Why this checklist
India's e-Visa application moves fast once you start it, but it stalls immediately if you're missing a document or your photo doesn't meet spec. This page is an independent prep list: it isn't affiliated with the Government of India and isn't a replacement for the official application. Apply only at indianvisaonline.gov.in; the government has stated that no third party is authorized to act as an intermediary in applying for or issuing an e-Visa.
Before you start: documents to have ready
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining from your planned arrival date
- Passport with at least two blank pages
- A recent digital passport-style photo: plain light background, no glasses, no headwear unless worn daily for religious reasons
- A clear scan or photo of your passport's bio page (the photo page)
- Your planned arrival date and port of entry
- A valid email address: your e-Visa approval is sent there, not mailed
- A debit or credit card to pay the official application fee online
Exact photo dimensions, file size, and format rules are set by the official portal and do change from time to time: confirm the current spec there before you photograph or scan anything.
Common reasons applications get delayed or rejected
- Name on the application doesn't exactly match the passport spelling
- Photo has a shadow, glare, or a background that isn't plain
- Passport bio-page scan is cropped, blurry, or has glare on the laminate
- Less than 6 months' passport validity remaining from the arrival date
- Application started on a copycat site rather than indianvisaonline.gov.in
After you apply
- Save your application ID as soon as you receive it
- Once approved, download and print your e-Visa: immigration checks the printed or digital copy on arrival
- Keep a backup copy on your phone and in cloud storage, separate from your printed copy