Printed Indian e-Visa requirements for smooth entry

To enter India, a printed e-Visa with a visible barcode is mandatory; blurry prints, incorrect details, or missing details can result in entry denial.

India, a land of rich culture and historical marvels, attracts millions of visitors annually. This article guides you through the essential process of obtaining and printing your Indian e-Visa, ensuring a smooth entry into the country.

It is important to remember that you must print out the visa document that was sent to the email inbox. You cannot show the visa on your phone. This method is not supported. The barcode on the eTourist visa can only be scanned if it has been printed.

Mobile e-Visa not accepted

Once you receive the visa, you will need to use your at-home printer to print the document. The document will contain a picture of the applicant, personal details (name, passport number, etc), and a barcode. It is important the barcode be completely visible, as it will need to be scanned by officials.

If a printer isn’t available, please visit your local print center for assistance. Once the visa is printed, store it with your travel documents. It is imperative you do not forget to print the visa. Forgetting to bring your visa can cause delays upon arrival and even refusal to enter India.

Is double sided printing accepted

The country’s government insists foreign travelers carry a printed copy of their Indian e-Visa. Immigration officials will verify the details in the printed e-Visa copy at the port of entry. If you fail or forget to carry the printed copy, your customs/immigration checks can be delayed, and, in some cases, you may be denied entry.

Ensure that the printed copy is clear and error-free. You can print the document on a single page as it is not that long. Double-sided printing of an e-Visa is not necessary as it fits on a single page.

Document is in two pages

Generally, an Indian eVisa can be printed on a single page as it is not a long document. If you have increased the font size and the document ends up in two pages, you can print them in two pages.

Ensure that you have not cut out any information or the barcode. Your image, identity details, and passport details should not be pixelated or blurry. If you have applied for a regular embassy visa, you need to take the printed copy of your online application form and submit it along with supporting documents at the nearest Indian consulate.

In such cases, your application form should be printed on single-sided sheets of paper. Double-sided printed application forms will be rejected.

What e-Visa printouts are not accepted?

It is imperative that you make a printed copy of your Indian e-Visa. Your eVisa may not be accepted if it has the following anomalies:

Blurry print

Prints that are blurry or fuzzy with faint text may not be accepted. This can be caused by the greasy print heads of the machine or lack of ink.

Check your printer before taking the e-Visa printout, or you can get help from a printing center close to your home.

Details that are not visible

The information given in the printed copy of an Indian e-Visa should exactly match that in the passport. If the visa copy has an incorrect spelling of your name and place of birth or has the wrong passport number, your entry will be denied.

It is extremely important to verify the details before submitting your visa application and ensure that the information in your eVisa matches that in the passport.

Damaged visa documents

If your visa or passport is damaged before your trip to India, you should contact an Indian mission that is close to your home for an emergency certificate (EC).

If the information in the document is readable and legible, you can travel with the same documents, and you do not need an EC. If the documents are damaged beyond recognition, you will need to get an EC from the Indian consulate.

Missing barcode

Ensure to print the entire eVisa document. If you crop out the top or bottom part of the e-Visa or the barcode, the print will not be accepted, and your entry may be denied.

Missing image of self

While applying for an Indian visa, you are required to upload your photograph in a specific size and resolution.

Your e-Visa will have your photograph, and if you have cropped out this photograph while taking the printed copy, your visa will not be considered legitimate, and you will be denied entry.

How to print the eVisa document

To print your India eVisa, please note that the Indian government does not send the approved eVisa document directly to your email. Instead, you need to visit the official government website and use their visa lookup tool to locate and download the eVisa PDF file. Once downloaded, ensure all details, such as your name, passport number, and visa validity, are correct.

Open the file using a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat, and print it on A4-size paper. Make sure the printout is clear and legible.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to print a file from your computer:

Step 1: Open the file

• Locate the file on your computer.
• Double-click on it to open it in the appropriate program (e.g., PDF in Adobe Reader, Word document in Microsoft Word, or image in a photo viewer).

Step 2: Connect the printer

• Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer via USB cable or Wi-Fi.
• If using a wireless printer, make sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Step 3: Open the print menu

• Press Ctrl + P on Windows or Command + P on Mac.

OR

• Go to the File menu in the program you’re using and select Print.

Step 4: Select your printer

• In the Print dialog box, find the "Printer" dropdown menu.
• Select the correct printer you want to use from the list.

Step 5: Adjust print settings

• Choose your preferences, such as:
  • Number of Copies: Specify how many copies you need.
  • Page Range: Print all pages or a specific range (e.g., 1-3).
  • Color or Black & White: Choose your desired option.
  • Paper Size: Select "A4" or the size you’re using.
  • Orientation: Choose between Portrait or Landscape.

Step 6: Preview the file (optional)

• Check the print preview to ensure everything looks correct. Adjust settings if needed.

Step 7: Print the file

• Click the Print button.
• Wait for the printer to process and print the file.

Step 8: Collect the printout

• Retrieve your printed document from the printer tray.
• Double-check it to ensure everything printed as expected.

Tip: If you face any issues, such as no response from the printer, check the printer connection, paper tray, and ink levels. You can also restart both the printer and computer.

Looking for a simpler option?

At Natvisa, we simplify this entire process for you. Once your eVisa is approved, we email the document directly to your inbox, ensuring you don’t have to search for it. Additionally, for added convenience and redundancy, your eVisa will always be accessible in your Natvisa dashboard, so you can download and print it anytime, hassle-free.