By The Escape desk · Last verified 7 October 2026
Singaporeans do need a visa for India, but for a holiday the simplest option is the e-Tourist Visa (e-TV), applied for entirely online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Apply at least four days before arrival (and no more than 120 days ahead), with a passport holding six months’ validity when you apply. As of October 2026, India’s official fee table lists Singapore at US$25 for the 30-day e-TV from July to March, US$10 from April to June, US$25 for one year and US$200 for five years, plus a 3% bank charge. Since October 2025, foreigners also fill in a free online e-Arrival card within 72 hours before landing.
Jaipur’s pink walls, Kerala’s backwaters, a wedding in Chennai: whatever is taking you, the paperwork is a one-sitting job if you have the right photo ready.
Quick facts
- Visa needed: yes, for Singapore passport holders.
- Official site: indianvisaonline.gov.in only.
- When to apply: at least 4 days before arrival, up to 120 days ahead.
- Passport: at least six months’ validity at the time of application.
- Long-stay limit: on 1-year and 5-year e-TVs, no more than 180 days in India per calendar year.
- e-Arrival card: free, submitted online within 72 hours before arrival.
Which e-Tourist Visa, and what it costs
India sets e-Visa fees country by country. These are the Singapore figures from the official fee table, as of October 2026. The site adds a 3% bank charge on top at payment.
| e-Tourist Visa | How long it lasts | Fee for Singaporeans | With 3% bank charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days, April to June | One month | US$10 | US$10.30 |
| 30 days, July to March | One month | US$25 | US$25.75 |
| 1 year | 365 days from grant, multiple entries | US$25 | US$25.75 |
| 5 years | Five years from grant, multiple entries | US$200 | US$206 |
The official site describes the 30-day e-TV as non-extendable and non-convertible. As the 1-year visa costs the same as the 30-day one for most of the year, frequent visitors often find it the better buy. Fees change, so confirm the amount on the payment screen before you pay.
How to apply, step by step
- Prepare a photo: JPEG, between 10 KB and 1 MB, full face, eyes open, no spectacles, plain light or white background.
- Scan your passport bio page as a PDF.
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, choose e-Visa, and fill in the application with your arrival airport and dates.
- Upload the photo and passport page.
- Pay online by card. Applications are not processed until the fee is paid.
- Watch your email for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and print or save it.
- Within 72 hours before landing, complete the e-Arrival card online.
- On arrival, present your passport and ETA; biometrics are taken at immigration.
You must enter through a designated port. The official site lists 36 designated airports and several seaports, which covers all the big gateways. Check your arrival point is on the list if you are flying somewhere less common.
A worked example
Priya is flying Singapore to Delhi, landing on Saturday 12 December 2026, for a two-week family visit.
- Which visa: December falls in the July to March season, so a 30-day e-TV is US$25. She plans another trip in 2027, so she chooses the 1-year e-TV at the same US$25.
- Total paid: US$25 plus 3% bank charge = US$25.75.
- Deadline: four days before arrival is Tuesday 8 December. She applies in mid-November to leave room for any photo rejection.
- e-Arrival: she completes it on Thursday 10 December, inside the 72-hour window.
Avoiding look-alike visa sites
Search for “India e-visa” and you will meet many private sites charging several times the government fee. The High Commission of India in Singapore points applicants to the official portal. The rule of thumb: the address ends in .gov.in, and the fee matches the table above plus the 3% bank charge.
| Check | Official | Private agent |
|---|---|---|
| Web address | indianvisaonline.gov.in | .com, .org or similar |
| Fee for 30-day e-TV, July to March | US$25 plus 3% | Often much higher, with “service fees” |
| Result | ETA emailed by the Government of India | Same ETA, at a mark-up |
The WahLiao Verdict
India’s e-Visa is cheap and quick if you use the government site and get the photo right first time. Apply two to three weeks ahead rather than at the four-day limit, pick the 1-year option if there is any chance you will return, and set a reminder for the e-Arrival card three days before you fly.
Questions people ask
Can Singaporeans get a visa on arrival in India?
Do not count on it. Apply for the e-Tourist Visa online before you travel; airlines will check for your ETA at check-in.
Can I extend a 30-day e-Tourist Visa?
No. The official site describes it as non-extendable and non-convertible, so choose the 1-year version if you may stay longer.
Why is the fee lower from April to June?
India sets a lower 30-day fee for that season for many countries, including Singapore, at US$10 as of October 2026.
What if my photo is rejected?
You will be asked to re-upload. That is the most common delay, which is why applying well before the four-day limit is wise.
Sources: Government of India, e-Visa rules, timelines, photo specs and e-Arrival card; Government of India, country-wise e-Tourist Visa fee table; High Commission of India in Singapore, e-Tourist Visa guidance. The Escape explains; it does not advise.
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