What should I do if my Indian e-Visa application is rejected?

One thing I would check is whether the problem was actually a rejection or whether the application was still being processed or waiting for a document.

The official portal has a status-checking facility and instructions for re-uploading information when requested. If the application is still active and the authorities have asked for a replacement photograph or document, follow that request rather than immediately starting over.

If the final status is definitely rejected, read any notification you received and contact the official helpdesk if the reason is unclear. Don't assume that a new application will be approved just because you correct a possible error.

Also, keep your application ID and payment receipt. They may be useful when contacting the helpdesk about your particular application.

The fee is another practical issue: the official website says the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable after submission, including when the application is rejected. A new application may therefore involve another fee.

I would be cautious about third-party websites that promise guaranteed approval or claim to have special access to the visa decision. Use the official government portal and the relevant Indian mission's published guidance instead.

I would not assume that you must give up on travelling to India just because an e-Visa was rejected. The official application information says that a person found ineligible for an e-Visa is not automatically prevented from applying for a regular visa through an Indian mission.

Whether that is a suitable option depends on your nationality, travel purpose, and the reason for the rejection. A regular visa application may require a different process and supporting documents, so check the relevant Indian embassy or consulate's instructions.

If you decide to submit another e-Visa application, first review the passport details, travel purpose, eligibility conditions, photograph, and scanned passport page. Make sure the information is truthful and consistent with your documents.

Also, don't create multiple applications just to see whether one succeeds. First establish whether the previous application is definitely rejected, whether any document re-upload request is pending, and whether you are eligible for the category you selected.

The official e-Visa website is the place to verify the current process. I would also hold off on non-refundable travel arrangements until you have the required travel authorisation.

If your trip is urgent, contact the official helpdesk or the Indian mission responsible for your location to ask which application route is appropriate.

I would start by checking the exact status on the official Indian e-Visa website rather than relying only on the email notification.

When I was researching the application process, I learned that an e-Visa application can be affected by issues such as an unclear passport scan, a photograph that does not meet the specifications, or missing supporting documents. Those are possible issues, though, not proof of why any particular application was rejected.

If you find an obvious mistake, review the official instructions before submitting another application. Don't assume that a submitted application can be edited; the portal has specific options for checking status and re-uploading documents where that facility is available.

One important point is the fee. The Indian e-Visa website says the processing fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected. So I would check everything carefully before paying for another application.

If you cannot identify the issue, use the official e-Visa helpdesk details on that website. I would avoid anyone claiming they can guarantee approval or reverse a rejection for an extra fee.

Did your status simply say “Rejected,” or did you receive an email asking you to upload a clearer photograph or document? Those are different situations.