Free India eVisa Checklist for UK Citizens 2026 — Download Instantly | White Pigeon Holidays
🛂 India eVisa questions? WhatsApp Nitin Batra: +91 98993 00238
📥 Free Download · 2026 Updated

Download Your Free India eVisa Checklist for UK Citizens

Photo specs · Passport rules · Document list · Common rejection errors — everything in one printable checklist. 1,200+ UK travellers have used this before applying. 100% free. No spam.

📸 Photo Specs 🛂 Passport Requirements 📋 Document List ⚠️ Rejection Errors 📱 e-Arrival Card Guide
100% Free — No Hidden Cost
Delivered Instantly to Your Inbox
Updated for April 2026 Rules
25+ Years India Travel Experience
Six Sections

What's Inside Your
Free Checklist

Four sections designed to stop the most common India eVisa problems before they happen — plus two that most checklists miss entirely.

📸
Photo Specifications
Exact dimensions, background colour, file size limits, and face position rules. The portal rejects wrong photos instantly — often without explaining why.
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Passport Requirements
6-month validity rule, blank pages needed, physical condition checklist, and what to do if you've just renewed your passport after applying.
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Complete Document List
Every document you need ready before you start the online application — passport scan, photo, accommodation confirmation, onward ticket.
⚠️
Common Rejection Errors
The 7 most common reasons UK applicants get rejected or delayed — and exactly how to avoid each one before submitting.
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e-Arrival Card Guide
Step-by-step instructions for the new mandatory e-Arrival Card — what it is, when to file it, and exactly where to do it. Mandatory since April 2026.
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Airport Day Checklist
What to carry in your hand at Indian immigration — printed documents, QR codes, and backup items most travellers forget until the queue.
Inside the Checklist

Preview — What the
Checklist Covers

Here's a sample from two sections — the full checklist with all six sections is delivered to your inbox after submitting above.

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Photo Specification Checklist
Photo is recent — taken within the last 6 months
White or off-white plain background — no patterns, no shadows
Face covers 70–80% of the frame
Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera
No glasses — glasses are now rejected even if prescription
File size 10KB–1MB, JPEG format only
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Passport Requirements Checklist
Valid for at least 6 months from your India arrival date (not departure)
At least 2 blank pages available for stamps
No torn pages, water damage, or missing covers
Passport type is British Citizen (not BN(O), BOC, or Protected Person)
If renewed after eVisa approval — carry both old and new passports
🔒 Full checklist unlocked — submit your email above to receive all 6 sections
Most Common Rejection Cause

India eVisa Photo Specs —
Pass vs Fail

The photo is the #1 reason for immediate eVisa rejection. The portal rejects wrong photos without explanation. Check every row in this table before uploading.

RequirementWhat Passes ✓What Fails ✗
BackgroundWhite or off-white, plainGrey, blue, patterned, outdoor, coloured
GlassesNo glasses at allAny glasses — including clear/prescription
File FormatJPEG only, 10KB–1MBPNG, HEIC, over 1MB, under 10KB
Head PositionStraight on, both ears visibleTilted, side profile, cap or hat worn
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes openSmiling, squinting, eyes partially closed
RecencyTaken within last 6 monthsOld photo, major appearance change since
Face CoverageFace fills 70–80% of frameToo small, too zoomed in, head cut off
⚠️ No glasses — updated April 2026: India's eVisa portal now rejects all photos with glasses, including prescription glasses and clear-lens frames. Remove glasses entirely for your eVisa photo. This change catches many UK applicants off guard.
Stop Rejections Before They Happen

7 Most Common Rejection Reasons
for UK Applicants

These are the seven errors that cause most UK eVisa rejections or immigration delays. Check each one before submitting your application.

1
Passport Number Typo
One wrong character and your eVisa won't match at Indian immigration. The officer cannot waive this. Always copy-paste your passport number directly from a scan — never type it by memory. Double-check every digit before submitting.
⚠️ Most common error — hard to spot, impossible to fix on arrival
2
Wrong Date Format
The India eVisa portal uses MM/DD/YYYY — not the UK's standard DD/MM/YYYY. Entering 05/07/2026 when you mean 7th May 2026 will record your date as 5th July. This affects your intended arrival date and duration of stay. Read each date field carefully.
⚠️ Consistently trips up UK applicants used to the day-first format
3
Using a Scam or Third-Party Website
Dozens of unofficial sites rank on Google for "India eVisa" and charge £30–£70 for a service that costs the same directly from the Indian government. Some generate documents that are completely worthless at immigration. The only legitimate site is indianvisaonline.gov.in — bookmark it before you start.
⚠️ Only use: indianvisaonline.gov.in
4
Passport Renewed After Applying
Your eVisa is linked to the specific passport number you used when applying. If you renew your passport after your eVisa is approved, the new passport won't be recognised at immigration. Solution: either cancel and reapply with the new passport number, or travel with both your old and new passports and show both at immigration.
⚠️ Travel with BOTH passports if renewed after eVisa approval
5
Wrong Visa Category
The Tourist eVisa cannot be used for business meetings, NGO work, journalism, research, or studying — even briefly. Category mismatch is grounds for rejection at Indian immigration, not just inconvenience. If your trip includes any purpose beyond tourism, discuss the correct category before applying.
⚠️ Tourist eVisa covers tourism only — verify your purpose
6
No Hotel Address Ready When Applying
The eVisa application requires your first night's accommodation address in India. Entering "TBD," a blank, or a general city name causes application delays or rejection. Book at least your first hotel night before starting the application — even a refundable reservation gives you the address you need.
⚠️ Book at least 1 night before starting the application
7
Skipping the e-Arrival Card
Since April 2026, all international travellers to India must complete a separate e-Arrival Card — this is mandatory and distinct from your eVisa. Not filing it before you land causes significant delays at Indian immigration. The full guide to what it is, when to file, and where to do it is included in your free checklist.
⚠️ Mandatory since April 2026 — separate from your eVisa
Quick Answers

India eVisa — Common Questions

The most common questions UK applicants ask before starting.

How long does the India eVisa take to process?

Standard processing is 3–5 business days. During peak periods (October–January) it can take 5–7 business days. Always apply at least 10 business days before travel to allow buffer time. Do not apply more than 120 days before your intended arrival — eVisas cannot be issued too far in advance and will be rejected.

How much does the India eVisa cost for UK citizens?

The Tourist eVisa for UK citizens costs approximately £25 (exact amount varies slightly by exchange rate). This is paid directly on the official government portal indianvisaonline.gov.in. Any site charging significantly more is a third-party service adding their own fee on top — you do not need them.

Can I get a double-entry or multiple-entry eVisa?

Yes. The India Tourist eVisa (e-TV) is typically issued as a 1-year multiple-entry visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. Some applicants receive a 30-day or 60-day single-entry version depending on their nationality and travel history. UK citizens generally receive the 1-year multiple-entry version.

What is the e-Arrival Card and is it really mandatory?

Yes — the e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all international arrivals to India since April 2026. It is a separate form from your eVisa, filed online before you fly. It collects basic arrival and health information. Skipping it causes delays at immigration. The full process is covered in your free checklist.

What happens if my eVisa is rejected?

If your eVisa application is rejected, India's government does not refund the application fee and typically does not provide a reason. You can reapply — but you must correct the issue first. Common fixes: resubmit with a corrected photo, fix a passport number typo, or select the correct visa category. If you're unsure why you were rejected, WhatsApp Nitin and he'll help you work through it.

Got a Visa Question? Ask Us Directly.

Our India travel specialists have helped hundreds of UK families navigate the visa process. Ask anything — free, no obligation.

Nitin Batra — India Travel Specialist · White Pigeon Holidays
Unit No. 10, 3rd Floor, Ansal Plaza Mall, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, UP 201010