Why this guide
A rejected e-Visa application is stressful, especially close to a travel date: but it's rarely random. This page covers the patterns that most often lead to rejection and what a reasonable next step looks like. Independent guide, not affiliated with the Government of India.
Most common reasons for rejection
- Passport details: name, date of birth, passport number, expiry date: that don't exactly match what's printed in the passport
- An incomplete name on the application, such as using initials or dropping a middle name that appears on the passport
- A blurry, cropped, glare-affected, or otherwise non-compliant photo or passport bio-page scan
- Applying for a new e-Visa while already holding a valid, unexpired one
- Nationality, parentage, or birthplace exclusions: see our eligible-countries guide for how those work
What to do next
- For a clear, correctable error: a typo, a bad photo: fix the specific issue and reapply directly on the official portal
- Don't simply resubmit the same application unchanged; address the actual problem first
- If the rejection reason is unclear, or you've been rejected more than once, a regular visa application through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate is often the more reliable path
- Be wary of any third party promising to "guarantee" approval: no one outside the Government of India can guarantee a visa decision
Visa decisions are made solely by the Government of India. This page explains common patterns behind rejections: it can't override or predict the outcome of any specific application.