Can You Reapply for an Indian E-Visa After Being Rejected?

Getting the dreaded "Not Granted" status on your Indian e-Visa application is stressful — especially with a trip booked. But a rejection doesn't mean the end. In most cases, you can reapply. Here's exactly what to do, how long to wait, and how to ensure your next application succeeds.

Can You Reapply? Yes — In Most Cases

The Indian government allows you to submit a new e-Visa application after a rejection. There is no hard rule preventing reapplication. However:

• Each application is treated independently — a previous rejection doesn't automatically doom your next attempt
• You'll need to pay the application fee again (no refunds for rejections)
• You should fix whatever caused the rejection before reapplying
• It's technically a brand-new application, not an "appeal" of the old one

How Long to Wait Before Reapplying

There's no official mandatory waiting period, but our recommendations:

• Rejected for document/form errors: Reapply immediately after fixing the issue. No need to wait.
• Rejected for unclear reasons: Wait at least 24–48 hours so the system fully processes your previous application.
• Multiple rejections: Wait 1 week and consider applying through a professional service for expert review.
• Security-related rejection: These are rare and may indicate a more serious issue. Wait 2–4 weeks and consider contacting the Indian embassy directly.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Fix Them

Based on the most common rejections we see:

1. Photo Non-Compliance

The most common reason. Your photo didn't meet the strict specifications.

Fix: Use a fresh photo with white background, JPEG format, 350×350px minimum. See our complete photo guide.

2. Passport Scan Issues

Blurry scan, wrong format (JPG instead of PDF), or exceeding the 300 KB size limit.

Fix: Scan your passport bio page at 200 DPI, save as PDF under 300 KB. All four corners must be visible. Check our document upload guide.

3. Information Mismatch

Your name, date of birth, or passport number on the form doesn't exactly match your passport.

Fix: Copy information from your passport character by character. Include middle names exactly as they appear. Don't abbreviate.

4. Incomplete Information

Required fields left blank or filled with "N/A" when specific info was needed.

Fix: Fill every field. For "occupation" or other tricky fields, see our guides on choosing an occupation.

5. Nationality or Eligibility Issues

Your nationality may require additional verification or may not be eligible for e-Visa.

Fix: Confirm your country is eligible. If you hold dual nationality, use the passport from the eligible country.

Is There an Appeal Process?

No. The Indian e-Visa system does not have a formal appeal process. Your only option is to:

1. Submit a brand-new application with corrected information
2. Apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy/consulate (longer process but different review pathway)
3. Contact the Indian e-Visa helpdesk for clarification (slow response times)

Tips for a Successful Reapplication

• Start completely fresh: Don't try to reference or continue your old application
• Double-check everything: Compare every field against your passport, character by character
• Use new, high-quality documents: Take a new photo, make a new passport scan
• Apply on a weekday: Monday through Wednesday gives the best processing turnaround
• Consider professional help: If you've been rejected twice, an expert review is worth the investment