Applying to India Visa Tips

Written By Becca Rooney

Applying for an Indian visa online might seem straightforward at first, but anyone who’s tried it knows the website can be unpredictable. Crashes, timeouts, and confusing forms can make the process frustrating, especially if you’re short on time before your trip. With a little preparation and a few tricks, though, you can get through the application smoothly and avoid losing hours of work. Here are some practical tips from my own experience that can help you navigate the process with less stress.

1. Prepare all your documents in advance

Before you even start the application, gather everything you’ll need: passport details, travel dates, address in India, and any supporting documents like previous visas or ID proofs. Having everything ready not only makes the process faster but also reduces errors and prevents unnecessary back-and-forth. If you try to dig through your documents mid-application, the site may time out, or you might make a typo, both things that can cost you extra time.

2. Know the photo and document requirements

The visa application requires specific formats for photos and documents. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, passport-sized photos should be recent, in color, and on a plain background, and scanned documents should meet the site’s size and format restrictions. Double-checking these requirements before you start prevents unnecessary delays or rejections.

3. Payment tips

The online payment step can sometimes be tricky. Use a credit or debit card that supports international transactions, and certain browsers like Chrome or Firefox often work better than others. Make sure pop-ups are enabled so the payment window isn’t blocked. If a payment fails, don’t immediately refresh—the system might record your attempt, and contacting support may be necessary.

4. Be aware of processing times and fees

Planning ahead is key. e-Visas usually process in 3–5 business days, but it’s best to apply at least a week before travel. Fees depend on your nationality and visa type, so check the official Indian visa website for current rates. Submitting early gives you buffer time if any issues arise.

5. Watch out for common mistakes

Many applicants get tripped up by small mistakes. Make sure your passport details match exactly, avoid special characters in names or addresses, and check your email (including spam/junk folders) for confirmation after submission. These small checks can save a lot of stress later.

6. Try using your phone if the site keeps crashing

The desktop version of the Indian visa site can sometimes be slow or unstable, especially if the server is busy. If you find it keeps freezing, switch to your phone’s browser. The mobile version tends to handle slow connections better and is less prone to crashing. It’s also handy if you need to submit quickly while on the go.

7. Save your progress one page at a time

The visa application allows you to save each section individually. Take advantage of this! Completing and saving one page at a time means that if the site crashes, you won’t lose everything you’ve entered. It also gives you a chance to review your answers in smaller chunks, which can help prevent mistakes.

8. Don’t linger too long on a single page

If you stay on a page for too long without interacting, the site may time out. To avoid this, move through each section steadily. Fill out what you can, save it, and then move on to the next page. If you need a break, save your progress first so you can come back without losing data.

9. Double-check all information before submission

Before you hit the submit button, carefully review every detail: names, passport numbers, travel dates, and addresses. Even small typos can cause delays or require you to restart the application. Taking a few extra minutes to verify everything will give you peace of mind and prevent headaches later.

10. Additional practical tips

Clear your browser cache if the site misbehaves, avoid peak hours—Indian visa servers can be slow during mornings in India—and keep your passport handy to copy information correctly.


With a little preparation, patience, and these simple tips, applying for an Indian visa online doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying organized, saving your progress, and double-checking your information, you can breeze through the process and get one step closer to your adventure in India. Safe travels, and enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer


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Becca Rooney
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