Reasons for Indian e-Visa rejection and useful tips to avoid them
Indian e-Visa rejections can be disheartening, but understanding the common reasons can help applicants improve their chances of success. This guide provides useful tips to avoid rejection, such as accurate information submission, adhering to eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documents, and being mindful of application timelines.
Understanding Indian e-Visa Requirements: Essential Information
Before delving into the common causes of rejection and tips to avoid them, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining an Indian e-Visa. Although these requirements are generally straightforward, there remains a small percentage of Indian Visa Online applications that are rejected.
The essential requirements for an Indian e-Visa are as follows:
- Passport: Your passport must be an Ordinary Passport, excluding Official, Diplomatic, Refugee, or any other specific types of passport. Additionally, it should have a validity of at least 6 months from the intended date of entry.
- Criminal History: Applicants must not have a criminal record. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the Visa Policy of India for further details.
- Payment Method and Email ID: You will need a valid payment method, such as a Debit or Credit card or PayPal, to complete the visa application process. Additionally, a valid Email ID is required for communication purposes.
For more detailed information regarding the required documents for an Indian Visa, you can refer to the Indian Visa Documents Requirements page.
17 Common Reasons for Indian e-Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them
- Incomplete name information: Providing only partial name details is a frequent but avoidable mistake that often results in the rejection of Indian e-Visa applications. You should include your full name, surname, and middle name (if applicable), rather than using initials or omitting middle names.
- Submitting multiple/redundant applications: Reapplying for an Indian e-Visa when you already have an active and valid visa, such as a Business e-Visa or a Tourist e-Visa, can lead to rejection. It is essential to keep track of your existing visas and avoid unnecessary applications.
- Pakistani origin connections: If you have any affiliations with Pakistan through your parents, grandparents, spouse, or if you were born in Pakistan, your Indian e-Visa application is likely to be denied. In such cases, it is advisable to apply for a regular paper visa by visiting the nearest Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission.
- Incorrect selection of e-Visa type: Applying for an Indian e-Visa that does not align with the purpose of your visit to India can result in rejection. Ensure that you choose the appropriate visa type that matches your intended activities in India.
- Passport with insufficient validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into India. Failing to meet this requirement can lead to the rejection of your Indian e-Visa application.
- Ineligibility of certain passport types: Refugee, Diplomatic, and Official passports are not eligible for Indian e-Visa. If you possess any of these passport types, you must apply for a traditional or regular visa through the nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy.
- Inadequate funds for stay in India: The Indian Immigration Authority may require proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in India. Failure to provide this information can result in the rejection of your e-Visa application.
- Blurry or obscured face photograph: The photograph you submit for your Indian e-Visa application should clearly show your entire face from the top of your head to your chin, without any obstructions or blurriness. Avoid reusing passport photos.
- Unclear passport scan: The scanned copy of your passport's personal page, containing essential details such as your name, date of birth, passport number, date of issue, and expiry date, should be clear and legible. Ensure that the MRZ (Magnetic Readable Zone) lines at the bottom of the passport are not cut off or distorted in the scan or photo.
- Information mismatch: Any discrepancies between the information provided in your passport and the fields on the Indian e-Visa application can lead to rejection. Pay close attention to important details such as passport number, date of birth, place of birth, and country of passport.
- Incorrect reference from home country: The Indian e-Visa application requires a reference or contact from your country of passport or home country, which is necessary for emergencies. Even if you have been residing in a different country, such as Dubai or Singapore, you should provide a reference from your home country.
- Lost old passport: If you have misplaced your old passport and need to apply for a new Visa to India, please note that if you choose to apply for an Indian e-Visa, you will be required to provide a police report stating the loss of your previous passport.
- Incorrect e-Medical Visa: In the case of a medical visit to India, it is important to apply for the appropriate visa type. The patient should apply for a Medical Visa, while two friends or family members can accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa for India. To learn more about the Medical e-Visa for India and the Medical Attendant e-Visa, please refer to the relevant information.
- Missing Hospital Letter for e-Medical Visa: To obtain an e-Medical Visa for India, it is necessary to provide a clear letter from the hospital, written on their official letterhead. This letter should state the details of the treatment, procedure, or surgery that the patient will undergo.
- Incomplete e-Business Visa requirements: When applying for an Online Business Visa for India, please ensure that you provide all the necessary information for both the applicant's foreign company and the Indian company being visited. This includes providing the website address of both companies.
- Absence of business card: For an Indian e-Visa application for Business purposes, it is required to submit either a business card or, at the very least, an email signature that includes the company name, designation, email address, and phone number. Please note that submitting a photocopy of a Visa/Mastercard debit card is not acceptable and should be avoided.
- Concealing criminal background: Failing to disclose any criminal history, regardless of its significance, in your Indian e-Visa application can lead to rejection. It is important to be honest and transparent in your application.
Potential Denial of Entry Despite Having an Indian e-Visa: What to Know
In the event that you have obtained an India e-Visa with the status of "Granted," it is important to note that there remains a chance of being restricted from travelling and denied entry into India. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Inconsistencies between the details on your passport and the e-Visa issued by the Indian Immigration Authority.
- Insufficient availability of at least two empty or blank pages in your passport, which are necessary for stamping at the airport. Please be aware that stamping is not required at the Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
Final Remarks on Obtaining an Indian e-Visa
In conclusion, while obtaining an Indian e-Visa can be a convenient way to travel to India, it's important to be aware of certain considerations. Even if your e-Visa has been granted, there is still a possibility of being denied entry into India. This can happen if the information on your e-Visa does not match the details on your passport or if you do not have sufficient blank pages in your passport for stamping at the airport.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, double-check that the information on your e-Visa matches your passport details accurately. Additionally, make sure your passport has at least two empty pages for stamping upon arrival in India. Taking these precautions will help minimize the risk of any complications or disruptions during your journey.
It's always a good idea to stay informed and updated on the latest travel requirements and regulations regarding e-Visas to India. This will enable you to plan your trip effectively and avoid any unforeseen issues. Safe travels and enjoy your time in India!
