What OCI card holders, foreign passport holders and NRI families need to enter India for a temple tour: e-visa basics, documents and airport arrival tips.
Do OCI card holders need a visa for a temple tour in India?
No. A valid OCI card allows visa-free entry for tourism and lifelong multiple-entry travel. Carry the OCI card together with the foreign passport it is associated with, and check that the passport details on record are current before you fly.
Can foreign nationals visit South Indian temples?
Most temples welcome visitors of all nationalities. A small number, including Guruvayur in Kerala and Sree Padmanabhaswamy in Thiruvananthapuram, restrict inner entry to Hindus. We flag these in advance and plan a heritage alternative or an outer-precinct visit instead.
How long does an Indian e-Tourist visa take?
Processing times vary by nationality and season, so apply several weeks before departure rather than days. Check the official Government of India visa portal for the current guidance, since eligibility, fees and validity periods are revised from time to time.
