. Global rank: United States #40, India #137.
Where can United States and India citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 22 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for India?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus an e-Visa or eTA applied for online before you fly. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between United States and India?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

United States passport ranking

Where else the United States passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport