If you’re planning to travel to India, one of the most common questions is: How long does the Indian eVisa take to process?
The short answer: it depends on the visa type, application accuracy, and verification requirements.
The longer answer — which most travellers discover only after delays — is explained below.
What Is the Official Indian eVisa Processing Time?
For most categories, the standard processing time for an Indian eVisa is:
- 3 to 5 business days (after successful submission and fee payment)
However, this is an estimate — not a guaranteed timeline.
Applications may take longer if:
- Passport details don’t match exactly
- The uploaded photo or passport scan is unclear
- There are prior travel history flags
- The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) format is incorrect
- The system requires additional verification
In peak travel seasons, processing times can stretch beyond the standard window.
Types of Indian eVisas and Their Processing Timeline
Processing time may vary slightly depending on the visa category:
1. Tourist eVisa
- 30-Day eVisa
- 1-Year eVisa
- 5-Year eVisa
- Average processing: 3–5 working days
2. Business eVisa
- Average processing: 3–5 working days (can take longer if business documentation needs review)
3. Medical eVisa
- Often processed faster, but documentation errors can delay approval.
When Should You Apply?
Although many travellers apply just 3–4 days before departure, this is risky.
Recommended window:
Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to avoid last-minute stress.
If your flight is approaching and your status is still pending, you should immediately verify:
- Whether the uploaded documents meet specifications
- Whether the name format matches your passport exactly
- Whether you received the correct ETA format for India
Many airport boarding issues occur because travellers download the wrong or incomplete approval copy. If you are unsure, you can retrieve your correct Indian eVisa copy before departure to avoid airline rejection.
Why Some Indian eVisa Applications Get Delayed
Even when submitted on time, applications can face delays due to:
1. Incorrect Passport Scan
Blurry edges, cropped MRZ code, or glare can trigger manual review.
2. Photo Format Issues
India requires specific background, size, and clarity standards.
3. Name Mismatch
Middle names missing, initials expanded incorrectly, or spacing errors often cause processing delays.
4. Previous Indian Visa History
If you’ve held an older visa, OCI, or long-term permit, verification may take additional time.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.
Before travelling:
- Confirm passport number accuracy
- Check visa type
- Verify validity dates
- Ensure you have the correct ETA document format
Airlines at airports like Indira Gandhi International Airport and other major entry points strictly check documentation before boarding.
Can You Expedite an Indian eVisa?
There is no officially advertised “express” processing category. However, submitting correct documentation, following the exact photo and passport formatting requirements, and carefully reviewing all details before final submission significantly reduces the risk of delays or manual verification.
Many travellers seek professional review when:
- Their departure is within 72 hours
- Their application status hasn’t changed
- Their ETA copy appears incomplete
- They are unsure about rejection risks
LeSo is a documentation and application review platform that helps travellers verify passport details, ETA formats, and submission accuracy before departure. If you are unsure whether your approval copy is correct or your application needs correction, you can explore our Website or reach out to us on WhatsApp for clarification before your travel date.
How to Avoid Last-Minute Travel Stress
Before your flight:
- Double-check passport validity (minimum 6 months required)
- Ensure at least 2 blank pages in passport
- Confirm visa category matches purpose of travel
- Download and print your ETA copy
- Cross-check spelling and passport number
If you need India eVisa support for reviewing your submitted form or correcting format-related issues before departure, it’s better to resolve them well in advance of your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does Indian eVisa processing take in 2026?
Typically 3–5 business days, but delays can occur due to document verification or data mismatches.
2. Can I get an Indian eVisa in 24 hours?
There is no officially guaranteed 24-hour processing option.
3. Why is my Indian eVisa still pending after 5 days?
Possible reasons include:
- Passport scan issues
- Photo format problems
- Name mismatch
- Manual verification
4. Can airlines deny boarding without a proper ETA copy?
Yes. Airlines verify documentation before allowing boarding to India.
5. What should I do if I downloaded the wrong ETA file?
You should retrieve the correct authorization copy before your flight to avoid airport complications.
