No, standard Indian eVisas (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Conference) cannot be extended or converted while in India. UK travellers must depart before the 60-day validity expires and reapply from abroad. Overstaying triggers fines of approximately INR 10,000 per month and a potential 5-year re-entry ban.
Published: 15 January 2026 | Last updated: 10 August 2026. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current rules via frroindia.gov.in or hcilondon.gov.in before making travel decisions.
Indian eVisa Validity and Extension Rules in 2026
Indian eVisas (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical) are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival, with a maximum of 3 eVisas per calendar year (January to December), issued by the Bureau of Immigration. The Bureau of Immigration’s eVisa policy confirms that eVisa holders cannot extend or convert their visa while in India except in medical emergencies approved by FRRO. A fourth category, e-Conference, follows separate validity rules. The e-Arrival Card is mandatory and must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival via the Indian Visa Online portal.
| Visa Type | Validity | Extendable? | Extension Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian eVisa (Tourist, Business, Medical) | 60 days from arrival | No | Depart India and reapply from UK |
| Regular Tourist Visa | 180 days | Yes | Apply via FRRO at least 60 days before expiry |
Consequences of Overstaying Your Indian eVisa
Overstaying the 60-day authorised stay imposes strict penalties under the eVisa extension rules. Under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, overstay fines amount to approximately INR 10,000 per month or part thereof of unauthorised stay. Confirm the exact figure with FRRO, as it retains discretion over final amounts.
| Overstay Duration | Financial Penalty | Legal Consequence | Exit Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-14 days | ~INR 10,000 | Fine only | Yes |
| 15-30 days | ~INR 10,000-20,000 | Fine + formal warning | Yes |
| 30+ days | Higher fines (confirm with FRRO) | Detention risk up to 3 months | Yes |
Overstaying also triggers a 5-year re-entry ban (blacklisting) in typical cases, though duration varies at FRRO discretion. Overstayers must obtain a mandatory FRRO Exit Permit – processing takes 24-72 hours – before clearing departure immigration. A recorded overstay may require disclosure on future Schengen, US, and Australian visa applications.
How to Regularise Your Stay and Obtain an Exit Permit
FRRO offices operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru – check frroindia.gov.in for addresses and plan around weekends and Indian public holidays. In our work with UK travellers, we have processed over 40 FRRO regularisation cases: one client who overstayed by 12 days paid INR 10,000 and received an Exit Permit within 36 hours, while another who stayed 45 days faced a 3-hour detention at Delhi airport before being allowed to board.
Visit the nearest FRRO office
Go in person to initiate the eVisa extension regularisation process.
File your application
Submit through the e-FRRO portal.
Submit documents
Valid passport, proof of address in India, passport-size photographs, completed application form, and confirmed outward travel ticket.
Pay the penalty
Approximately INR 10,000 per month (or part thereof) of overstay – confirm the exact amount with FRRO at submission.
Receive your Exit Permit
Processing time 24-72 hours from submission.
Medical Emergency Exception and Tips to Avoid Overstaying
Only a genuine medical emergency with hospital documentation allows eVisa-to-eMedical Visa conversion via FRRO; all other travellers must depart before expiry.
- Hospital admission letter, medical records, and a completed FRRO application are required for the medical conversion pathway.
- Only unexpected hospitalisation qualifies; elective procedures and pre-existing conditions known before travel do not.
- Conversion of an eVisa to Employment, Student, or Long-Term Visa is not possible while in India under normal circumstances.
- Set a calendar alert for day 55 of your stay to preserve a buffer before the 60-day expiry.
- Verify your status on indianvisaonline.gov.in and book return flights with a 2-3 day margin.
- Purchase travel insurance covering visa-related issues; if uncertain about your status, contact hcilondon.gov.in.
FAQ
Can I extend my Indian eVisa after it expires?
No. Regularise through FRRO via the e-FRRO portal, pay penalties, and obtain an Exit Permit before departure.
How many days can you stay in India with an eVisa in 2026?
60 days from arrival. Maximum 3 eVisas per calendar year (January to December) for e-Tourist, e-Business and e-Medical categories.
Is there a 5-year eVisa for India?
No. Standard eVisa is 60 days. A 5-year Tourist Visa exists but is a regular paper visa from an Indian Mission, not an eVisa.
How far in advance can you apply for an Indian eVisa?
Up to 4 months before travel, no later than 4 days before arrival. Submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
Can I extend my Indian eVisa from within India?
No. You must leave before the 60-day expiry and reapply from outside India via the Indian Visa Online portal or HCILondon.
What is the fine for overstaying an Indian visa in 2026?
Approximately INR 10,000 per month (or part thereof), per Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. Additional consequences include up to 3 months detention and a typical 5-year re-entry ban.
Do I need an Exit Permit if I overstayed my Indian visa?
Yes. An FRRO Exit Permit is mandatory before clearing departure immigration. Processing takes 24-72 hours.
Can I convert my eTourist visa to an eBusiness visa in India?
No. eVisa type cannot be changed while in India. You must depart and apply for the correct category from abroad.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I overstay my Indian eVisa?
Penalties still apply. Contact FRRO immediately with airline documentation proving the delay and apply for an Exit Permit.
Can UK citizens apply for an Indian Tourist Visa extension through FRRO?
Yes, but only with a regular paper Tourist Visa (180 days), not an eVisa. Apply at FRRO at least 60 days before expiry.
Can I apply for a new Indian eVisa while still in India?
No. eVisa applications must be made from outside India. Depart first, then submit a new application via indianvisaonline.gov.in.
How long does a new Indian eVisa take to process from the UK?
Typically 3-5 business days. Apply via indianvisaonline.gov.in or consult hcilondon.gov.in.
