Do French citizens need a visa for India?
The official link goes to indianvisaonline.gov.in. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
India entry rules for French citizens.
| Verdict | e-Visa before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa / ETA from indianvisaonline.gov.in) |
| Fee | 30-day: USD 25 (Jul-Mar) / USD 10 (Apr-Jun); 1-year: USD 40; 5-year: USD 200 (+3% bank charge) |
| Stay | 30-day e-Tourist: 30 days (non-extendable); 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist: multiple entry, max 180 days per calendar year |
| Validity | 30-day: 30 days; 1-year: 365 days from grant; 5-year: 5 years from grant |
| When to apply | At least 4 days before arrival (fee must be paid 4+ days before travel); window opens 120 days ahead |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a French passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: India entry requirements.
The details for a French passport.
e-Visa holders must enter through a designated e-Visa airport or seaport (36 airports listed incl. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi). Not eligible for e-Visa if of Pakistani origin (parent/grandparent born in or permanently resident in Pakistan) - regular visa from an Indian mission instead. 1-year/5-year e-Tourist: max 180 days in India per calendar year. 30-day e-Tourist is non-extendable and non-convertible.
How long it must be valid.
At least 6 months validity (e-Visa rule: at the time of application; FCDO/Canada: 6 months after arrival). Machine-readable ordinary passport; diplomatic/official passports cannot use e-Visa.
Recent changes in India.
- 2025-07-24 — Tourist visas resumed for Chinese nationals after a five-year freeze. Regular visa only, no e-Visa. Processing extended to Indian missions worldwide in Nov 2025.
- 2025-09-01 — Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, its Rules and the Exemption Order came into force: consolidated immigration law, reporting duties for hosts and institutions, higher overstay penalties, and Nepal/Bhutan exemptions restated.
- 2025-10-01 — Mandatory online e-Arrival Card for foreigners (embassy notices say OCI holders too), filed within 72 hours before arrival via indianvisaonline.gov.in, boi.gov.in or the 'Indian Visa Su-Swagatam' app. Replaces the paper disembarkation card.
The short answers.
Do French citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. French citizens apply online for the e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa / ETA from indianvisaonline.gov.in) before travelling for stays of 30-day e-Tourist: 30 days (non-extendable); 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist: multiple entry, max 180 days per calendar year.
How much does it cost for French citizens?
30-day: USD 25 (Jul-Mar) / USD 10 (Apr-Jun); 1-year: USD 40; 5-year: USD 200 (+3% bank charge). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can French citizens stay in India?
30-day e-Tourist: 30 days (non-extendable); 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist: multiple entry, max 180 days per calendar year. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should French citizens apply?
At least 4 days before arrival (fee must be paid 4+ days before travel); window opens 120 days ahead.
Where do French citizens apply?
On the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue India visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.