India Visa Comparison
Government Portal vs Professional Visa Assistance
The government e-Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) issues the visa directly at the official fee with no middleman. Professional assistance adds a service fee to help you fill the form, prepare documents and avoid rejections, but it does not speed up processing. Use the portal if you are comfortable online; use assistance for complex cases (sticker visas, prior refusals, non-English documents).
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Government Portal | Professional Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Official visa fee only | Official fee + service charge |
| Speed | Government processing time | Same government processing + intake time |
| Help | Self-service, portal guidance | Document prep, form filling, rejection support |
| Best for | Straightforward e-Visa applications | Complex cases, sticker visas, prior refusals |
Verdict
Most e-Visa applicants save money on the official portal. Professional help is worthwhile for sticker visas, past refusals or non-standard cases.
Frequently asked questions
Does professional assistance speed up the visa?
No - it improves accuracy, which avoids rejections, but it cannot bypass the government processing queue.
Where do I apply for the India e-Visa officially?
Only at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
When should I use professional assistance?
For sticker visas, prior refusals, non-English documents, or complex business/medical cases.