What Documents Do I Need for an Indian E-Visa?
Complete 2026 document checklist for Indian e-Visa applications: passport requirements, photo specs, and supporting documents by visa type.
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Getting your documents right is the single most important step in the Indian e-Visa application. Incorrect or non-compliant documents are the #1 reason for rejection. Here's exactly what you need, organized into a clear checklist you can follow.
Documents Required for ALL E-Visa Types
Regardless of which e-Visa you're applying for, you'll need:
1. Passport (Bio-Data Page Scan)
- Clear, color scan of the page with your photo and personal details
- Format: PDF only
- File size: 10KB to 300KB
- All four corners of the page must be visible
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival in India
- Must have at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps
2. Digital Photograph
- Recent passport-style photo (taken within last 6 months)
- Format: JPEG only
- File size: 10KB to 1MB
- Dimensions: minimum 350×350 pixels (square aspect ratio)
- White or light-colored background
- Face must occupy 50–60% of the frame
- No glasses, no hats, no face coverings (religious headwear permitted if it doesn't cover the face)
For detailed specifications and examples, see our photo requirements guide.
Pro Tip:
Use your smartphone camera against a white wall for a compliant photo. Many free apps (like "Passport Photo Maker") can crop and resize to the exact specs. Or use a visa service that formats your photo for you.
Additional Documents by Visa Type
e-Tourist Visa: No additional documents beyond passport scan and photo. You may be asked for hotel booking details and return flight information on the form, but these don't need to be uploaded.
e-Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from the Indian company or trade fair organizer
- Business card or company letterhead
- Details of Indian business partner (name, address, phone)
e-Medical Visa:
- Letter from the Indian hospital confirming the treatment appointment
- Medical documents/diagnosis (if applicable)
Information You'll Need (Not Uploaded, but Entered on Form)
- Full passport details (number, issue date, expiry, place of issue)
- Parent's names and nationalities (including at birth)
- Spouse's details (if married)
- Employer/organization name and address
- Reference name and address in India (can be hotel name)
- Previous Indian visa details (if any)
- Countries visited in the last 10 years
- Intended port of arrival in India
- Expected date of arrival and departure
Common Document Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading passport scan as JPEG instead of PDF — the system requires PDF
- Photo file too large or too small — must be between 10KB and 1MB
- Blurry or glare-covered passport scan — retake without flash
- Photo with glasses — remove them, even prescription glasses
- Passport expiring within 6 months — renew before applying
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show hotel bookings or flight tickets?
You'll enter accommodation and travel details on the form, but you do NOT need to upload proof of bookings. The information is for reference only. You can enter your first hotel's name and address.
Can I use a phone scan of my passport?
Yes, as long as it's clear, well-lit, shows all four corners, and is saved as a PDF file. Most phone scanning apps (like Adobe Scan or CamScanner) can output directly to PDF.
Do I need to mail my physical passport?
No! The Indian e-Visa is entirely digital. You never mail or submit your physical passport. You only upload a scan. Your passport stays with you throughout. Read more about passport handling for e-Visas.
We Review Every Document for You
Upload your passport scan and photo — our experts verify compliance and format them to spec before submission.
Start My Application →Don't Risk a Rejection or a Ruined Trip
One small mistake — a name that doesn't match your passport, the wrong occupation, a non-compliant photo, or the wrong visa category — can get your India e-Visa rejected or frozen in review for weeks. Government fees are non-refundable, a rejection can flag your passport for future applications, and most travelers only find out after they've paid and their flight is days away.
Our visa experts check every detail before submission, catch the errors that cause rejections, and back it with 24/7 human support — so you board your flight with total peace of mind.
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About the Author
Visa Expert Team
Senior Immigration Consultant
"Specializing in complex visa cases with over a decade of experience in Indian travel regulations."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Indian e-Visa take to process?
Most Indian e-Visas are approved within 72 hours. Processing can take longer if the application has errors, a non-compliant photo, or is submitted during peak season (October–March).
Can I extend my Indian e-Visa?
e-Tourist and e-Business e-Visas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible. You must apply for a new visa for a future trip.
Official Sources
- Government of India e-Visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Bureau of Immigration, India: boi.gov.in
Apply eVisa India is a private visa-assistance service. We are not affiliated with the Indian government.
