Planning a trip to India from the United States comes with excitement, curiosity, and a long checklist. Between booking flights, mapping out cities, and preparing for cultural differences, the visa process is often the first real step in turning plans into reality.
For most American travelers, the Indian eVisa is the simplest entry option. The application itself is straightforward, but document errors remain one of the biggest reasons for delays or rejections. Understanding exactly what is required, how to prepare files, and what to avoid can make the difference between smooth approval and last-minute stress.
This guide walks through every document requirement in detail so you can apply confidently and focus on planning your journey instead of troubleshooting paperwork.
Passport validity rules US travelers must meet
Your passport is the foundation of your eVisa application. India enforces strict validity requirements, and many first-time applicants underestimate how important timing is.
Your US passport must remain valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India. This is not the application date but the day you land. If your passport expires sooner, your eVisa can be denied even if everything else is correct.
You must also have at least two blank pages available for immigration stamps. While the eVisa is electronic, entry and exit stamps are still issued physically.
What US travelers should double-check
Passport expiration date
Damaged or worn passport pages
Missing blank pages
Name mismatches with flight tickets
Even minor inconsistencies can slow approvals or create issues at immigration counters.
Photo size and image specifications
Photo uploads are one of the most common rejection points for Indian eVisa applications. The system uses automated validation, which means even small formatting issues can trigger errors.
Your photo must be:
Recent and taken within the last six months
In color with a white background
Passport style facing forward
Without glasses or shadows
High resolution but under file size limits
Typical dimensions fall within square passport formats, and the face should occupy most of the frame.
First-time mistake Americans make
Many US travelers upload cropped passport photos taken for other visas. Indian eVisa systems often reject these due to lighting, background tint, or improper scaling.
Taking a fresh digital photo specifically for the application significantly improves approval speed.
Supporting documents you may need
Document requirements vary slightly based on visa type, but tourist eVisas for US citizens usually require minimal paperwork beyond identity verification.
Common supporting documents include:
Passport bio page scan
Return or onward travel proof
Accommodation details or hotel bookings
Business card or invitation letter for business visas
Medical letters for medical eVisas
Files must be clear, legible, and free from glare or shadows. Scans should show full document edges, not cropped corners.
Reality check for US travelers
In the US, visa applications often involve in-person interviews and physical paperwork. India’s eVisa system is fully digital, which makes file quality more important than paper originals.
File upload guidelines that prevent rejection
Uploading documents sounds simple, but technical formatting causes frequent issues.
Follow these best practices:
Use PDF or JPEG formats as specified
Keep file sizes within stated limits
Avoid mobile screenshots
Ensure text is readable when zoomed
Use flat scans rather than angled photos
Naming files clearly also helps if re-submission is required.
Travel tip
Complete uploads on a laptop instead of a phone. Desktop browsers handle compression and formatting more reliably than mobile uploads.
Common document rejection reasons
Understanding why applications fail helps you avoid delays.
Frequent rejection triggers include:
Blurry passport scans
Expired or near-expiry passports
Incorrect photo background
File size exceeding limits
Partial document uploads
Name mismatches across documents
Even small technical issues can reset processing timelines, so careful review matters.
Final checklist before submitting your application
Before clicking submit, review every document carefully.
Ensure your passport validity meets entry rules
Confirm your photo meets size and background standards
Check that all files open clearly
Verify spelling of your name and passport number
Reconfirm travel dates and visa type
A final review takes minutes but can save days of processing delays.
Money and payments during the visa process and after arrival
Applying for an Indian eVisa requires an online fee payment, typically processed through international gateways. Most US credit and debit cards work, but foreign transaction fees often apply.
Once you arrive in India, however, payment habits shift dramatically.
What feels different compared to the US
In the United States, cards dominate everyday spending. In India, QR payments lead daily transactions.
You will see QR codes everywhere:
Airport taxis
Cafes and restaurants
Street markets
Tour guides
Hotel desks
Many small merchants do not accept international cards, and ATM withdrawals can involve withdrawal caps plus forex fees.
| Payment Method | Works for US Travelers | Common Issues |
| US Credit Cards | Limited acceptance | Forex fees, declines |
| Cash | Widely accepted | Exchange costs, carrying risk |
| ATMs | Available | Fees, withdrawal limits |
| QR Payments | Extremely common | Requires local access |
A growing number of US travelers now set up QR payment access before arrival.
Sliq pay is one such option designed for foreign visitors. It allows USD to INR transfers and enables local QR payments across India without relying on cash exchanges or international card networks. The system connects with regulated banking partners and includes fraud protection layers suited for cross-border use.
Travel tip box
Travel lighter with QR-based payments across India. Many Americans find digital payments more reliable than carrying cash or relying on foreign cards.
Real travel scenarios US visitors experience
Arriving at a café in Mumbai after a long flight, you order coffee and snacks. The bill arrives with a QR code instead of a card machine. Staff politely explain they do not accept international cards.
Booking a tuk-tuk in Jaipur, the driver quotes a fare and points to a QR sticker on the dashboard.
Shopping in a local Delhi market, vendors prefer instant QR confirmation over cash counting.
These everyday situations reflect how deeply QR payments are integrated into India’s travel experience.
Practical preparation tips for US citizens
Keep digital copies of all visa documents on your phone and email
Carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval
Use cloud storage backups for passport scans
Inform your US bank before international travel
Enable international transactions on cards
Connectivity also matters. Local SIM cards or eSIMs help with document access, payments, and navigation.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my passport be valid for an India eVisa
At least six months beyond your arrival date in India.
Do US citizens need to upload flight tickets
Not always mandatory, but recommended as supporting proof.
What photo background is accepted for Indian eVisa
Plain white backgrounds work best.
Can I use my phone to upload documents
Yes, but desktop uploads reduce formatting errors.
What happens if my document is rejected
You may need to reupload or reapply depending on the issue.
Do children need separate document uploads
Yes, each traveler including minors requires individual documentation.
How do Americans pay locally after arriving in India
Most travelers use a mix of cash and QR payments due to limited foreign card acceptance.
Travel advice: Avoid foreign card declines with QR payments in India. Many visitors explore digital options like Sliq pay to handle local transactions more smoothly.
Is travel insurance required for eVisa approval
Not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Internal travel planning connections
Document preparation is just one part of entering India smoothly. Travelers often pair this with reading the broader India Travel Guide for Americans pillar page, along with deeper resources on visa processes and entry planning.
Understanding timelines, approvals, and entry logistics together creates a far more confident arrival experience.
Closing perspective for US travelers
Applying for an Indian eVisa is far less complicated than many Americans expect, but document accuracy makes all the difference. Clear scans, correct passport validity, and proper photo formatting can turn approval into a quick, stress-free step.
Once paperwork is complete, the focus shifts back to what matters most: exploring India’s landscapes, food, history, and culture.
Preparing both your documents and your payment readiness before departure helps ensure your first moments in India feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
Spend less time worrying about logistics and more time experiencing the journey ahead.
Disclaimer – The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or professional advice. Product features, pricing, eligibility, and availability may vary by country, user type, regulatory requirements, and are subject to change.
Please refer to Sliq pay’s Terms of Use and official product pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Sliq pay makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content.
