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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Indian e-Visa

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Applying for an Indian e-Visa should be simple. But small errors can turn the process into a stressful rush. In this article I will clearly explain the Common Mistakes to Avoid, show simple fixes, and point out how to use the India Visa Online portal and check your India Visa Status so you always know what’s happening. Read through — I’ve written this in plain English so you won’t be left with questions.

Why paying attention matters

Making one small error can delay or even reject your application. Knowing the Common Mistakes to Avoid will save time, money, and worry. Below I cover each mistake, explain why it matters, and give an easy fix you can use right now.

1. Applying on the wrong website or through a middleman

One of the most important Common Mistakes to Avoid is using a non-official website. The official portal is the correct place to fill forms and pay fees. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or give wrong instructions — this is a common trap.

Fix: Type or bookmark the official India Visa Online site (don’t click unknown ads). If a site asks for extra “service fees,” check the official portal first.

2. Entering incorrect or inconsistent personal details

Another item on the list of Common Mistakes to Avoid is entering names, birth dates, or passport numbers that don’t match your passport exactly. Even a small spelling difference or a missing middle name can cause trouble.

Why it matters: The e-Visa is linked to your passport. If details don’t match, immigration officers may question you.
 Fix: Copy your name, passport number, and date of birth exactly from the passport page. Ask someone to check the form before you submit.

3. Ignoring passport validity and blank pages

A very common problem is using a passport that is near expiry. India requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, and it should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Missing this is one of the Common Mistakes to Avoid.

Fix: Renew your passport if it has less than six months remaining. Check for at least two blank pages before you apply.

4. Uploading the wrong photo, size or file type

Uploading a poor photo or the wrong file type is a frequent entry on the Common Mistakes to Avoid list. The portal asks for a clear, recent, front-facing photo with a plain background and specific size rules. If the photo does not meet the rules, your application may be rejected. 

Fix: Take a fresh headshot against a plain background. Follow the exact pixel and file type instructions on the official page.

5. Applying at the wrong time or outside the allowed window

Timing can matter. Some e-Visas have specific validity and entry windows. Applying too early or too late is another of the Common Mistakes to Avoid and may leave you without valid travel documents when you need them.

Fix: Read the visa type rules on the India Visa Online portal and apply within the recommended window for your visa type.

6. Not saving or printing the ETA and not checking India Visa Status

After approval you will receive an ETA/e-Visa grant. Not printing or saving it and failing to check the India Visa Status is a common, avoidable error. Airlines and immigration staff may ask to see your ETA, so don’t rely only on your memory. 

Fix: Save a PDF and print at least one copy. Also check your India Visa Status online a few days before travel to confirm the visa has been granted.

7. Not knowing entry rules (onward ticket, restricted zones)

Thinking that an e-Visa gives unrestricted access is one of the Common Mistakes to Avoid. You may need proof of onward travel, funds, or special permits for some regions.

Fix: Carry proof of onward tickets and bookings. Research special permits for places like protected border areas.

8. Rushing and skipping a careful review

Rushing the form is one of the simplest but most costly Common Mistakes to Avoid. Typos and skipped questions lead to delays.

Fix: Fill the form slowly, then step away for five minutes. Re-read everything, and if possible get a second set of eyes to check.

9. Ignoring email and official messages

Not checking your email (including spam) after applying is a frequent slip. The e-Visa system may ask for clarifications or additional documents. Ignoring messages is a common problem to avoid.

Fix: Watch the email you used for the application. Add the e-visa domain to your safe sender list so messages don’t go to spam.

Simple pre-submit checklist

To avoid the Common Mistakes to Avoid, do this before you click submit:

  • Use the official India Visa Online portal.

  • Match all details exactly to your passport.

  • Confirm passport has 6+ months validity and two blank pages.

  • Upload the correct photo and file type.

  • Save/print your ETA and check India Visa Status before travel.

Final thoughts — keep it calm and simple

If you remember these Common Mistakes to Avoid, your e-Visa process will be much smoother. Treat the application like an important form: follow the official instructions on the India Visa Online site, watch your India Visa Status, and keep copies of everything. That little bit of care will save you stress at the airport and let you focus on your trip instead of paperwork.

If you want, I can make a clean one-page printable checklist with the exact photo size, the passport checks, and a space to paste your application ID — so you won’t forget anything. Would you like that?