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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.