What if I make a mistake on my application?

You can't edit after submission. If you spot an error before you pay, abandon the application and start over. If you've already paid and the error is minor (middle name spelling), it might be okay — immigration officers are somewhat flexible. If it's a major error (wrong passport number, wrong dates), apply again with correct information. You'll pay the fee again.

Can I extend my e-Visa once I'm in India?

No. E-Visas cannot be extended, converted, or changed once issued. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, leave India and apply for a new e-Visa (wait at least 2 months between 30-day e-Visas; no waiting period for 1-year or 5-year versions).

Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?

If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, no visa needed. If you want to leave the airport — even for a few hours — you need a visa. India doesn't have a transit visa for e-Visa countries; get a regular tourist e-Visa even for a short layover visit.

What if my e-Visa is denied?

The email will state why. Common reasons: insufficient passport validity, previous visa violations, unclear photo or passport scan, or security concerns. Fix the issue and reapply, or apply for a physical visa at an embassy if the problem can't be resolved online. Fees are non-refundable.

Is the e-Visa the same as visa on arrival?

Effectively yes, but you must apply online before you fly. When you land in India, immigration verifies your pre-approved e-Visa and stamps you in. There's no separate visa-on-arrival counter. The term 'e-Visa' is what India officially uses now.

Getting Your First India Visa

Most travelers need an e-Visa for India, which you apply for online 4-120 days before arrival. It costs $25-100 depending on type and takes 3-5 business days to process. You'll need a passport valid for 6 months, a recent photo, and your travel dates confirmed.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don't need a visa. Everyone else does. The e-Visa system covers 169+ countries. If your country isn't on the list, you'll need to apply at an Indian embassy or consulate. Check the Indian Bureau of Immigration website for the current list.
Choose your e-Visa type. Tourist e-Visa comes in three versions: 30-day single entry ($25), 1-year multiple entry ($40), or 5-year multiple entry ($80). The 30-day visa starts on your arrival date. The 1-year and 5-year visas allow stays up to 90 days per visit (180 days for some nationalities). Apply for the longest one you might need — you can't extend or convert an e-Visa once you're in India.
Gather your documents. You need: passport bio page as PDF (valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date), recent color photo as JPEG (white background, 2x2 inches, 10-300 KB file size), your travel dates and accommodation details, your parents' names and birthplaces, and a credit/debit card for payment. If you've visited Pakistan in the last year, you'll need a physical visa from an embassy instead.
Fill out the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the official site — watch for scam sites that charge more). The form takes 20-30 minutes. Answer every question exactly as it appears on your passport. Double-check dates, passport numbers, and names. Small errors can cause rejection. Save your application ID — you'll need it to check status.
Upload documents and pay. Upload your passport page and photo. The system is picky about file sizes and formats — if uploads fail, resize your files and try again. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or several other options. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. You'll get an application ID and payment confirmation immediately.
Wait for approval. Processing takes 3-5 business days on average. You can check status on the same website using your application ID. You'll receive your e-Visa by email as a PDF. Print at least 2 copies — one for immigration, one as backup. Your airline will also want to see it at check-in.
Verify your e-Visa entry points. E-Visas are only valid at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports. Major ones: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Cochin. If you're flying into a smaller city, check the official list first. You can leave India from any immigration checkpoint, but you must enter at an e-Visa approved location.
Pack the printed e-Visa. Immigration officers in India want to see a physical printout. Phone screens don't count. Keep it in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Have it ready with your passport at check-in and when you land.

What if I make a mistake on my application?: You can't edit after submission. If you spot an error before you pay, abandon the application and start over. If you've already paid and the error is minor (middle name spelling), it might be okay — immigration officers are somewhat flexible. If it's a major error (wrong passport number, wrong dates), apply again with correct information. You'll pay the fee again.
Can I extend my e-Visa once I'm in India?: No. E-Visas cannot be extended, converted, or changed once issued. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, leave India and apply for a new e-Visa (wait at least 2 months between 30-day e-Visas; no waiting period for 1-year or 5-year versions).
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through India?: If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, no visa needed. If you want to leave the airport — even for a few hours — you need a visa. India doesn't have a transit visa for e-Visa countries; get a regular tourist e-Visa even for a short layover visit.
What if my e-Visa is denied?: The email will state why. Common reasons: insufficient passport validity, previous visa violations, unclear photo or passport scan, or security concerns. Fix the issue and reapply, or apply for a physical visa at an embassy if the problem can't be resolved online. Fees are non-refundable.
Is the e-Visa the same as visa on arrival?: Effectively yes, but you must apply online before you fly. When you land in India, immigration verifies your pre-approved e-Visa and stamps you in. There's no separate visa-on-arrival counter. The term 'e-Visa' is what India officially uses now.