Common issues and solutions for the India Tourist eVisa application

For many visitors, entering India requires a valid visa. Although the eVisa system is designed to make getting one easier, it's not without its challenges.

Furthermore, many applicants report regular technical and payment issues on the government website.

We'll offer solutions to common issues, and guide you through the application process for an India Tourist eVisa without hassle.

Understanding common India eVisa application challenges

The India Tourist eVisa application process can present several hurdles. We have analyzed thousands of applications to identify the most frequent issues.

In the next sections, we'll present solutions on how to overcome these issues.

Technical difficulties and India eVisa website issues

Website crashes or slow-loading pages, particularly during peak application times, are a top problem when applying for an Indian eVisa.

To avoid this issue, make sure you're using a compatible browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox, which are known for their reliability with Indian eVisa applications.

Sometimes, the processing of an Indian eVisa application takes longer than expected. This can happen during busy travel seasons or if there are issues with the system. Knowing the best time to apply is very important:

• For 30-day eVisas, you should apply no earlier than 30 days and no later than four days before your trip.
• For 1-year and 5-year eVisas, applications can be made up to 120 days in advance.

Processing usually takes up to 72 hours, so planning accordingly will ensure you receive your eVisa in time for your travel.

Based on customer feedback, applying during off-peak hours (between 2 AM and 6 AM IST) can significantly reduce the chance of technical issues.

One traveler comments:

"Well that is 48 hours I will never get back of my life! What a waste of time! The government site is so cumbersome and slow you’re ready to cancel your trip to India and book somewhere else completely!" - Tommy B., United Kingdom

iVisa Pro Tip: "Save your application progress every 10 minutes using the "Save and Exit" feature to prevent data loss due to session timeouts." - Cynthia Oliwa, iVisa travel expert

Trouble with uploading documents for the India eVisa application

When uploading your photograph and documents, such as the passport ID page, you might need to crop the photo to meet the specifications and ensure the document is in the correct format.

The eVisa system typically requires JPG/JPEG/PNG format for photos and PDF for documents. Make sure these are clear, legible, and within the specified file size limits.

Preparing your files before starting the application process can save time and reduce stress.

Our review team makes sure there are no missing documents and will check if everything is in the correct size and format.

Traveler feedback:

"Reading these reviews, it’s clear that everyone is having the same problems - can’t upload the passport photo! Fortunately, I found iVisa, who was much more helpful and had a website and mobile app that didn’t work like it was from 1998!" - Michael L.

Learn more about the India Tourist Visa.

India eVisa payment processing and verification problems

Payment failures might occur if your card is declined or there are issues with the payment portal. Here's what we recommend:

• Use a card enabled for international transactions.
• Ensure sufficient funds are available.
• Keep your bank informed about the international transaction.

We offer multiple secure payment options for your convenience.

Other entry and exit rules to consider for India

• ✅ Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival and have at least two blank pages.

• ✅ Yellow fever certificate: Required only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

• ✅ Restricted/protected areas: Some regions (like parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) require a special permit (Protected Area Permit or Restricted Area Permit) in addition to your visa.

• ✅ Overstaying penalties: Overstaying a visa, even by one day, can lead to fines, detention, or future visa bans. Always check your visa expiry carefully.

• ✅ Entry points: Ensure you arrive at an airport, seaport, or land border that accepts your visa type. For example, e-visas are valid only at certain airports and seaports.

• ✅ Currency rules: You can carry up to ₹25,000 in Indian rupees when entering or exiting. For foreign currency, amounts over USD 5,000 (cash) or USD 10,000 (total) must be declared.

• ✅ Customs rules: India has strict regulations on items like gold, electronics, and certain medicines. Prohibited items include satellite phones, some types of drones, and narcotics.

💡 Michael Angelo from The Project Kosmos shared his experience:

"Leaving Mumbai, security was the strictest I’ve faced. They searched all bags and wouldn’t let me carry my GPS, saying it’s a prohibited item. I had to check the GPS separately and carried only my laptop, charger, and iPod until picking up my bag in Bangladesh."

Need more info about the India eVisa application?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about India or the tourist e-visa application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.