Planning a Trip? Avoid These 6 Mistakes That Can Get Your e-Visa Rejected

Applying for an Indian e-Visa has made travel easier for many visitors. However, several applications still get denied because of small mistakes or missed requirements. While the process is simple, overlooking important details can cause problems. Here are six of the most common reasons why Indian e-visas are rejected and how to avoid them.

1. Passport Issues

One of the top reasons for rejection is related to passports. An Indian e-Visa is valid only for holders of ordinary passports. Diplomatic, official, or refugee passports are not accepted under this system. In addition, the passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival in India. If the passport doesn’t meet this requirement, the application is likely to be rejected.

2. Errors in Personal Details

Even small mismatches between the details on your passport and the information you provide on the application can cause a rejection. This includes mistakes in your name, passport number, date of birth, or place of birth. Authorities emphasize that applicants must carefully cross-check every field before submitting their form.

3. Blurry Photo or Passport Scan

The photograph and scanned copy of the passport’s personal page are crucial for verification. If the photo is blurry, cropped, or does not clearly show the applicant’s face, the application will be denied. Similarly, if the passport scan cuts off important details such as the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom, the e-Visa will not be processed. Authorities advise applicants to upload sharp, clear, and complete documents.

4. Wrong Visa Type

Choosing the wrong visa category is another common mistake. For example, if a person is visiting India for medical treatment but applies for a tourist visa instead, the application will not be approved. Applicants must ensure the type of e-Visa,tourist, business, or medical, matches the purpose of their visit.

5. Duplicate Applications

Submitting multiple applications while an earlier visa is still valid often leads to rejection. Some travelers apply again because they forget about their existing e-Visa, but the system flags duplicate entries. Authorities recommend checking the validity of your current visa before applying for a new one.

6. Criminal History or Restricted Background

Applicants with a criminal record, or those who have connections with Pakistan through family or birthplace, face stricter checks. In such cases, the Indian e-Visa system usually does not approve applications. Instead, individuals are required to apply for a regular paper visa at an Indian embassy or high commission.

Visa Refusal vs Visa Rejection

While many people use the terms interchangeably, visa refusal and visa rejection are slightly different.

• Visa Refusal: This usually happens when an application does not meet the required standards. It can be due to missing documents, incomplete information, or minor errors. In most cases, refusals without prejudice allow applicants to correct their mistakes and apply again.
  
• Visa Rejection: This is often linked to more serious issues such as false information, a criminal record, or ineligibility under visa rules. Some countries use “rejection” as a final decision, while others may allow reapplication depending on the case.

Final Check Before You Apply

While these are the most common reasons for rejection, applicants should also remember that even after an e-Visa is granted, immigration officers at the airport have the final authority to allow or deny entry. Having at least two blank passport pages for stamping and ensuring all details match the approved e-Visa are crucial.

By carefully following the requirements and avoiding these mistakes, applicants can make the process smoother and increase their chances of a successful e-Visa approval.