Planning multiple trips to India over the next decade? Many American travelers don’t realize that India offers a long-term tourist visa that removes the need to reapply before every visit. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring different regions, or planning extended cultural stays, the 10-year Indian visa can make travel significantly easier.
For frequent visitors from the United States, this visa offers flexibility, convenience, and long-term access without repeated paperwork.
Who Qualifies for a 10-Year India Visa
US passport holders are among the nationalities eligible for India’s long-term multiple-entry tourist visa.
You may qualify if you are traveling for:
Tourism and sightseeing
Family visits
Attending cultural events or short programs
Exploring business opportunities informally
It’s important to note that this visa does not allow employment, full-time study, or long-term residency. It is strictly issued for tourism and informal visits.
Your US passport must remain valid for the duration of the visa issuance process, and you should have at least two blank pages available.
Validity and Stay Rules
While the visa is valid for ten years, that does not mean you can stay in India continuously for a decade.
Each visit typically allows a stay of up to 180 days at a time. After that, travelers must exit the country and may re-enter later.
Key points US travelers should understand:
The visa is multiple entry
You can enter India as many times as you want within validity
Continuous long stays are not permitted
Immigration officers may still ask for travel intent proof
This structure works well for Americans who visit India seasonally, for family trips, or for extended travel exploration across different years.
Required Documents
Applying is straightforward, but documentation must be accurate.
You’ll generally need:
Valid US passport
Recent passport-size photograph
Completed online visa application
Proof of residence in the US
Travel itinerary (sometimes requested)
Some applicants may be asked for additional documentation depending on travel history or background verification.
Ensuring document clarity and correct formatting reduces processing delays significantly.
Application Process Overview
Applications are submitted online through the Indian visa portal, followed by an in-person or mail-in process via authorized visa service centers in the US.
The process includes:
Completing the digital form
Uploading photo and passport scan
Printing and signing the application
Submitting passport and documents
Paying visa fees
Processing timelines vary but usually range from several business days to a few weeks depending on verification requirements.
Applying well ahead of your travel date is strongly recommended.
Difference Between e-Visa and 10-Year Visa
Many US travelers confuse India’s e-Visa with the long-term tourist visa.
Here’s how they differ in practical travel use:
The e-Visa is short term, typically valid for 30 days to 5 years depending on type
The 10-year visa allows long-term, repeated travel without reapplying
e-Visas are issued fully online, while the 10-year visa requires passport submission
Entry points for e-Visa travelers are restricted to designated airports and seaports
If you plan only one short trip, the e-Visa works well. But if India will be a recurring destination in your life, the 10-year visa offers far greater flexibility.
Renewal and Reapplication Considerations
The visa itself cannot be “renewed” from within India.
Once it expires, US citizens must apply again through the same process. Approval is usually straightforward if prior travel history has been compliant.
If your passport expires before the visa does, you can travel with both the old passport containing the visa and your new valid passport.
Always check validity before booking flights, especially if your last trip was several years ago.
What US Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Traveling to India with a long-term visa feels liberating, but the on-ground experience can differ from US expectations.
Digital payments dominate daily life in India. Even small vendors, cafés, taxis, and markets rely heavily on QR code payments rather than cards.
Many American travelers arrive assuming Visa or Mastercard will work everywhere. In reality:
International cards are often declined
Foreign transaction fees add up quickly
ATMs may charge multiple withdrawal fees
Cash handling can be inconvenient
Understanding the payment ecosystem before arrival makes travel far smoother.
How Payments Work Day to Day in India
India runs on a mobile-first payment infrastructure called UPI, where locals scan QR codes to pay instantly from their bank accounts.
You’ll see QR codes at:
Coffee shops
Street food stalls
Shopping markets
Ride services
Hotels and homestays
For US visitors, accessing this system has traditionally been difficult without an Indian bank account.
Apps like Sliq pay help bridge that gap by enabling USD to INR transfers and allowing foreigners to make local QR payments during their stay.
Travel Tip: Spend less time worrying about payments and more time exploring India by setting up a QR payment option before arrival.
First-Time Payment Mistakes Americans Make
Relying only on credit cards
Carrying excessive cash
Paying high forex conversion fees
Waiting in ATM lines at airports
A QR-based payment setup often proves faster and more widely accepted, especially in urban and tourist regions.
Avoid foreign card declines with QR payments in India when possible.
Practical Travel Tips for Long-Term Visa Holders
Plan exits if staying close to 180 days
Keep digital and printed visa copies
Use local SIM cards for app payments
Inform your bank before traveling
Track passport and visa expiry dates
Connectivity, payments, and documentation readiness shape your experience more than the visa itself.
FAQs
How long can US citizens stay per visit on a 10-year visa?
Typically up to 180 days per visit, depending on immigration discretion.
Is the 10-year visa multiple entry?
Yes, you can enter India multiple times within validity.
Can I work in India on this visa?
No, employment is not permitted.
Is the 10-year visa better than an e-Visa?
For frequent travelers, yes. It removes the need for repeated applications.
Do I need to submit my passport?
Yes, unlike e-Visa applications.
How early should I apply?
At least several weeks before travel.
Can I extend my stay while in India?
Extensions are rarely granted for tourist visas.
How do Americans handle daily payments in India?
Most rely on cash or digital QR payments. Tools like Sliq pay make local transactions easier for foreign travelers.
Learn how Americans pay digitally in India before your trip to avoid last-minute confusion.
Final Thoughts
A 10-year Indian visa opens the door to deeper, more flexible travel. Instead of rushing through one trip, you gain the freedom to return, explore new regions, and build long-term cultural connections.
Preparation remains key. Understanding entry rules, stay limits, and everyday logistics like payments ensures your experience feels seamless from arrival onward.
Handle USD to INR payments smoothly while traveling so you can focus on the journey, not the friction.
India rewards travelers who arrive prepared—and a long-term visa is one of the strongest first steps you can take.
Disclaimer – The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or professional advice. Product features, pricing, eligibility, and availability may vary by country, user type, regulatory requirements, and are subject to change.
Please refer to Sliq pay’s Terms of Use and official product pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Sliq pay makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content.
