India is a destination that demands attention. Whether you are drawn by the spiritual stillness of Varanasi, the bustling tech hubs of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, or the wellness retreats of Kerala, the journey begins long before you board the flight. It begins with the India eVisa.
In recent years, the Government of India has revolutionized entry procedures by expanding the electronic visa (eVisa) facility to over 160 countries. This shift from physical stickers to digital grants has streamlined travel significantly. However, a common misconception persists: that “digital” means “automatic.”
The reality is quite different. The India eVisa system is one of the most technically strict in the world. It is an automated system with zero tolerance for data mismatch. A single typographical error, a blurred photograph, or an incorrect background colour can lead to an immediate rejection – often without an explanation or a refund.
At DU Global, we bridge the gap between the convenience of digital application and the precision of consular standards. This guide explores the nuances of the India eVisa, helping tourists, business leaders, and medical patients navigate the process with absolute confidence.
Decoding the Categories: It’s Not Just One Visa
The first step in a successful application is selecting the correct sub-category. The “eVisa” is an umbrella term for several distinct permissions, each with its own validity rules and documentation requirements.
e-Tourist Visa (eTV)
This is the most common category, but it has variations that trip up travellers.
- 30-Day Double Entry: Ideal for short holidays. Crucial Note: This visa is only granted for specific travel dates. If you apply too early, it may expire before you arrive.
- 1-Year & 5-Year Multiple Entry: These allow stays of up to 90 days (or 180 days for certain nationals) per visit. They are excellent for frequent travellers but require a more detailed application history.
e-Business Visa
This is strictly for commercial purposes—meetings, conferences, recruiting manpower, or establishing industrial/business ventures.
- The Trap: It is not for employment. If you are being paid a salary in India, you need a regular Employment Visa (a physical sticker), not an eVisa.
- Requirement: You must upload a business card and a specific invitation letter from the Indian host company.
e-Medical & e-Medical Attendant Visa
India is a global hub for medical tourism. This category allows for short-term treatment.
- Requirement: A letter from the hospital in India on its letterhead is mandatory. The “Attendant” visa is for family members accompanying the patient and must be linked to the patient’s application.
e-Conference Visa
Used for workshops or conferences organized by government bodies or PSUs. This is the most complex eVisa, often requiring political clearance and MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) clearance events.
Documentation Minefield: Where Applications Fail
Through our extensive processing experience, we have identified that 80% of eVisa rejections stem from documentation errors, specifically regarding digital uploads.
Photograph Paradox
The Indian visa photo requirements are distinct and strictly enforced.
- Format: JPEG.
- Dimensions: Exact square aspect ratio (min 350×350 pixels).
- Background: It must be plain white or light-coloured. Shadows behind the ears or on the face are grounds for rejection.
- Selfie Mistake: Many applicants attempt to upload a cropped selfie. The system’s facial recognition software often rejects these due to poor lighting or incorrect angles.
Passport Scan
You must upload a scan of your passport’s bio page.
- Clarity: All text, including the MRZ code (the two lines of code at the bottom), must be legible.
- Size: It must be a PDF file under 300KB. Compressing a high-quality scan to under 300KB without losing legibility requires technical finesse.
Port of Entry Confusion
The eVisa is valid for entry at 29 designated airports and 5 designated seaports.
- The Issue: You cannot enter India via land borders (e.g., crossing from Nepal) on an initial eVisa entry. You must arrive by air or sea at a designated port.
- The Exit: Interestingly, you can exit from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) in India.
- Our Advice: Review your flight itinerary to ensure your arrival airport is eVisa-compliant. If you are flying into a smaller regional airport, you may be denied boarding at your origin if it’s not on the approved list.
Business Travel Specifics: The Invitation Letter
For corporates, the Invitation Letter is the most critical document. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expects specific details:
- Full name and passport number of the applicant.
- Purpose of the visit (e.g., “Technical discussions regarding Project X”).
- Duration of stay.
- Signed by an authorized signatory with their contact details.
A generic letter saying “Please visit us” is often insufficient. We provide our corporate clients with templates that meet Ministry standards to ensure smooth processing.
Payment Security and Scams
A significant risk in the eVisa ecosystem is the proliferation of “fake” visa websites. These sites mimic the official government portal, charge exorbitant fees, and often fail to deliver a valid visa.
- Financial Safety: International transactions on government portals can sometimes fail due to bank security protocols, leaving the application in limbo – money deducted but application not submitted.
Timeline: When Should You Apply?
Timing is everything.
- Too Late: The processing time is typically 72 hours, but it can take up to 4 or 5 days during peak seasons or for certain nationalities. Applying from the airport is a recipe for disaster.
- Too Early: For the 30-day visa, the validity starts from the date of grant, not the date of arrival. If you apply two months in advance, your visa might expire before your trip begins.
Conclusion
India is a country of complex beauty, and its visa process reflects that complexity. It demands respect for detail and adherence to rules.
At DU Global, we don’t just process data; we protect your travel plans. Whether you are closing a deal in Mumbai or seeking serenity in the Himalayas, we ensure your focus remains on the destination, not the documentation.
Also Read:
B1 vs B2 Visa: Key Differences for Travelers
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for a UAE
