Reasons and Helpful Tips for Indian e-Visa Rejection

Applying for an Indian e-Visa doesn’t have to be stressful. To help you avoid common mistakes and minimise the risk of rejection, simply follow the step-by-step guidance below. With our support, you can submit your application confidently and get your visa approved without hassle.

To initiate your Indian Visa application process, please click here.

Requirements for Indian e-Visa or Indian Visa Online

Before we discuss the common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them, it’s essential to understand the key requirements for obtaining an Indian e-Visa.

The important requirements for an Indian e-Visa are as follows:

• You must hold an Ordinary Passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your intended entry into India.
• Diplomatic or Official Passports, Refugee Passports, and other types of travel documents are not accepted.
• You must have a valid payment method, such as a Debit or Credit Card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
• A valid email address is required for confirmation and correspondence.
• Applicants with a criminal history may face rejection of their visa application.

For more information on the documents required for an Indian Visa, please refer to this resource.

Following are the reasons for e-Visa Rejection and Tips to Avoid them.

It’s important to be aware of the common reasons why Indian e-Visa applications get rejected, so you can avoid issues and ensure a smooth application process. Below are some of the most frequent causes of rejection:

• Connections to Pakistan: If you have links to Pakistan — such as parents, grandparents, or a spouse born there — or if you were born in Pakistan, your e-Visa application will likely be rejected. In such cases, apply for a traditional visa through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
• Incomplete Name: Always provide your full name, including your first, middle, and last names (if applicable). Avoid using initials or omitting middle names, as this can result in rejection.
• Expiring Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into India. Applications with soon-to-expire passports are commonly rejected.
• Incorrect e-Visa Type: Choose the correct e-Visa category (Tourist, Business, Medical, etc.) that matches your primary reason for visiting India.
• Multiple Applications: Only one active e-Visa is allowed per person at a time. Submitting multiple applications or reapplying before your current e-Visa expires can lead to rejection.
• Ineligible Passport Type: Only Ordinary Passports are accepted for e-Visa applications. Diplomatic, Official, or Refugee Passports are not eligible.
• Insufficient Funds: You must demonstrate adequate financial means to support your stay in India. Failure to show proof of funds can result in rejection.
• Missing Hospital Letter (for e-Medical Visa): Applicants for an e-Medical Visa must provide a formal letter on hospital letterhead specifying the treatment, procedure, or surgery.
• Incomplete e-Business Visa Details: For an e-Business Visa, you must provide the website and contact information of both your home company and the Indian company you are visiting.
• Information Mismatch: All details in your application — such as passport number, date of birth, place of birth, and country of issue — must exactly match your passport. Any inconsistency can cause rejection.
• Lost Old Passport: If you lost your old passport, you must provide a police report confirming the loss when applying for a new e-Visa.
• Incorrect Reference (Home Country): You must provide a reference or contact from your home country, not your current country of residence. For example, an Australian citizen living in Dubai should list a reference in Australia.
• Missing Business Card (for e-Business Visa): Business visa applicants must upload a business card or an email signature that includes your company name, designation, email address, and phone number. Do not upload debit or credit card images by mistake.
• Incorrect e-Medical Visa Type: Ensure you apply for the correct e-Medical Visa type — whether it’s for medical treatment or attending a medical conference.
• Blurred Photograph: Upload a clear, unobstructed face photograph. Blurry or unclear images will result in rejection.

Even after receiving your Indian e-Visa, you can still be denied entry.

Congratulations on receiving your Indian e-Visa with a Granted status! However, please note that visa approval does not guarantee entry into India. There are still certain circumstances under which entry may be denied at the border or airport. Below are some of the most common reasons:

• If the information on your issued Indian e-Visa does not exactly match the details on your passport, you may be denied entry upon arrival.
• Insufficient Blank Passport Pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages available for immigration stamping at the airport. Please note that stamping is not done at the Indian Embassy or Consulate, but only upon arrival in India.

Make sure to double-check your passport and Indian e-Visa details before travelling to avoid any issues at the airport.