By holidaybuddy81 | Updated: June 28, 2026
Indian eVisa Rejected? Getting a visa refusal when you are planning a trip to Delhi, Goa, or Mumbai can be stressful, but it does not necessarily mean you cannot apply again. A refusal can happen for different reasons, including problems with the application form or uploaded documents.
The next step is to identify the reason for the refusal, review the information submitted, and determine whether you can submit a new application or need to explore another official route. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve checking the current requirements for a new online application or contacting the relevant Indian authorities or official visa service provider for guidance.
Common issues that may require attention include unclear passport information, photograph requirements, incorrect application details, or information that does not match the applicant’s supporting documents. The exact reason for a refusal can vary from one application to another.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we explain common reasons why an Indian eVisa application may be rejected, what to check after receiving a refusal, and the steps to consider before submitting another application.
Indian eVisa Rejection Summary
Before diving into the detailed troubleshooting steps, use this quick reference table to understand some common reasons an application may be refused and what you can check before submitting another application.
| Common Issue | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Name Mismatch | Ensure your name and other personal details match the information shown on your passport and application. Avoid unnecessary abbreviations or changes to your name. |
| Passport Photo Issues | Check that your photograph is recent, clear, and meets the current official photo requirements before uploading it. |
| Blurry Document Scans | Make sure the passport bio-page and other required documents are clear, readable, and uploaded in the required format and file size. |
| Wrong Visa Category | Select the visa category that accurately reflects the purpose of your trip and review the available sub-categories before submitting the application. |
| Passport Validity | Check that your passport meets the current validity and blank-page requirements applicable to your trip before applying. |
Check Your Indian Visa Application Status
You may need your Application ID and Passport Number to check the current status of your application.
If your application has already been formally refused, checking the status will not change the decision. In that situation, review the reason for refusal and the current official requirements before considering another application.
Common Reasons for Indian eVisa Rejected Applications
1. Incomplete Information or Typos
Even a small error in an application can cause problems during the review process. The official Indian eVisa portal advises applicants to provide correct information in each field and take responsibility for the accuracy of the details submitted.
- Name Discrepancies: Make sure your name and other personal details match the information shown on your UK passport. Check the spelling carefully and avoid unnecessary abbreviations.
- Passport Number Errors: Carefully review your passport number, date of birth, passport expiry date, and other important details before submitting the application.
- Missing Details: Make sure all required information, including relevant travel and contact details, is completed accurately before submission.
2. Document and Photo Upload Errors
The official Indian eVisa portal specifies requirements for uploaded photographs and passport documents. Applications may be liable for rejection if photographs or documents are unclear or do not meet the required specifications.
- Passport Photo Specifications: The photograph should be recent, front-facing, clear, and have a plain light-coloured or white background. The official requirements also state that the applicant should be shown with eyes open and without spectacles, with no shadows or borders.
- Passport Bio-Page Clarity: The scanned passport page containing your photograph and personal details must be clear and readable. The official eVisa portal specifies PDF format with a file size between 10 KB and 300 KB for the scanned bio page.
3. Selecting the Incorrect Visa Sub-Category
Your selected visa category should match the actual purpose of your visit to India. The official portal provides different eVisa categories and sub-categories, including e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical and other eligible categories.
- e-Tourist Visa: This category is intended for eligible tourism and other permitted activities listed under the e-Tourist visa requirements. Check the current official conditions before selecting a specific e-Tourist option.
- e-Business Visa: This category is intended for eligible business-related travel. Review the official requirements to make sure it matches the purpose of your visit.
4. Passport Validity and Travel Document Requirements
Your passport must meet the current validity and travel-document requirements for an Indian eVisa.
- 6-Month Rule: The official eVisa portal states that the passport should have at least six months of validity at the time of applying for the eVisa.
- Blank Pages: The official requirements state that the passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
- Eligible Travel Documents: The eVisa facility is not available for diplomatic or official passport holders, Laissez-passer holders, or holders of international travel documents other than passports. Applicants with such documents should check the regular visa route instead.
What to Do Immediately After Your Indian eVisa Is Rejected
Receiving a visa refusal email can be incredibly stressful, especially if your travel date to India is approaching. However, you can still take practical steps to understand the issue and determine what to do next. Follow these immediate steps to review your application:
1. Analyze the Official Rejection Email
You may receive an official email notification regarding the refusal.
- Look for Specific Clues: The notification can sometimes be generic (e.g., “Incomplete application/Invalid documents”), but it may indicate the area of concern, such as your photograph or passport document.
- Check Your Application Status Online: Do not rely solely on the email. Go to the official portal and use your Application ID and passport number to check the current status of your application.
2. Perform a Comprehensive Application Audit
Before filling out a new application, try to identify what may have contributed to the rejection. Use your UK passport and review your previous application details line-by-line:
- The Spelling Audit: Ensure that names and other personal details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport and follow the relevant application instructions.
- The Document Quality Check: Open the PDF copy of the passport scan you uploaded. Is the text blurry when you zoom in? Are the passport details and Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) clearly visible? If not, prepare a clearer scan that meets the current requirements.
- The Photo Check: Review your digital photograph carefully. Make sure it meets the current Indian eVisa photograph requirements, including the required background, image quality, and visibility of your face.
3. Understand the Financial Implications (Non-Refundable Fees)
It is crucial to understand the official fee structure before making your next move:
- No Refunds: Indian eVisa fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been processed, regardless of whether the visa is approved or rejected.
- New Payment Required: If you decide to submit a new application, a new visa fee may apply. Make sure your payment method is able to complete the transaction successfully, as payment problems can interrupt or delay the application process.
Pro Tips to Improve Your Chances on Your Next Indian eVisa Application
To make your second application more accurate, these practical steps can help UK applicants reduce common application and document errors:
- Use a Two-Screen Verification Method: When filling out your new application, keep your passport bio-page visible alongside the online form. Check every character carefully, especially your full name, passport number, date of birth, and place of birth. Enter the information exactly as it appears on your passport rather than adding assumptions or abbreviations.
- Use a Clear, Compliant Photo: Avoid selfies, cropped vacation photos, or pictures with visible shadows. Use a recent passport-style photograph that meets the current Indian eVisa photo requirements, including the required background and image format. Avoid glasses unless they are permitted under the applicable requirements.
- Check Your PDF Before Uploading: Make sure your passport bio-page scan is clear, complete, and readable, including the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom. Check the current file-format and size requirements on the official Indian eVisa portal before uploading your document.
- Identify the Official Portal: Be careful with websites that look similar to government portals. The official Indian eVisa website is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Always check the website address before entering personal information or making a payment.
- Check Your Payment Details Before Reapplying: Before submitting a new application, make sure your payment card is enabled for online and international transactions if required by your bank. If a payment fails, check with your bank or the official portal rather than repeatedly submitting payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I reapply for an Indian eVisa after a rejection?
Ans: Yes. You can submit a new application after correcting the reason for rejection. You will need to complete a fresh application, upload the correct documents, and pay the applicable fee again.
Q2: What should I do if my Indian eVisa is rejected close to my travel date?
Ans: Review the rejection reason immediately and check the latest official visa requirements. If your travel date is very close, consider whether another eVisa application or a regular visa route is more suitable for your situation.
Q3: When should I consider a traditional visa instead of an eVisa?
Ans: A regular visa may be appropriate if you are not eligible for an eVisa, your passport does not meet the eVisa requirements, or your circumstances require a different visa category.
Q4: Is the Indian eVisa fee refundable after rejection?
Ans: Generally, the eVisa processing fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Q5: How can I check my Indian eVisa application status?
Ans: Use the official Indian eVisa portal with your Application ID and Passport Number to check the latest status of your application.
Final Thoughts on Managing an Indian eVisa Rejection
An Indian eVisa rejection can certainly disrupt your travel plans, but it does not necessarily prevent you from applying again. By carefully reviewing the rejection notice, correcting application errors, and uploading clear and accurate documents, you can reduce avoidable mistakes in a new application.
If you need to travel soon, allow as much time as possible for a new application and any unexpected processing delays. Always check the latest requirements on the official Government of India visa portal before submitting another application.
Need Help With Your Indian eVisa Application?
If you are unsure why your visa was refused or need help understanding an application or payment issue, see our related guides:
Last Updated: 20 August 2026