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Reasons for Indian e-Visa rejection

This article will help you avoid an unsuccessful outcome for your Indian e-Visa Application so that you can apply with confidence and your journey to India can be hassle-free. If you follow the steps outlined below, then the probability of rejection for your Indian Visa Online Application will be minimised. You can apply for an Indian Visa Application here.

Understand the requirements for an Indian Visa

It’s important to understand the essential requirements for Indian e-Visa before we learn about common rejection causes and tips to avoid them. Even though the requirements are quite simple, a small percentage of applications for Indian Visa Online are still rejected.

Essential requirements for an Indian e-Visa are:

  1. The passport should be an Ordinary Passport (not an Official Passport, Diplomatic Passport, or Refugee Passport or Travel Documents of any other kind) valid for 6 months at entry.
  2. You will need a valid payment method (like Debit, Credit card, or PayPal) and a valid Email ID.
  3. You must not have a criminal history. You can read about Visa Policy of India here.

You can read more about Indian Visa document requirements here.

Tips to Avoid Indian e-Visa rejection:

  1. Fill out the application accurately and completely: One of the most common reasons for Indian visa rejection is incomplete or inaccurate information on the application form. Double-check all the details before submitting your application to avoid any mistakes.
  2. Hiding criminal background: Hiding your criminal history, however minor, in your application for Indian e-Visa. If you try to hide this fact from the Indian Immigration Authority in your India Visa Online application, your application will likely get rejected. 
  3. Multiple/redundant application: This is 1 of the common reasons for an Indian visa rejection. This means that you had previously applied for an e-visa, which is still active and valid. Example: You may have used the past for Business Visa for India, valid for 1 year and allows multiple entries. Or you may already have a 1 Year or 5 Years Tourist Visa for India that is still valid, but you still need the email or print out. In these scenarios, if you reapply for an Indian e-Visa, then it is likely to get rejected because, at a given time, you are allowed only 1 India Visa Online. 
  4. Pakistani origin: If you have mentioned any linkages to Pakistan with regards to your parents, grandparents, spouse or if you were born in Pakistan. In this case, your Indian Visa Application will likely not get approved, and you should apply for regular or traditional Indian Visa by visiting the closest Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission.
  5. You should go to the Indian Embassy and apply for a regular paper visa by commencing the process here.
  6. Provide all necessary documents: It is essential to provide all the required documents for your visa application, including a valid passport, recent photographs, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, etc. Please submit all of these documents to avoid rejection.
  7. Apply in advance: It is advisable to apply for an Indian visa well before your planned travel date. This will give you enough time to rectify any errors or resubmit missing documents if your initial application gets rejected.
  8. Be honest and transparent: While filling out the application form, be truthful and transparent about your purpose of visit, duration of stay, and other relevant details. Providing false or misleading information can result in immediate rejection and even future rejections.
  9. Have a clear travel plan: It is crucial to have a clear travel plan when applying for an Indian visa. This includes knowing your exact arrival and departure dates, places you plan on visiting within India, accommodation arrangements, etc. Having a well-defined itinerary will increase your chances of getting approved.
  10. Meet financial requirements: As part of the visa application process, applicants must show proof of sufficient funds during their stay in India. Ensure you meet this requirement by providing bank statements or other financial documents as requested by the authorities.
  11. Follow specific guidelines for different types of visas: There are various types of Indian visas available based on the purpose and duration of stay – tourist visa, business visa, student visa, etc. It is essential to understand which type fits your needs best and follow specific guidelines accordingly while applying.
  12. Seek professional assistance if needed: If you need help with the visa application process or have had previous rejections, it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance. Immigration lawyers and visa consultants can provide guidance and help you avoid common mistakes.
  13. Be patient and don’t give up: It is essential to remain patient throughout the visa application process, even if your initial application gets rejected. Try to understand the reason for rejection to improve your chances of success in subsequent applications.
  14. Blurred Face Photograph: The face photograph you are expected to provide must clearly show your face from the top of your head to your chin; it should hide any part of your face or be blurred. Do not reuse the photo in your passport.

    Indian e-Visa rejection


    Read more about Indian Visa Photo Requirements.
  15. Unclear Passport scan: The personal page of the passport, which contains the date of birth, name, passport number, passport date of issue and passport expiry date, must be clear. Also, ensure that the 2 lines at the bottom of the passport, called MRZ ( Magnetic Readable Zone), are not chopped off in your passport scan copy or photo taken from your phone.

    Indian e-Visa rejection

    Read more about Indian Visa Passport Requirements.
  16. Wrong e-Medical Visa: You are making a medical visit to Indian and applying for a Medical Attendant visa. The patient must apply for a Medical Visa, and 2 friends or family can accompany the Medical Visa patient on a Medical Attendant Visa for India. Read about Medical e-Visa for India and Medical Attendant e-Visa for India here.

Can I Still Be Denied Entry After I Have Received My Visa?

Receiving your Indian Visa with Granted status does not guarantee entry, as there is still a possibility of being denied access to India. This could occur for various reasons, including:

  • Discrepancies between the details on your passport and the issued Indian e-Visa from the Immigration Authority.
  • Not having two empty pages in your passport for stamping at the airport may lead to a denial of entry.

It’s important to note that stamping is not required at the Indian Consulate or Embassy.

To prevent rejecting your Indian e-Visa application, paying attention to specific details is crucial. If you have further questions, contact us or apply for an Indian Visa online, ensuring a simple, streamlined, and guided application process.

FAQs

How long does it take to process an Indian e-Visa?

The processing time for an Indian e-Visa typically ranges from 2 to 4 business days.

Can I reapply for an e-Visa if it gets rejected?

Yes, applicants can reapply for an e-Visa after addressing the issues that led to the rejection.

Is there an appeal process for rejected e-Visas?

No, there is no formal appeal process for rejected e-Visas. However, applicants can rectify the issues and reapply.

What happens if I make a mistake on my e-Visa application?

It’s essential to correct any mistakes before submitting the application. Mistakes can lead to rejection or delays in processing.

Are there any exceptions for certain countries regarding e-Visa rejections?

While there may be specific exceptions or considerations for certain countries, all applicants must meet the standard requirements for an Indian e-Visa.