India visa application keeps getting rejected online — should I apply at the embassy instead?

For tourist travel, an India visa application can reportedly now be submitted about three months before departure, under a 120-day application window.

A recent successful e-Visa application took several days to complete the form and two days to receive approval; it was submitted 3.5 weeks before departure.

After three online rejections, a visa was successfully obtained by visiting the embassy in person — the process took about a week. Be prepared to submit more documents than required online, including bank statements and other supporting paperwork.

A student visa for India can drag on for months: applicants may be asked to refill the form multiple times (resetting the clock each time), submit various documents, and attend an interview — after which the passport may be held with no updates.