In 2026, over 1.5 million travelers applied for an India e-Visa. Roughly 15% of those applications were rejected or delayed. Not because of criminal records or bad photos — but because of small, avoidable errors. Wrong name format. Blurry passport scan. Selecting the wrong visa type. That 15% is entirely preventable.
This guide walks you through the exact process. No fluff. No generic advice. Just the steps and the traps to dodge.
What the India e-Visa Actually Is (and Isn’t)
The India e-Visa is not a sticker in your passport. It’s an electronic travel authorization linked to your passport number. You print the approval letter and carry it with you. Border control checks it against their system.
Valid Entry Points Only
The e-Visa works at 30 designated airports and 5 seaports. Land borders are NOT included. If you plan to enter India overland from Nepal or Pakistan, you need a regular paper visa from an Indian embassy. The e-Visa will be useless at those crossings.
Three Sub-Types
- e-Tourist Visa — 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry), or 5 years (multiple entry).
- e-Business Visa — 1 year, multiple entry. Requires a business card or invitation letter.
- e-Medical Visa — 60 days, triple entry. Requires a referral letter from an Indian hospital.
Pick wrong and your application gets rejected. Most tourists need the 30-day e-Tourist Visa. The 1-year and 5-year options exist but require a valid reason — “I might come back” is not enough for immigration officers.
Step-by-Step: The Only Way to Apply
There is one official website: indianvisaonline.gov.in. That’s it. Any other site is a third-party agent charging you a markup. The government fee is fixed. Agents add $20–$50 for filling in the same form you can fill yourself.
Step 1: Fill the Online Form
Go to the e-Visa section. Select your nationality. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Your name must match the passport — letter for letter. If your passport shows your surname as “SMITH-JONES,” write it with the hyphen. No spaces. No missing characters.
Upload a recent passport-style photo (white background, 2×2 inches, JPEG under 1MB). And a scan of your passport’s bio page (PDF under 300KB).
Step 2: Pay the Fee
Fees vary by nationality. For US citizens, a 30-day e-Tourist Visa costs $25. For UK citizens, it’s $20. Payment is via credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The transaction is processed in Indian Rupees, so your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. Expect $1–$3 extra.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Processing takes 72 hours on average. Some applications clear in 24 hours. Others take 5 days. Apply at least 7 days before departure. Do not book a non-refundable flight before you have the approval email.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Fee (US Citizen) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day e-Tourist | 24–72 hours | $25 |
| 1-year e-Tourist | 48–96 hours | $40 |
| 5-year e-Tourist | 48–96 hours | $80 |
| e-Business | 72–120 hours | $80 |
Common Pitfalls That Get Applications Rejected
These are the top reasons applications fail. Skip them and your approval rate jumps to nearly 100%.
Mistake 1: Mismatched Name Format
Your passport has a given name and surname. The e-Visa form asks for “Given Name” and “Surname.” If your passport lists your full name under “Given Name” and leaves “Surname” blank, write your full name in the Given Name field and leave Surname blank. Do not invent a surname. That mismatch will flag your application.
Mistake 2: Blurry or Scanned Passport Photo
The system checks the photo against the passport scan using automated facial recognition. If the photo is too dark, too bright, or not centered, the system rejects it. Use a plain white wall. No shadows. No hats. No glasses unless prescription.
Mistake 3: Applying Too Late
You cannot apply more than 30 days before your travel date. You also cannot apply less than 4 days before. The window is tight. Mark your calendar. Missing the window means you either delay your trip or apply for a regular visa at the embassy — which takes weeks.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Port of Entry Rule
If you fly into Delhi, you’re fine. But if you fly into a non-designated airport like Surat or Visakhapatnam, you cannot use the e-Visa. You must enter through one of the 30 approved airports. Check the official list before booking flights.
When NOT to Use the e-Visa
The e-Visa is convenient. But it is not always the right choice.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days on a single visit, the 30-day e-Tourist Visa won’t work. Apply for a 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa, or get a regular tourist visa from the embassy. Overstaying the 30-day limit by even one day means a fine and possible deportation.
If you need to enter India by land (from Nepal, Bhutan, or Bangladesh), the e-Visa is invalid. You must get a paper visa from an Indian consulate before you travel.
If you have a criminal record involving drug offenses or national security, the e-Visa system may flag your application. You are better off applying for a regular visa, where you can provide context and supporting documents.
If your passport expires within 6 months, the e-Visa will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
What to Do After Approval
You get an email with a PDF attachment. That PDF is your e-Visa approval letter. Print two copies. Keep one in your carry-on, one in your checked bag. Immigration officers at Indian airports will ask to see it. They will also check your passport to confirm the details match.
Upon arrival, proceed to the e-Visa counter. It’s separate from the regular visa line. The officer stamps your passport with an entry stamp. That stamp shows your permitted stay duration — usually 30 days from the date of arrival for the 30-day visa.
If you have the 1-year or 5-year visa, each entry is capped at 90 days (for US and UK citizens) or 180 days (for some other nationalities). Check your specific country’s terms on the official website.
Do not lose the printed copy. You need it when you leave India too. The exit officer may ask to see it again.
