India Visa · Quick Answer
Can I Apply for an India Visa With a Damaged Passport?
No. India rejects visa applications on damaged or mutilated passports, and immigration refuses entry on a damaged passport. If your passport is water-damaged, torn or has a damaged datapage, renew it before applying for the visa. The e-Visa is tied to the passport, so start with a clean passport.
- Processing time
- Renew passport first
- Cost
- Passport renewal + visa fee
- Validity
- Needs a clean passport
- Eligibility
- All applicants
- How to apply
- Renew, then apply
Even minor damage like a peeled laminate or a torn page can cause refusal. Renew early so you do not lose visa time to a passport issue.
Frequently asked questions
Will a small tear on a blank page matter?
It can — immigration and visa officers may treat any damage as a mutilated passport.
Can I use a passport with a worn cover?
Usually yes if the datapage and chip are intact; but renew if the datapage is affected.