Step-by-step guide to applying for the India e-Visa

Gunjan, a travel expert at Natvisa, offers valuable insights and tips for navigating the India e-visa application process, including detailed guidance on document requirements and common pitfalls to avoid.

Hello, my name is Gunjan and I will review the India evisa application for you. I am a travel expert on the Natvisa Team. For me, India is a land of mystery, magic, the Taj Mahal, Bollywood, masala and curry. It’s a country that has something to offer everyone, from the history buff to the foodie to the spiritual seeker.

Before you pack, I suggest it’s best to gather the documents listed above on the Requirements for India eVisa. In my opinion, the Indian e visa application process can be a bit of a roller coaster ride. One minute you’re all excited about your upcoming trip to India, and the next minute you’re pulling out your hair trying to figure out what document they want from you next.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Here is a guide to help you survive the Indian eVisa application process.

The first step is to gather all the required documents for India online application. Remember, things may go wrong, but it’s important to be able to laugh about it.

Gather your documents for the India e-visa online application

I would suggest keeping important papers handy as you will be required to upload the following documents. Some specific documents will also be required depending on your e visa type (there are specific documents for India e tourist visa, e business visa, e medical and e medical attendant and e conference visa)

• A scan of your passport bio page, type of passport, passport number- Please note that your passport image cannot exceed 300 KB and it must be a PDF.
• A recent passport-style photo - Image of self cannot exceed 1 MB and minimum dimensions are 350 px by 350 px and must be a jpeg.
• Proof of Travel Arrangements
• Places Visited in the last 10 years
• Business Card and Company Details (if you are applying for Indian Business e-Visa)
• Invitation Letter (if required)
• A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee
• MHA Political Clearance Certificate (if required)
• MHA Event Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
• Port of Arrival/Exit

Is the India e-visa application form difficult?

In all fairness, I have come across applicants who have stated that the online visa application process to India is frustrating and daunting. Many claim it is outrageously difficult to obtain. In my opinion, the online visa form is not hard to find if you know where to look.

The India e visa application will ask for mane details. From your city of birth to your parents previous nationality. On top of it, they might reject you on the flimsiest of grounds (spelling errors). This is why I am here as a Natvisa expert to guide you every step of the way!

Selecting the type of India e-visa

Remember, India offers e-Visas for different needs:

• Visit to Meet friends: You will be asked for the name, address and phone number of the friends/relatives in India.
• Business Trip: Aside, from the passport and image of self upload, you will need to upload an image of your business card.
• To Attend a Conference: Proof of the conference will be needed. This can be some sort of communication verifying the conference is happening in India.
• Medical Reasons: Letter from hospital will be needed.

In my opinion, you can review the Indian Government website and see if it’s a right fit for you. However, if you want to avoid this tedious process, go ahead and apply at Natvisa.

Getting your India eVisa through Natvisa

Keep in mind that this a review of the India electronic visa at the official portal of India. Want to avoid their difficult online form? Let us handle the visa application process for you.

Natvisa.com is a trusted online visa and travel authorization service provider that aims to simplify and streamline the visa application process.

Our team can process India e-visa applications by:

• Making the e visa Process as easy and painless as possible: Natvisa has a user-friendly interface and a team of experienced professionals who are there to help you every step of the way.
• Taking care of all the Paperwork for you: We will gather all the required documents and submit your application on your behalf. Our customer team will even resize those photos for you for the India e visa application.
• Keeping you updated on the status of your Application: We will send you regular updates on the status of your application so that you can relax and focus on planning your trip.

In case you want to continue with the Indian e visa official website, continue reading the sections below.

Going through the form

Once you have all your documents, you can start filling out the India e-Visa online application form. In my experience, the evisa application form for India is straightforward but not without glitches.

However, there are a few things I would suggest that you keep in mind, such as:

• Make sure you enter all of your information accurately. Any mistakes could delay your India visa application.
• Be careful when selecting your India e-visa type. There are different types of online visas available, depending on the purpose of your visit. If you’re not sure which type of visa to apply for, you can always contact the Indian embassy or consulate.
• Don’t forget to upload your documents properly.

Using the upload tool

When I began the online Indian eVisa application on the government website, it was initially smooth until I faced an error uploading my passport photo, even though it met all requirements.

Taking a break and returning, I was able to upload a photo, but another section caused errors. Hours in and feeling exasperated, I contacted the eVisa helpline. After a long wait, no one picked up the phone.

I had to upload my passport-sized photograph and scanned copy of the information page of my passport in a particular size, format, and resolution specified by the Indian government. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it right. This is where Natvisa comes in handy. We resize and convert the images to the appropriate file types.

Questionnaire

In my case, filling out the India eVisa application form on the government website felt like a quirky personality test.

I had to answer the following questions on the India e visa application form:

• Have I been a cyber-crime mastermind?
• Arrested for promoting terrorism?

Indian Government also wanted to know if I’ve been involved in human trafficking. After the intense Q&A session, you will have to sign the declaration. Remember, before hitting submit, check for those pesky typos. Because "John" and "Jhon" could be the difference between samosas in Delhi and staying home.

Paying

Once you’ve filled out the India e visa application form, the visa fee will need to be paid online

Now, many travelers have faced issues when it comes to paying fees for an Indian "E-Visa." It can be frustrating after you have filled out the entire online application.

Wait for outcome

Once you’ve paid the online visa fee, your visa application will be processed. The Indian e visa processing time can vary, but it’s usually a few days. It also depends on the type of Indian e-visa you have applied for (business, medical, tourist, or conference visa).

If your online visa application form is approved, you’ll receive an email stating the e visa for India has been approved. However, the actual visa is not attached to the email. You will have to use your application ID and retrieve the document from the Indian government website.

Print out the e-Visa and bring it with you before the immigration officer on arrival in India.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you apply for an India e-Visa:

• Dive deep into your identity: To be honest, it’s not a therapy session, but the India application form does get personal. They want to know it all, from your birth details to the mole on your cheek.
• Getting the Photo right: Your photo must be in color, with a white background. You can’t smile, wear glasses, or have your hair cover your face. And your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of entry into India.
• Family Matters: Mother’s name, father’s name, and no, they don’t care about your third cousin twice removed. And just a heads up: If your family tree has Pakistani link, eVisa to India will not be granted.
• Vacation Planning: You need to have your travel itinerary in place, and you can’t enter any Indian airport, just the authorized ones. So, plan accordingly!
• Extra Documents: Depending on your Indian e-Visa (Tourist e-visa for 30 days, 1 year, 5-year, Business, Medical, or Conference) you might need to upload extra documents for your online India visa application form.
• Read the Terms and Conditions: It’s like those software terms and conditions you never read but should. So, read the disclaimer when you are applying for an India e visa application.

Please note that India E-Visa applications are only for people with their own separate passports, not for those listed on their parent’s or spouse’s passport.

Reasons for rejection

India E-Visa gets rejected on the following grounds:

Reason 1: photo fails & passport mistakes

If your passport picture looks more like a late-night selfie or you’ve decided to invent a new expiry date for your passport, don’t expect to get an approved India e visa email. Remember, it must be against the white background.

Reason 2: The Pakistan connection!

If your grandparents have links to Pakistan, or you’ve just traveled there, then sadly, you are not eligible to apply online for an Indian e-visa. It’s not the end of the world, you just need to apply for a regular paper visa.

Reason 3: Multiple rejections in the past

Your passport could appear suspicious if there are multiple rejections. Remember, life’s full of rejection, but with the right strategy (and reading the rules), the next India E-Visa could be yours.

Issues

The Indian eVisa application process can be a bit of a nightmare for others. Here are some of the common issues you might encounter:

• The website is often down: This happens all the time, and it’s especially frustrating when you’re in the middle of filling out your application.
• The website is glitchy: Even when the website is up, it can be really glitchy and slow. This can lead to a lot of frustration, especially if you’re trying to meet a deadline.
• The requirements are unclear: The requirements for an Indian eVisa can be a bit confusing and unclear. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and effort, as you try to figure out what documents you need and how to format them correctly.
• Do not call the Indian evisa helpline number (+91-11-24300666) as they do not pick up and the email [email protected] rarely replies. If they do reply, then the answers are very generic and your query will remain unanswered.
• Avoid multiple applications as you will be flagged.
• Do not wait for the last moment to apply for an India e visa.

---

---

Conclusion

The India e-Visa application form can be a bit challenging, but it’s worth it to visit this amazing country. Just remember to start early, be prepared, and follow the instructions given by me carefully. And most importantly, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.

The digital platform offers an efficient and user-friendly way to obtain an E-Visa to India, making the process a seamless addition to the existing visa application procedures. I hope this online India application guide has been helpful and informative. Happy Journey!