Step-by-step guide to applying for the India e-Visa

Getting Started — The Spirit of India Meets Bureaucracy‍

Gunjan opens with a personal note, sharing her deep appreciation for India’s culture, history, and sensory richness. But before travelers dive into India’s wonders, they must face the reality of the eVisa application. She compares the process to a rollercoaster: thrilling one moment, exasperating the next. The journey begins by collecting essential documents. Applicants need a scanned passport (PDF, ≤300 KB), a passport-style photo (JPEG, ≥350x350 px, ≤1 MB), proof of travel, and, depending on the visa type, items like business cards, medical letters, or event invitations. This early step is where many applicants falter—one missed document or formatting issue, and the process grinds to a halt. Gunjan’s advice is to laugh, not panic, and prep thoroughly.

Forms, Frustrations, and Formatting Nightmares‍

Completing the India eVisa form sounds simple—until you’re deep in questions about ancestral nationalities and typing in your parents’ names. Gunjan emphasizes that even minor spelling mistakes can cause rejections. The form also demands personal travel history, visa type selection, and precise uploads of all documents. Despite the seemingly straightforward structure, many users hit unexpected snags: the website crashes, image uploads fail, and tech support is nearly non-existent. She shares a relatable experience of trying to upload a passport photo that met all guidelines but still triggered errors. Her key tip: take breaks, keep your cool, and if needed, let Natvisa’s team handle the formatting and submissions for you.

Payment, Pitfalls, and Approval Anxiety‍

Once applicants manage to complete the form and upload their documents, they reach the payment stage—another source of stress. Many users report failures during fee submission, even after successfully filling out the entire application. Following payment, applicants receive an approval notification by email, but the visa itself must be downloaded from the official site using the application ID. Gunjan notes that although approval usually arrives in a few days, delays are common, and travelers should always print a copy before flying. She also shares cautionary tales: uploading low-quality photos, having past rejections, or possessing even distant links to Pakistan can all result in denial. Timing is everything—last-minute applications or repeated submissions can get you flagged.

Expert Help and a Final Word of Encouragement‍

While the government’s digital platform attempts to simplify entry to India, Gunjan’s review makes clear it often fails to deliver a seamless experience. For those who want to skip the headaches, Natvisa offers expert support—from resizing images to handling every step of the application, including tracking and notifications. Gunjan’s final advice is simple: start early, follow every instruction meticulously, and don’t underestimate the quirks of the system. Most importantly, don’t let the process dampen your excitement. India, with its unforgettable sights, flavors, and spirituality, is well worth the effort. Just bring your sunscreen—and your patience.