Why Was My Indian E-Visa Application Rejected?
The 8 most common reasons Indian e-Visa applications get rejected — and exactly how to fix each one before reapplying.
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Getting that "Not Granted" status on your Indian e-Visa is frustrating, especially when the government doesn't tell you why. The Indian e-Visa system provides no specific reason for rejection — just a flat denial. Based on processing thousands of applications, here are the 8 most common reasons Indian e-Visa applications get rejected and how to fix each one.
1. Passport Photo Doesn't Meet Requirements
This is the #1 rejection trigger. India has very specific photo requirements: white background, no glasses, specific dimensions, JPEG format between 10KB–1MB. Using a selfie, wearing sunglasses, or having a colored background will get you rejected.
2. Name Mismatch Between Form and Passport
Your name on the e-Visa form must match your passport exactly — every letter, every space, every hyphen. Even "Robert" vs "ROBERT" can cause issues. Middle names must be included if they appear in your passport. Read our guide on using your full legal name.
3. Poor Quality Passport Scan
The passport bio-data page scan must be clear, high-contrast, and include all four corners. Scans that are blurry, cropped, rotated, or have shadows trigger automatic rejection by the system's OCR validation.
4. Incorrect Passport Details
Typos in passport number, date of birth, issue date, or expiry date are instant rejection triggers. Double-check every digit. Your passport must also have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned entry date.
5. Nationality Not Eligible
Not all nationalities are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and several other countries must apply through an embassy. Check the full list of eligible countries.
6. Incomplete Form Fields
Leaving fields blank or entering "N/A" where a real answer is needed can flag your application. Fields like "Reference Name in India," "Places to Visit," and "Occupation" all require meaningful entries.
7. Previous Visa Issues or Overstays
If you've previously overstayed a visa in India, been deported, or had visa violations, your new application may be flagged for enhanced screening. This doesn't guarantee rejection, but it adds complexity.
8. Applying Too Close to or Too Far From Travel Date
The e-Visa can only be applied for between 4 and 120 days before your travel date. Applying outside this window results in automatic rejection.
Important:
If your application is rejected, you lose the government fee. There's no refund for denied applications through the official portal. This is why many travelers use a visa service with a money-back guarantee.
What to Do After a Rejection
You can reapply after a rejection. There's no formal waiting period for tourist e-Visas — you can submit a new application immediately. Fix the issues listed above, double-check everything, and resubmit. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to reapply after rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does India tell you why your e-Visa was rejected?
No. The official system only shows "Not Granted" with no explanation. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of the process and a key reason many applicants use professional services for their second attempt.
Can I get a refund if my e-Visa is rejected?
Not from the government portal. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. However, many visa service providers offer a money-back guarantee if your visa isn't approved.
How many times can I reapply?
There's no hard limit on reapplications for tourist e-Visas. However, repeated rejections without fixing the underlying issue will keep getting denied. Identify and correct the problem before reapplying.
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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.
