How to get your first India e-visa without mistakes
Apply through the official Indian government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) 4-120 days before travel. Upload clear documents, pay the fee, and receive your e-visa by email within 3-5 business days. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.
- Check if you qualify for e-visa. Verify your nationality is eligible and your purpose matches e-visa categories (tourism, business, medical, conference). Citizens of 171 countries can apply. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from arrival date.
- Gather required documents. Collect: passport bio page scan (PDF under 300KB), recent passport-style photo (JPEG under 1MB), business card or address proof, and return ticket details. Photo must be square format with white background.
- Create account on official portal. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (not .com or other variants). Click 'e-Visa Application' and register with email. Verify your email before proceeding.
- Fill application form carefully. Complete all fields exactly as they appear on your passport. Enter expected arrival date (you can arrive any day during visa validity). Double-check spelling of names and passport numbers.
- Upload documents and pay. Upload passport scan and photo in correct formats. Pay visa fee using credit/debit card. Tourist e-visa costs $10-80 depending on nationality and duration.
- Track and receive e-visa. Note your application ID for tracking. Receive e-visa approval by email in 3-5 business days. Print 2 copies - keep one with passport, one in luggage.
- What if my e-visa application is rejected?
- You can reapply immediately after fixing the issue. Common rejection reasons include poor photo quality, mismatched information, or applying too early. Alternatively, apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate.
- Can I enter India at any airport with an e-visa?
- No. E-visas are only valid for 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Goa. Check the official list before booking flights.
- Do I need to print my e-visa?
- Yes, absolutely. Immigration officers require the printed approval document. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted. Print clearly in color if possible.
- Can I apply for someone else's e-visa?
- You can fill the application for family members but each person needs their own application and documents. Use the applicant's email address for the account.