If your Indian eVisa is rejected, the Bureau of Immigration’s decision is final with no formal appeal available. The government processing fee is non-refundable, but you can submit a brand-new application immediately after correcting the flagged errors. UK applicants ineligible for an eVisa can apply for a regular sticker visa via VFS Global at the Indian High Commission in London, requiring a different document set and an in-person appointment.
Why Was My Indian eVisa Rejected? Common Reasons Explained
An Indian eVisa rejection most commonly results from non-compliant photos, incorrect passport data, passport validity under 6 months, or fewer than 2 blank pages.
- Photograph not meeting ICAO compliant specifications (plain white or off-white background, full face front view, no glasses)
- Passport biodata page scan unclear or not coloured
- System error during payment or submission
Photo and Document Errors That Trigger Rejection
A compliant photograph must be recent, coloured, full face, front view, with a plain white or off-white background and no glasses. The Bureau of Immigration rejects applications with unclear documents or photographs not as per specification.
How You’ll Be Notified of a Rejection
A rejection notice is sent via email to your registered address and is also available on the indianvisaonline.gov.in status-tracking portal. Check spam and junk folders.
Is There an Appeal Process for a Rejected Indian eVisa?
An Indian eVisa rejection is a final, non-contestable decision by the Bureau of Immigration with no formal appeal or review mechanism.
Identify the reason
Stated in your rejection notice before choosing a pathway.
Submit a fresh eVisa application
With corrected documents immediately.
Apply for a regular sticker visa
At the High Commission of India, London (India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA) via VFS Global.
Contact the Bureau of Immigration technical helpdesk
For case-specific clarification.
Escalate via the MADAD grievance portal
For unresolved consular cases.
Alternative Pathways if You Cannot Reapply via eVisa
When an Indian eVisa rejection stems from ineligibility (e.g., Pakistani heritage), the eVisa route is permanently closed. The regular visa pathway through VFS Global at India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA remains the viable alternative for UK travellers.
Can I Get a Refund After My Indian eVisa Is Rejected?
An Indian eVisa rejection triggers a non-refundable government processing fee (source: indianvisaonline.gov.in). If your payment was deducted but no application was recorded due to a system error, contact the Bureau of Immigration with transaction proof.
| Fee Type | Refund Status |
|---|---|
| Government fee | Non-refundable regardless of outcome |
| Consultancy fee | Varies by provider terms and conditions |
| Travel insurance | Depends on policy “visa refusal” clause |
What Happens to Your Flights and Hotel Bookings?
UK travellers should check whether their travel insurance policy includes a “visa refusal” clause, as not all policies cover this scenario. For consumer-rights guidance on bookings affected by an Indian eVisa rejection, see ABTA’s visa refusal guidance and UK CMA resources. Until your Indian eVisa is approved, book refundable or flexible fares to minimise financial loss.
How to Reapply for an Indian eVisa After Rejection
Applicants can submit a completely new Indian eVisa application immediately after rejection with no mandatory waiting period and no reapplication attempt limit.
Identify the rejection reason
From your rejection notice before starting a fresh application.
Correct the flagged errors
Re-upload an ICAO compliant photograph and a clear passport biodata page scan.
Complete a new online form
And pay the visa fee again on the Bureau of Immigration portal.
Submit and track
Your application via the status-tracking portal.
Does a Previous Rejection Hurt Your Next Application?
An Indian eVisa rejection does not trigger a published disclosure requirement on future forms, but the Bureau of Immigration retains records of prior refusals. For example, a UK traveller whose eVisa was rejected due to a passport scan with shadows found that rescanning against a white wall and re-uploading led to approval within 4 days. Repeated identical errors may lead to heightened scrutiny or longer processing times.
How Long Does a New Application Take?
Standard processing takes 3 to 6 days; fast-track takes 1 to 3 days with additional charges. No mandatory waiting period applies before reapplying. From 31 March 2026, all foreign nationals must also submit a free e-Arrival Card via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival within 72 hours before arrival, and a self-declaration form via airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in before reaching immigration counters.
Applying for a Regular Indian Visa at the Embassy After eVisa Rejection
UK applicants rejected for an Indian eVisa can apply for a regular sticker visa through VFS Global at the High Commission of India, London (India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA), with processing of 5 to 15 business days.
UK-Specific Guidance – High Commission of India in London
Book a VFS Global appointment, compile a different document set than the eVisa requires (may include invitation letter, financial proof, itinerary), and attend in person at India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA.
This guide was last updated on 9 September 2026. Processing times and fees may change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a registered immigration advisor.
FAQ
Is there a published Indian eVisa rejection rate?
The Indian government does not publish eVisa rejection rates. Most failures stem from photo non-compliance rather than statistical trends.
Can my Indian eVisa be approved after a previous refusal?
Yes. No published disclosure requirement exists, but the Bureau of Immigration retains records; repeated identical errors may trigger extra scrutiny.
How many times can I reapply for an Indian eVisa after rejection?
No published limit exists. Correct all flagged mistakes and ensure documents meet specifications before submitting a new application.
What does an Indian eVisa rejection code mean?
A rejection code identifies the specific issue, such as non-compliant photographs or incorrect passport data. Check your rejection notice for exact grounds before reapplying.
Where can I contact the Bureau of Immigration about my eVisa rejection?
Check status via indianvisaonline.gov.in. Escalate unresolved consular cases through the MADAD grievance portal at madad.gov.in.
Do I need to disclose a previous Indian eVisa rejection on a new application?
No published disclosure requirement mandates declaring a prior rejection. However, the Bureau of Immigration retains records of all refusals.
Can I switch from an eVisa to a regular Indian visa after rejection?
Yes. UK applicants can apply for a regular sticker visa through VFS Global at the High Commission of India in London.
How long do I have to wait before reapplying for an Indian eVisa?
No waiting period applies. Submit a fresh application immediately, with the flagged errors corrected.
Will a rejected Indian eVisa affect my future travel to other countries?
An Indian eVisa rejection is specific to India’s immigration system and does not automatically appear on other countries’ visa databases. However, some application forms ask about prior visa refusals globally.
What if my Indian eVisa payment was taken but the application was not submitted?
Contact the Bureau of Immigration with transaction proof. If a system error caused the deduction without recording an application, they can investigate and advise.
