India Tourist eVisa: Common issues and solutions

For many visitors, entering India requires a valid visa. Although the eVisa system is designed to make getting one easier, it's not without its challenges.

There are different eVisa types available for tourism, business, and medical visits. Selecting the right one and filling out the application accurately is essential for a smooth journey.

However, you can encounter issues that disrupt your travel plans if not addressed properly. This guide aims to address these common problems and provide effective solutions.

Common issues faced when applying for your India eVisa

Website navigation and technical glitches

Website crashes or slow-loading pages, particularly during peak application times, are a top problem when applying for an Indian eVisa. To avoid this issue, make sure you're using a compatible browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox, which are known for their reliability with eVisa applications.

You can also clear your browser's cache and cookies to prevent loading errors and speed up the website response time. Applying during off-peak hours might reduce the likelihood of system overload. Switching devices or networks may also help solve this problem.

Photo and document upload challenges

When uploading your photograph and documents, such as the passport ID page, you might need to crop the photo to meet the specifications and ensure the document is in the correct format.

The eVisa system typically requires JPG/JPEG/PNG format for photos and PDF for documents. Make sure these are clear, legible, and within the specified file size limits. Preparing your files before starting the application process can save time and reduce stress.

Mistakes in application form

The application form can be detailed and requires accurate information in every field. For example, questions about past travel history or family background must be answered correctly. Forgetting to attach necessary documents like passport scans or photographs can also cause delays.

Before starting your application:

1. Read the requirements carefully and prepare all necessary digital copies in the correct format and size.

2. Double-check every entry for spelling, date formats, and accuracy.

3. Make sure all your information matches your official documents.

4. Take time to go over your details thoroughly before submission, and consider having a second pair of eyes review your application to catch any errors.

Payment gateway issues

Payment failures might occur if your card is declined or there are issues with the payment portal.

Verify that your card has sufficient funds and is authorized for international transactions. If a payment fails, follow the portal’s instructions to retry or check the payment status. If the issue persists, consider using an alternative payment method if available.

After submission: Handling delays and rejections

Sometimes, the processing of an Indian eVisa application takes longer than expected. This can happen during busy travel seasons or if there are issues with the system. Knowing the best time to apply is very important.

For 30-day eVisas, you should apply no earlier than 30 days and no later than four days before your trip. For 1-year and 5-year eVisas, applications can be made up to 120 days in advance. Processing usually takes up to 72 hours, so planning accordingly will ensure you receive your eVisa in time for your travel​.

If you applied as a group, the different applications don't get approved at the same time. This is because each application is assessed individually. Just because some applications take longer to process doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more likely to be rejected.

If the eVisa processing takes longer than the estimated duration, you can get in touch with the Bureau of Immigration at +91 11 24300666 or e-mail them at [email protected].

Dealing with visa rejections

If your visa application is denied, the first thing to do is figure out why, which can be tricky since Indian immigration officials often don’t provide clear reasons. The rejection might be due to:

• You filled in the form incorrectly.

• Your documents don’t meet the necessary standards.

• You did not fulfill the criteria for the Indian eVisa.

• You did not respond properly or in time to inquiries from immigration officials.

• There are concerns from the authorities about potential risks you might pose in India.

If the rejection is because of incorrect application details or document issues, correcting these errors in a new application could lead to an approval.

However, if the reason for rejection is unknown, applying again right away might not be the best idea, as the chances of another rejection are high. Instead, it's better to contact the nearest Indian Embassy to see if you’re eligible for a different type of visa. Use our Embassies Finder to locate the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

Get support for your India Visa application

For a stress-free India eVisa application, consider using our India visa service. Thanks to our intuitive platform, we make it easy to fill out your application, upload documents, and submit your payment securely. We’ll expertly review your application before submitting it to the Indian government, helping you avoid the common errors that lead to delays or rejections.

Our customer service team can assist you if you need more information about applying for an Indian Visa. Contact us any time via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.