Can I apply for an e-visa on arrival in India?

No, e-visas must be obtained before travel. India does not offer visa on arrival for most countries anymore.

What if my application is rejected?

You must wait 60 days before reapplying for e-visa, or apply immediately for a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.

Can I extend my e-visa while in India?

No, tourist e-visas cannot be extended. You must exit India and apply for a new visa if you want to return.

Do I need specific entry/exit points with an e-visa?

Yes, you can only enter through designated airports and seaports. Check the current list on the official website as it changes periodically.

What happens if I make a mistake on my application?

Minor errors may cause delays or rejection. Major errors require starting over. There's no way to edit submitted applications, so double-check everything before submitting.

How to get an India e-visa quickly and avoid common mistakes

Apply for your India e-visa 4-7 days before travel through the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Most tourist e-visas are approved within 2-3 business days, but photo requirements are strict and mistakes cause delays.

Check your eligibility first. Verify your nationality is eligible for e-visa and your passport has at least 6 months validity with 2 blank pages. Tourist e-visas allow stays up to 90 days for most countries, 30 days for UK/US citizens.
Gather required documents before starting. You need: passport bio page scan (PDF under 300KB), recent passport photo (JPEG 350x350 pixels minimum, square format), and business card or letter of invitation if applying for business e-visa.
Use only the official government website. Go directly to indianvisaonline.gov.in. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees. The official tourist e-visa costs $10-80 depending on your nationality.
Fill out the application carefully. Complete every field exactly as it appears on your passport. Double-check spelling of names, passport number, and travel dates. Save your application after each section - the system times out after 45 minutes of inactivity.
Upload documents that meet exact specifications. Photo must be square format, minimum 350x350 pixels, with white background and no shadows. Passport scan must be clear, under 300KB PDF format. Poor quality uploads are the #1 reason for rejections.
Pay and track your application. Pay using international credit/debit card. Save your application ID number immediately. Check status at indianvisaonline.gov.in using your application ID and passport number.
Print your e-visa approval. Once approved, print the e-visa document. You must carry this physical printout when traveling - mobile versions are not accepted at immigration.

Can I apply for an e-visa on arrival in India?: No, e-visas must be obtained before travel. India does not offer visa on arrival for most countries anymore.
What if my application is rejected?: You must wait 60 days before reapplying for e-visa, or apply immediately for a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.
Can I extend my e-visa while in India?: No, tourist e-visas cannot be extended. You must exit India and apply for a new visa if you want to return.
Do I need specific entry/exit points with an e-visa?: Yes, you can only enter through designated airports and seaports. Check the current list on the official website as it changes periodically.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application?: Minor errors may cause delays or rejection. Major errors require starting over. There's no way to edit submitted applications, so double-check everything before submitting.