India’s electronic visa (eVisa) system offers a streamlined online application process for visitors from over 160 countries. However, successfully navigating this system requires understanding both the TYPES OF INDIAN EVISA available and the common pitfalls that lead to an INDIAN VISA REJECTED outcome. This guide provides clarity on India’s eVisa categories and actionable steps to ensure your application is approved.

The Complete Spectrum of Indian eVisas

The TYPES OF INDIAN EVISA system is designed to cater to different travel purposes through a completely online process. Here are the main categories:

1. e-Tourist Visa (Multiple Validity Periods)

• 30-Day Visa: Ideal for short vacations, valid for 30 days from your first arrival date with double entry.
• 1-Year Visa: Suitable for frequent visitors, valid for 365 days from issuance with multiple entries (max 90 days per visit).
• 5-Year Visa: Designed for long-term tourism planning, valid for 5 years with multiple entries (max 90 days per visit).

2. e-Business Visa
Essential for commercial activities like meetings, sales, or trade fairs. Valid for 365 days with multiple entries, permitting stays up to 180 days per visit. Requires an invitation from an Indian business entity.

3. e-Medical Visa & e-Medical Attendant Visa
Specifically for patients seeking treatment at recognized Indian hospitals. Valid for 60 days with triple entry. Patients can be accompanied by up to two attendants on linked visas.

4. e-Conference Visa
For attending government-recognized conferences, seminars, or workshops. Requires official invitation from the organizer.

The common advantage across all eVisas is the elimination of embassy visits—applications, payments, and approvals happen entirely online, with the visa delivered via email as a printable Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Top Reasons for Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them

Understanding why applications get marked INDIAN VISA REJECTED is crucial for success. Here are the most common reasons and preventive measures:

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Application Data
Even minor discrepancies between your application and passport can cause rejection. A single character error in your name or passport number is grounds for denial.

• Prevention: Triple-check every field. Use the passport’s machine-readable zone (the bottom section with numbers and letters) as your primary reference.

2. Applying for the Wrong eVisa Type
Using a tourist visa for business activities or a business visa for medical treatment violates visa conditions. Immigration officers verify your stated purpose against supporting documents.

• Prevention: Honestly select the visa that matches your primary activity. Have supporting documents ready (like business invitations or hospital letters).

3. Passport Validity Issues
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India and have two blank pages.

• Prevention: Check your passport’s expiry date well before applying. Renew it if it expires within six months of your planned trip.

4. Insufficient Supporting Documentation
Each visa type requires specific documents. Business visas need invitation letters; medical visas require hospital correspondence. Generic or missing documents lead to rejection.

• Prevention: Review the exact document requirements for your specific visa category before applying. Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in accepted formats (usually PDF or JPEG).

5. Previous Violations of Indian Visa Laws
If you’ve previously overstayed a visa, worked on a tourist visa, or violated other immigration rules, your new application will likely be rejected.

• Prevention: Always respect visa conditions. If you have past violations, consult with immigration experts before reapplying.

6. Inconsistent Travel History or Financial Proof
While not always explicitly required, applications showing unstable travel patterns or insufficient funds for the intended stay may raise red flags.

• Prevention: Maintain consistent travel records and be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds if requested.

Strategic Application Process for Success

Follow this systematic approach to minimize rejection risks:

1. Choose Precisely: Select the exact TYPES OF INDIAN EVISA that matches your primary travel purpose.
2. Document Preparation: Before starting your application, gather all required documents—passport scans, photographs, invitation letters, etc.
3. Meticulous Data Entry: Enter information slowly and carefully. Cross-reference every detail with your physical passport.
4. Review Before Submission: Proofread your entire application. Many rejections occur from simple, avoidable typos.
5. Apply Early: Submit your application at least 1-2 weeks before travel, even though eVisas often process within 72 hours. This provides a buffer if additional information is requested.

Special Considerations for Urgent and Emergency Travel

If you face genuine emergencies (like critical family illness), you might qualify for expedited processing through the Urgent Emergency Visa system, which operates separately from standard eVisas. This requires direct contact with Indian embassies and substantial documentation proving the emergency.

What to Do If Your Visa Is Rejected

If you receive an INDIAN VISA REJECTED notice:

• Carefully Read the Rejection Reason: The notice usually specifies the grounds for rejection. Address this exact issue in your reapplication.
• Correct the Identified Problem: If it’s a documentation issue, provide clearer documents. If it’s an eligibility issue, you may need to apply for a different visa category.
• Wait Before Reapplying: Immediate reapplication with the same information will likely yield the same result. Take time to thoroughly address the rejection cause.
• Consider Professional Help: For complex cases (like previous immigration violations), consult with visa experts who understand Indian immigration law.

By understanding both the available TYPES OF INDIAN EVISA and implementing strategies to avoid common rejection causes, you significantly increase your chances of approval. The key lies in meticulous preparation, absolute honesty in your application, and selecting the visa category that perfectly aligns with your travel purpose. With careful attention to detail, you can secure your Indian eVisa and focus on planning your journey to this remarkable destination.