Required Documents for Indian e-Visa Application: Guidelines and Preparation

Last Updated May 14, 2025

An Indian e-Visa application requires a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival and two blank pages for stamping. Applicants must also provide a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of the passport's bio page. Supporting documents like proof of address and travel itinerary may be necessary depending on the visa category.

What Documents are Necessary for an Indian e-Visa Application?

Number Name Description
1 Valid Passport A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity from the date of arrival is essential for an Indian e-Visa application, ensuring eligibility and smooth entry. The passport must have at least two blank pages for stamping and should not be expired or damaged.
2 Recent Passport-Size Photograph A recent passport-size photograph for an Indian e-Visa application must be in color, with a white background, and taken within the last six months to ensure clarity and identity verification. The image should be 2x2 inches, with a full-face view, no shadows, and proper lighting to meet the Indian government's strict biometric requirements.
3 Scanned Bio Page of Passport A scanned bio page of the passport is essential for an Indian e-Visa application as it verifies the applicant's identity and citizenship details. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
4 Copy of Last Page of Passport (for some nationalities) For some nationalities applying for an Indian e-Visa, submitting a clear copy of the last page of the passport is mandatory to verify entry and exit stamps or endorsements. This document complements the main passport bio-data page, ensuring thorough identity confirmation throughout the application process.
5 Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket A confirmed return or onward ticket is a mandatory document for an Indian e-Visa application, proving the traveler's intention to exit India within the visa validity. Immigration authorities require this to ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations, facilitating smooth visa processing and border control.
6 Travel Itinerary An Indian e-Visa application requires a detailed travel itinerary, including confirmed flight bookings and hotel reservations, to verify the traveler's plans within India. Providing accurate entry and exit dates, along with addresses of stay, ensures compliance with visa regulations and facilitates smooth immigration processing.
7 Proof of Sufficient Funds Proof of sufficient funds for an Indian e-Visa application typically includes recent bank statements or credit card statements showing a minimum balance to cover travel expenses. These financial documents demonstrate the applicant's ability to support themselves during their stay in India and are essential for visa approval.
8 E-Visa Application Form The Indian e-Visa application form requires a scanned copy of the applicant's valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and details such as personal information, travel itinerary, and contact information. Accurate completion of the form with all necessary documents ensures smooth processing and approval of the e-Visa for travel to India.
9 Invitation Letter (for Business/Conference/Medical visas, if applicable) The Indian e-Visa application requires an invitation letter specifically for Business, Conference, or Medical visas, detailing the purpose of the visit and the host organization's contact information. This document must be issued by a recognized entity in India and is essential to validate the applicant's intent and eligibility for the specified visa category.
10 Business Card (for Business visa) The Indian e-Visa application for a business visa requires a scanned copy of a business card as proof of professional affiliation and purpose of visit. This document must clearly display the applicant's name, company name, and job title to validate the business intent.
11 Hospital Letter (for Medical visa) A Hospital Letter is a crucial document for an Indian Medical e-Visa application, serving as official proof of medical treatment scheduled in India and must be issued by a recognized hospital or medical institution. This letter should detail the patient's medical condition, the type of treatment required, and duration of stay, ensuring compliance with Indian visa regulations for healthcare purposes.
12 Parental Authorization (for minors, if applicable) Parental authorization is mandatory for minors applying for an Indian e-Visa, requiring a notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians as proof of permission for international travel. This document ensures compliance with immigration regulations and must be submitted alongside the minor's passport and application form to avoid processing delays.

Overview of Indian e-Visa Application Process

The Indian e-Visa application requires a valid passport, a recent photograph, and a scanned copy of the passport's information page. You must complete the online application form carefully, ensuring all details match the passport exactly. Payment is made electronically, and the e-Visa is typically received via email within a few days after submission.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Indian e-Visa

Applying for an Indian e-Visa requires fulfilling specific eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth travel experience. Understanding the necessary documents and conditions helps avoid application delays or rejection.

  • Valid Passport - The applicant must have a passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival in India.
  • Recent Passport-Size Photograph - A clear, colored photograph with a white background is mandatory for the e-Visa application.
  • Scanned Passport Bio Page - A high-quality scanned copy of the passport's bio page must be uploaded during the e-Visa application process.

Mandatory Documents Needed for Indian e-Visa

Document Description Purpose
Scanned Passport Copy Clear, colored scan of the main passport page showing personal details and photo Identity verification and nationality confirmation
Recent Photograph Electronic passport-sized photo with a white background, meeting specific dimensions Facial recognition and visual identity confirmation
Travel Itinerary Details of arrival and departure dates along with flight tickets Proof of planned travel and duration of stay in India
Email Address Valid email address for receiving the approved e-Visa electronically Communication and delivery of e-Visa document
Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking Details Means of payment for visa processing fees Payment of applicable e-Visa charges
Additional Documents (if applicable) Invitation letter, business card, or medical documents depending on visa type Supporting proof depending on specific visa category requirements

Passport Requirements for Indian e-Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India to qualify for an Indian e-Visa application. The passport should have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps upon entry and exit.

Ensure that your passport is issued by the country of your citizenship and is an original document, not a photocopy. Scanned copies of the passport's bio page are required for the e-Visa application submission.

Digital Photograph Specifications

Your digital photograph must meet specific specifications for a successful Indian e-Visa application. Proper adherence to these guidelines ensures smooth processing and approval.

The photograph should be recent, in color, and taken against a plain white or light-colored background. It must be a square image with dimensions of 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) and a resolution of at least 350 dpi. The face should be centered, clearly visible, with a neutral expression, and no shadows or reflections interfering with facial features.

Supporting Documents for Tourist e-Visa

For an Indian tourist e-Visa application, providing accurate supporting documents is essential. These documents verify your identity and travel intentions during the application process.

You must upload a clear scan of your valid passport's biographical page, which should have at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in India. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background is also required to complete the submission.

Additional Papers for Business e-Visa

For an Indian e-Visa application, travelers must provide a valid passport, a recent photograph meeting specified guidelines, and a scanned copy of the passport's bio page. Business e-Visa applicants need to submit additional documents such as a business card or an invitation letter from a company registered in India. These papers confirm the purpose of travel and facilitate smooth clearance during visa processing.

Health and COVID-19 Documentation Guidelines

Applying for an Indian e-Visa requires specific health and COVID-19 related documents to ensure safe travel. Understanding these guidelines helps travelers prepare accurate documentation for a smooth entry process.

  1. Valid Passport - A passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival is mandatory for the e-Visa application.
  2. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate - Travelers must upload a government-issued COVID-19 vaccination certificate proving full vaccination as per Indian health protocols.
  3. Negative RT-PCR Test Report - A negative RT-PCR test report taken within 72 hours before departure may be required, depending on the latest travel advisories.

Submission Tips for Scanned Documents

What documents are necessary for an Indian e-Visa application? A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages is essential. Scanned copies of the passport's bio page and a recent passport-sized photograph must be submitted in the specified format.

How should scanned documents be prepared for an Indian e-Visa application? Ensure that scanned images are clear, in color, and free from shadows or reflections. Submit documents in JPEG or PDF format, adhering to the size limits outlined by the e-Visa portal.

What Documents are Necessary for an Indian e-Visa Application? Infographic

Required Documents for Indian e-Visa Application: Guidelines and Preparation


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about What Documents are Necessary for an Indian e-Visa Application? are subject to change from time to time.

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