⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
Most India e-visa problems happen because of small, avoidable mistakes.
In 2026, applications are rejected or delayed mainly due to photo errors, wrong visa type, and passport details mismatches.
Fix these five issues, and your India e-visa process is usually smooth.
Why so many India e-visas get delayed or rejected
India’s e-visa system is convenient, but it is strict.
The form is simple, yet many travelers rush it. Immigration officers don’t fix errors for you. If details don’t match exactly, your visa can be delayed, rejected, or questioned on arrival.
This guide explains India E-Visa 2026: avoid these 5 common mistakes so you don’t learn the hard way.

Mistake 1: Choosing the wrong e-visa type
This is the most common problem.
India offers different e-visas:
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Tourist
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Business
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Medical
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Conference
Many travelers select tourist e-visa but plan activities that clearly fit business or volunteering.
Why this causes trouble:
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Immigration may deny entry
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You may be questioned at the airport
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Your visa can be canceled
Always match the visa type to what you will actually do in India.
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Mistake 2: Uploading the wrong photo or passport scan
India’s e-visa photo rules are strict.
Common photo errors:
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Shadows on the face
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Blurry image
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Wrong background color
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Cropped head or shoulders
Passport scan mistakes:
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Cut edges
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Glare on the page
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Not fully readable
Even small issues can trigger rejection.
Use a clean, clear photo and a sharp passport scan. This single step avoids many problems.
Mistake 3: Passport validity confusion
Many travelers misunderstand this rule.
Your passport must:
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Be valid for at least 6 months from arrival
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Have at least 2 blank pages
Mistakes happen when:
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Passport expires soon
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Travelers calculate from visa issue date instead of arrival date
If your passport is close to expiry, renew it first.
Mistake 4: Entering details that don’t exactly match your passport
India’s system checks details strictly.
Common mismatches:
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Missing middle name
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Extra space in name
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Wrong passport number digit
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Different spelling from passport
What seems minor to you can flag your application.
Always type details exactly as shown on your passport, even if it feels unnecessary.
Mistake 5: Applying too late or too early
Timing matters.
For India E-Visa 2026:
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Don’t apply at the last minute
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Don’t apply months earlier than allowed
Problems with late applications:
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Processing delays
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No time to correct errors
Problems with early applications:
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Visa validity may expire before travel
Apply within the recommended window for your visa type.
Where to apply safely for India e-visa
Only apply through the official government portal managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Avoid:
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Third-party agents charging high fees
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Look-alike websites
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“Guaranteed visa” promises
The official process is straightforward if done carefully.
What happens if you make a mistake
It depends on the error.
Possible outcomes:
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Application rejection
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Request to reapply
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Delay of several days
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Questioning at immigration
Most issues are preventable before submission.
Tips to make your India e-visa smooth in 2026
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Double-check every field before submitting
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Keep digital and printed copies
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Use the same passport for travel
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Save your application ID
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Check your email spam folder
Small steps save big stress later.
What to expect on arrival in India
At the airport:
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Immigration checks your passport and e-visa
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Fingerprints and photo may be taken
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Questions are usually simple
If your details match and visa type is correct, entry is smooth.
Final takeaway from real travel experience
India’s e-visa system works well — but only if you respect the details.
Most travelers who face issues made one of these five mistakes. Take your time, follow the rules exactly, and your India E-Visa 2026 process will be easy.
A careful 15 minutes during application can save hours of stress at the airport.
FAQ – India E-Visa 2026
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is India e-visa easy to get? | Yes, if details are correct. |
| Can I fix mistakes after submission? | Usually no, you must reapply. |
| Is middle name required? | Yes, if shown on passport. |
| Do I need a printed e-visa? | It’s strongly recommended. |
| Can I enter any airport? | Only approved e-visa airports. |
| Is approval guaranteed? | No, but errors cause most rejections. |
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Author: Prashant
Prashant creates clear, helpful travel content covering U.S. places to visit, travel planning, and common travel questions.



