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Form Guide

e-Visa Application - Electronic Visa Application

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last verified Feb 26, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

Review the instructions to determine if it applies to your situation.

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Quick answers

What mistakes cause e-Visa Application rejection?
Common issues: wrong eligibility category, missing supporting evidence, incomplete sections, or using an outdated form edition.
What documents do I need for e-Visa Application?
You'll need: the current edition of e-visa application, current immigration status, government-issued photo identification. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
What does e-Visa Application do?
Submitting e-Visa Application initiates a review of your eligibility. If approved, you receive e-Visa. Approval depends on meeting all requirements.
What doesn't e-Visa Application do?
Common misconception: filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
How long does e-Visa Application take to process?
Most e-Visa Application cases are processed in 5–24 months depending on category (FRRO) (as of February 2026). e-Visa: 3 to 5 days. Check your category at the official processing times tool.
Does filing e-Visa Application grant work authorization or lawful status?
No. Filing e-Visa Application does not by itself grant work authorization or lawful status. It is a supporting/procedural filing and does not create an immigration benefit by itself.

Quick summary

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Who fills it

Applicants seeking a visa use e-Visa Application as part of the visa application process at a Indian embassy or consulate, as described in the Form VISA EXTENSION guide, as described in the Form SURRENDER CERTIFICATE guide.

When used

E-TOURIST: e-Tourist Visa

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form e-Visa Application?)

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Check the official e-Visa Application instructions to confirm your eligibility category.

Context and workflow

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The e-Visa Application is an official form titled "Electronic Visa Application" used by applicants filing with the FRRO. Before beginning, download the current application and instructions from the official FRRO website and review the instructions for your specific eligibility category. Processing times for the e-Visa application vary by category and location, so verify current times with the issuing authority. The processing time under the "e-Visa" category is typically 3 to 5 days. Ensure you complete all required sections, sign, and submit with the necessary evidence.

Filing the e-Visa Application does not guarantee approval.

Why this matters

  • Small mismatches inside e-Visa Application (or between e-Visa Application and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
  • This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Processing time for e-Visa Application varies by case type and current workload — always check the official FRRO processing time tool.
  • Initiating the visa application process
  • Application acknowledgement
  • Provide biometrics at FRRO office
  • Visa issuance

Who uses it

Applicants seeking a visa use e-Visa Application as part of the visa application process at a Indian embassy or consulate, as described in the Form SURRENDER CERTIFICATE guide. Common filers: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa.

When it is used

  • E-TOURIST: e-Tourist Visa
  • E-BUSINESS: e-Business Visa
  • E-MEDICAL: e-Medical Visa
  • Eligible nationals visiting India for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends .
  • Eligible nationals visiting India for business meetings, trade fairs, conference.
  • Eligible nationals seeking medical treatment at a recognized hospital in India, .

Do you need this visa?

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Visa-freeCitizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa. 160+ countries are eligible for e-Visa. Check the official list
RestrictedSome nationalities require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. See restricted countries
Use our tool to check if your nationality needs a visa for India. Find My Visa

Requirements snapshot

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  • To collect personal and travel information from visa applicants.
  • To initiate the e-Visa application process with the FRRO.
  • To allow applicants to submit required documents electronically.

Failure prevention (What causes Form e-Visa Application rejections?)

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Technical rejections

  • Ensure form edition is current

Substantive weaknesses

  • Mismatch between passport details and application
  • Unclear or unsupported purpose of visit
  • To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.

What you need (What do you need for Form e-Visa Application?)

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  • The current edition of e-Visa Application
  • Proof of current immigration status
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
  • Details of your travel itinerary
  • Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
  • Online e-Visa application
  • Passport bio page scan
  • Digital passport-size photograph
  • Credit or debit card for fee payment

Checklist (What is the Form e-Visa Application checklist?)

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  • Access the latest e-Visa Application form and accompanying instructions directly from the official FRRO website.
  • Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
  • Complete all required sections of e-Visa Application
  • Sign, date, and submit e-Visa Application with all required supporting evidence

Sources for this section

e-Visa Application Instructions

Processing times

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CategoryProcessing time
e-Visa3 to 5 daysas of February 2026
  • Processing time for e-visa application under "e-Visa": 3 to 5 days (as of February 2026).
  • Processing times for e-visa application vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
  • Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
  • Processing times for this form vary by FRRO office and current workload. Verify current processing times with FRRO.
  • While pending: track your case status using your application ID, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with FRRO if it changes.

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated FRRO office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the FRRO office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official FRRO website before submitting. For related guidance, see e-tourist.

Apply online

Fees

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Total possible cost: $25

Some categories are exempt from the biometrics fee.

ComponentAmount
Filing FeeThe filing fee for form e-visa application is $25. Verify the current fee on the official fee schedule before filing.$25

What is the total cost of Form e-Visa Application?

Most applicants pay $25. Some categories are exempt. Verify on the official fee schedule.

Can the Form e-Visa Application fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

FRRO will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Form ONLINE-VISA-APPLICATION.

Fees change; always verify on FRRO.

Form sections (What sections does Form e-Visa Application have?)

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Personal Details

Applicant biographical information.

  • Full name as on passport
  • Date of birth and nationality
  • Email address (for ETA delivery)

Passport Information

Travel document details.

  • Passport number and expiry date
  • Place of issue
  • Passport front page scan upload

Travel Details

Trip information.

  • Expected date of arrival
  • Port of arrival (must be e-Visa eligible)
  • Duration of stay
  • Purpose of visit (tourist, business, medical)

Photo Upload

Required digital photograph.

  • Recent passport-size photo (white background)
  • File format and size requirements
  • Face must be clearly visible without accessories

Choose your path

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Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.

e-Tourist Visa

e-Tourist

Eligible nationals visiting India for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. Available for 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year durations.

File with:

  • Online e-Visa application
  • Passport bio page scan
  • Digital passport-size photograph
  • Credit or debit card for fee payment

Common mistakes:

  • Applying fewer than 4 days before travel
  • Uploading blurry passport scans that cause automatic rejection

Typical processing: 1-4 days

e-Business Visa

e-Business

Eligible nationals visiting India for business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, or establishing business ventures.

File with:

  • Online e-Visa application
  • Passport bio page scan
  • Digital passport-size photograph
  • Business invitation letter from Indian company

Common mistakes:

  • Using e-Business visa for employment (which requires a full Employment visa)
  • Not having a valid business invitation or conference registration

Typical processing: 1-4 days

e-Medical Visa

e-Medical

Eligible nationals seeking medical treatment at a recognized hospital in India, applying online for short-term medical visits.

File with:

  • Online e-Visa application
  • Passport bio page scan
  • Digital passport-size photograph
  • Hospital appointment or admission letter

Common mistakes:

  • Hospital not being a recognized institution for e-Medical visa
  • Not applying early enough before the treatment date

Typical processing: 1-4 days

Strategy tips

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Important: To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
Strategy: Apply at least 4 days before travel. The e-Visa is delivered by email and must be printed for presentation at immigration.
Strategy: Upload clear, high-resolution scans of your passport bio page and photograph. Blurry or cropped images cause automatic rejection.
Strategy: Check eligibility on the official portal before starting. Not all nationalities qualify; some must use the traditional consulate route.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Incomplete or inconsistent information across formRejectionUse exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.

Examples (What are examples for Form e-Visa Application?)

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  • Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
  • Common weakness: Applicant enters incorrect passport number, leading to processing delays.
  • Scenario: Applicant X provided an expired passport number The result was a delay in processing the application Always ensure your passport is valid before applying.
  • A traveler completes the e-Visa Application online portal to apply for an electronic visa before departure
  • A tourist submits e-Visa Application through the government portal and receives approval electronically
  • An applicant in the E-tourist category files e-Visa Application as part of their immigration process

Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form e-Visa Application?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
  • Some applicants assume that providing a travel itinerary guarantees visa approval, but the itinerary is just one part of the application process.
  • An e-visa approval means you can stay as long as you want — E-visas have strict validity periods and authorized stay durations. Overstaying can result in penalties or future visa denials.

Edge cases and variations

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  • If you are asked to submit or update e-Visa Application, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.

In-depth guidance

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How to complete this form reliably

Treat e-Visa Application as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.

Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"

Scenarios

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A Canadian tourist applies for an e-Tourist visa through the official e-Visa portal 4 days before travel.

e-Visa approved within 72 hours via email. The ETA is presented at immigration upon arrival at an e-Visa eligible airport.

Apply at least 4 days before travel. The e-Visa is delivered by email and must be printed for presentation at immigration.

An applicant uploads a passport scan that is blurry and the bio page details are not clearly legible.

Application rejected automatically by the system. The applicant must reapply with a clear, high-resolution scan.

Upload clear, high-resolution scans of your passport bio page and photograph. Blurry or cropped images cause automatic rejection.

A traveler applies for an e-Visa but their nationality is not eligible for the e-Visa program.

Application rejected. The traveler must apply through the regular consular visa process instead.

Check eligibility on the official portal before starting. Not all nationalities qualify; some must use the traditional consulate route.

Next steps

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  • Application acknowledgement
  • Provide biometrics at FRRO office
  • Visa issuance
  • Receive e-Visa confirmation
  • Prepare for travel to India

Verification

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This guide is based on official FRRO instructions for the e-Visa Application and is updated whenever there are changes to form editions or filing rules. Always check the official FRRO website for the most current requirements.

Visual references

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Official portal interface for e-Visa Application

Official portal interface for e-Visa Application

Source: e-Visa Application online portal

e-Visa Application quick reference guide PDF

e-Visa Application quick reference guide PDF

FAQs

Can I apply for an e-Visa if I have previously been denied a visa to India?

Each application is assessed on its own merits.

Do I need to provide a return ticket when applying for an e-Visa?

While not mandatory, providing a return ticket can support your application by demonstrating your intent to leave India after your visit.

Is a printed copy of the e-Visa necessary for entry into India?

Yes, it is advisable to carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval to present to immigration officials upon arrival.

Will my e-Visa allow me to work in India?

You should apply for a different visa category if you intend to work in India.

What should I do if there is an error in my e-Visa application after submission?

If you notice an error after submission, you may need to contact the FRRO or reapply, as corrections cannot typically be made once the application is submitted.

What are common reasons e-Visa Application gets rejected?

Common reasons e-Visa Application is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.

When will e-Visa Application be processed and what is the workflow?

The processing time for an e-Visa Application depends on several factors, including the filing category, processing location, and the current volume of applications. While standard processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, it is advisable to consult the official FRRO processing times tool for the latest estimates before submission. Once your application is filed, keep track of your case status and explore any available expedited processing options.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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