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Why and when to use a third-party site to apply for an India eVisa

Photo of Ra'eesah Manack Ra'eesah Manack
5 min read
Updated on Jan 21, 2026
Summary
  • The India eVisa government website often causes issues like timeouts, payment failures, and strict photo rejections, which is why travelers start looking for a third-party alternative.
  • Before switching, it’s worth trying quick fixes like using a desktop browser, restarting in Chrome, clearing cache, using incognito mode, and double-checking photo requirements.
  • A third-party site can make sense if you keep getting blocked by technical errors, don’t know which eVisa type you need, are close to departure, or want guided help and error checks.
  • It’s legal to use a third-party service, but no provider can guarantee approval or speed up government processing. The final decision always comes from the Government of India.
  • We, at iVisa, are a legitimate third-party option for India eVisa support with guided steps, document checks, multiple payment methods, and human assistance to help avoid preventable delays.

If you’re applying for an India eVisa and wondering whether it is legit or safe to use a third-party site, you are not alone.

Many travelers search for terms like “ivisa India eVisa legit” and “alternative to India eVisa government website” after encountering problems on the official portal.

This guide is for travelers seeking help with their India eVisa application. Some people use a third-party site after running into issues on the Indian government portal, while others prefer a simpler process with support and error checks from the start.

It explains how India eVisa third-party sites work, when it makes sense to use one, and how to choose a legitimate provider like iVisa.

How to troubleshoot the India eVisa government website

Many travelers start their application on the official India eVisa website but run into problems that prevent them from finishing, especially close to departure. Luis Enrique, senior travel documentation specialist at iVisa, explains:

“Most India eVisa issues we see are not eligibility problems, but technical or formatting errors. Third-party services exist to help travelers submit a complete application, not to influence the government’s decision.”

Before switching to an India eVisa third-party site, it can be worth trying a few quick fixes:

  • Use a desktop browser instead of a mobile browser
  • Try Chrome and restart the application from the beginning.
  • Clear your cache or open the site in an incognito window.
  • Double-check that your photo meets the size and background requirements.
  • If payment fails, try a different card or contact your bank (some banks block overseas transactions)

If you are stuck in a repetitive cycle or still cannot submit your application, a third-party service can be a practical alternative, especially if you are close to departure.

When to use a third-party site to apply for the India eVisa instead of the government site

Travelers typically choose an India eVisa third-party site because they want a more straightforward, more guided process without unnecessary headaches. They may also use one if they run into issues on the India eVisa government website.

Common reasons include:

  • They want a more straightforward, guided process from the start
  • The application keeps timing out or crashing
  • Payment fails repeatedly with an international card
  • Photos are rejected without a clear explanation
  • They are unsure which India eVisa type or validity applies
  • They are close to departure and want error prevention
  • They want human support instead of automated messages

In these cases, an India eVisa application help from a third-party site can reduce stress and prevent avoidable mistakes. This can be especially helpful if you are close to departure and do not have time to restart the application multiple times.

Flowchart infographic titled “Where to get an India eVisa” showing six yes/no questions to decide between applying through a third-party service (e.g. iVisa) or using the government site. It recommends a third-party service if you’re not comfortable with long forms, aren’t sure which visa type you need, need help meeting strict photo requirements, want a second check on passport details, are applying last-minute, or want more support. It suggests the government site may be suitable if you answer yes to those questions. Two summary boxes compare who each option is best for.

Yes. It is legal to use an India eVisa third-party site for application assistance. A legitimate India eVisa private website helps travelers complete the application accurately, review information for errors, and navigate technical or formatting requirements.

Can a third-party guarantee an India eVisa approval? No. Private services do not issue the India eVisa and cannot influence approval decisions. The final decision always comes from the Government of India. However, iVisa customers have a 99% approval rate because applications are reviewed for common errors and document issues before submission, with guided steps and checks that help travelers meet photo and formatting requirements.

Is applying through a third-party faster than the government website? A third-party provider cannot speed up government processing, but it can help you avoid delays caused by mistakes, rejected photos, or payment failures.

How to spot scams posing as India eVisa private websites

Not every site offering help with the India eVisa is legitimate. Any website that promises “guaranteed approval” or “government affiliation” is probably a scam. Scam sites also often rely on urgency and confusion.

Watch out for these red flags:

  • Claims of guaranteed approval or faster government processing
  • Websites that mimic government branding or colors
  • No clear company information or contact details
  • Payment requests by email or unsecured forms
  • Prices that seem unrealistically low or unclear
  • No refund policy or unclear terms and conditions

A legitimate India eVisa third-party site will clearly disclose that it is a private service and explain precisely what it does and does not do.

Is iVisa a legitimate India eVisa third-party provider?

iVisa is a legitimate third-party provider that has been operating since 2013. We simply assist with applications, while the India eVisa itself is always issued by the Government of India.

Travelers often search for “ivisa India eVisa legit” to get reassurance before sharing their passport or payment information. That caution is reasonable.

What sets iVisa apart as a legitimate India eVisa third-party site:

  • Over a decade of operational history
  • Support for travelers from hundreds of nationalities
  • Secure, encrypted payment processing
  • Clear separation between government fees and service fees
  • Human review to help catch common errors
  • Verified customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, linked naturally in the site experience

iVisa’s role is to help travelers submit a complete and accurate application. It does not promise approval or claim special access to government systems.

Why should I use iVisa to get my India eVisa?

Travelers who choose iVisa are typically looking for peace of mind rather than shortcuts. Here is how we directly address and solve common issues travelers run into on the government website:

Government site issue iVisa solution
Application times out, and progress is lost Save your application and continue later
Strict photo rules with no validation Real-time photo and document checks
Errors cannot be corrected after submission Expert error-checking before submission
Confusing visa types and durations Guided visa type selection
Unreliable mobile experience Fully mobile-optimized application
International card payments often fail Multiple secure payment options
No live customer support 24/7 support via chat, WhatsApp, and email
Unclear application status updates Clear status tracking and notifications
No help close to the travel date Dedicated support for urgent issues
Separate portals for different visas One account for all visas and travel documents

Applying through the government portal works for some travelers, but it can be frustrating. Using an India eVisa third-party site like iVisa can add guidance, error checks, and human support.

At iVisa, we help you complete your application accurately and support you through the process, but the Government of India always makes the final decision.

Need more information?

If you still have questions about the India eVisa process or your eligibility, our support team can help clarify next steps via live chat or WhatsApp.

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