For US citizens, India is a top destination for tourism, business, and family visits. The cultural connection is deep, and the business ties are robust. However, when it comes to entry requirements, Americans face a unique choice that most other nationalities do not: The 10-Year Physical Visa vs. The 5-Year Electronic Visa.
Unlike European citizens who typically get 1-year eVisas, the bilateral relationship between India and the USA allows for longer-term access. But “longer” isn’t always “better” or “easier.”
Travelers often ask: Should I mail my passport to the consulate for the 10-year stamp, or just do it online?
At DU Global, we understand that the right choice depends on your travel frequency, your patience for paperwork, and your timeline. This guide breaks down the pros and cons.
The Contenders
Option A: The 10-Year Tourist Visa (Physical/Sticker)
- What it is: A traditional visa stamped into your passport.
- Validity: 10 Years (Multiple Entry).
- Stay: Up to 180 days per visit.
- Process: Physical submission of passport via mail or in-person to the outsourced provider (VFS Global) in the US.
Option B: The 5-Year e-Tourist Visa (Electronic)
- What it is: A digital authorization linked to your passport number.
- Validity: 5 Years (Multiple Entry).
- Stay: Up to 180 days per calendar year (often capped at 90 days continuous stay per visit, though rules fluctuate—check current guidelines).
- Process: 100% Online. No passport mailing.
The Comparison: Speed vs. Longevity
Speed:
- eVisa: The clear winner. It takes 72 hours (often less). You can apply from your couch in New York or a hotel in London.
- Physical Visa: Takes 2-4 weeks. You must part with your passport. If you have international travel planned soon, this is risky.
Convenience:
- eVisa: High. Upload a photo and passport scan. Pay online. Receive email.
- Physical Visa: Low. You must fill out the long form, print it, get photos (2×2 inch physical prints), buy money orders/banker’s checks, and arrange insured shipping labels. If you make a mistake on the form, the package is mailed back to you, restarting the clock.
Cost:
- eVisa: approx. $80 (plus service fees).
- Physical Visa: approx. $160+ (plus courier fees, notary fees).
- Verdict: The eVisa is cheaper upfront, but the 10-year visa is cheaper per year if you keep it for the full decade.
The “Passport Expiry” Trap
This is the most critical factor often ignored.
- Physical Visa: The visa is valid for 10 years, but your passport might expire in 3 years. Good News: You can travel with your old passport (with the valid visa) and your new passport together. The visa remains valid.
- eVisa: The eVisa is linked to the passport number. If you renew your passport, the 5-year eVisa is technically invalid (though India sometimes allows carrying the old passport, the eVisa rules are stricter and prone to airline denial). You usually have to apply for a new eVisa with the new passport.
- Advice: If your US passport expires in 2 years, don’t get the 5-year eVisa expecting it to last 5 years.
Biometrics and Interviews
- Physical Visa: Often requires a trip to the Visa center for biometrics/interview if you haven’t provided them before. For US citizens living far from major hubs (SF, NYC, Houston, Chicago, DC, Atlanta), this is a major hassle.
- eVisa: Biometrics are captured on arrival in India. No pre-travel appointment needed.
The Business Traveler Perspective
- 10-Year Business Visa: Excellent for executives who travel quarterly. It signals stability.
- 1-Year Business eVisa: Good for ad-hoc trips. Note that Business eVisas are usually only granted for 1 year, not 5.
Why Choose DU Global
The Indian government portal can be finicky with US credit cards and specific photo dimensions.
- Payment Success: We handle the payment locally, avoiding the “Transaction Failed” error common with US banks blocking foreign transactions.
- Photo Compliance: US passport photos are 2×2 inches. The Indian online portal wants a square image but specific pixel counts. We manage your standard photo to meet the digital spec.
- Form Logic: The form asks about “Visible Identification Marks” and “Religion.” These questions confuse Americans. We guide you on how to answer (e.g., “None” is a valid answer for ID marks).
Conclusion
Unless you travel to India 3+ times a year or want the prestige of a stamp, the 5-Year eVisa is the superior choice for the modern traveler. It is fast, digital, and offers sufficient stay duration.
Also Read:
How to Secure Your Japan Tourist eVisa
