Indian e-Visa for Visiting Agra
Foreign citizens can apply for an e-Tourist Visa to visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.
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Here’s what you need to know:
e-Tourist Visa Options
- 30-day e-Tourist Visa: Valid for 30 days from issuance, double entry (~$25).
- 1-year e-Tourist Visa: Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, max 90 days per visit (~$40).
- 5-year e-Tourist Visa: Valid for 5 years, multiple entries, max 90 days per visit (~$80).
Requirements
- Passport: Valid for 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages.
- Photograph: Recent digital passport-sized photo (white background, 2x2 inches, JPEG, 10KB-1MB).
- Passport Bio-Page: Scanned copy (PDF, 10KB-300KB).
- Payment: Credit/debit card or online payment.
- Email: To receive the e-Visa.
- Travel Proof: Return ticket or itinerary (recommended).
Application Process
- Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
- Processing takes 2-5 business days; apply 5-30 days before travel.
- e-Visa is emailed as a PDF; carry a printed or digital copy.
- Entry Points: Delhi (3-4 hours from Agra) or Agra Airport (limited flights).
Key Visa Notes
- Validity starts from issuance, not arrival.
- No special permits needed for Taj Mahal, but check for nearby restricted areas.
- Overstaying requires FRRO approval; penalties apply.
- Use the official portal to avoid scams.
Tourist Guide to Agra
Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is a Mughal heritage hub, centered around the Taj Mahal. Here’s how to explore it:
Top Attractions
1. Taj Mahal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan (1632-1653).
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, closed Fridays.
- Tickets: ₹1,300 (foreigners)
- Tips: Visit at sunrise for fewer crowds; no food or tripods allowed.
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
2. Agra Fort
A UNESCO red sandstone fort, once home to Mughal emperors.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily.
- Tickets: ₹650 (foreigners).
- Tips: Offers Taj views; 1-2 hours needed.
3. Mehtab Bagh
A garden with sunset Taj Mahal views across the Yamuna River.
- Tickets: ₹300 (foreigners).
- Tips: Ideal for photography; 1 hour.
4. Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
A smaller mausoleum with marble inlays.
- Tickets: ₹310 (foreigners).
- Tips: Quiet; 45 minutes.
5. Sikandra (Akbar’s Tomb)
Emperor Akbar’s tomb, 10 km from Agra.
- Tickets: ₹310 (foreigners).
- Tips: Visit en route to Delhi; 1 hour.
Travel Tips
- Getting There: From Delhi, take Gatimaan Express (1.5 hours, ~₹750-₹1,500) or drive (3-4 hours, ~₹3,000).
- Best Time: October-March (15-25°C); avoid summer (35-45°C).
- Accommodation: Oberoi Amarvilas (~₹30,000), Crystal Sarovar (~₹5,000), Zostel (~₹1,000).
- Food: Try petha, Mughlai biryani at Pinch of Spice (~₹800) or Joney’s Place (~₹200).
- Shopping: Marble souvenirs at Sadar Bazaar; bargain politely.
- Safety: Use licensed guides (~₹1,000/day); avoid touts near Taj.
Sample 1-Day Itinerary
- 06:00 AM: Taj Mahal (2-3 hours).
- 09:30 AM: Breakfast in Taj Ganj.
- 10:30 AM: Agra Fort (1-2 hours).
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at Pinch of Spice.
- 02:30 PM: Itimad-ud-Daulah (45 minutes).
- 04:00 PM: Mehtab Bagh for sunset (1 hour).
- 06:00 PM: Shop or return to Delhi.
Resources
- Indian Visa Portal
- UP Tourism
- ASI for Taj Tickets
- List of Indian Embassies in the World: https://www.visasindia.org/2025/04/List-of-indian-embassies-in-the-world.html
