
Why Minors Need Separate India eVisa Applications
Every traveler entering India, regardless of age, must hold their own valid eVisa. This rule applies to infants, toddlers, and teenagers alike. A minor cannot be included on a parent's passport or visa application. Each child must have their own separate passport and their own approved eVisa linked to that passport number. Travelers from Australia and Canada who are planning family trips to India often overlook this requirement, assuming that young children can travel under a parent's documentation. However, Indian immigration authorities verify each traveler's identity individually at entry points, and missing eVisas for minors can result in denied boarding or entry delays.
The application process for minors follows the same technical steps as adult applications, with additional documentation requirements to verify parental consent and legal guardianship. Understanding these rules before you begin prevents last-minute complications that could disrupt your family travel plans.
Get India E-Visa is an independent assistance service. We are not affiliated with the Government of India, and we do not issue visas. Our team helps families prepare compliant applications for all travelers, including minors, with human review before submission to the official portal.
Passport Requirements: Each Child Must Have Their Own Passport
The foundation of any India eVisa application for a minor is a valid, individual passport. Children cannot be added to a parent's passport for eVisa purposes. Each minor must hold their own passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the expected date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages designated for immigration stamps. This requirement applies even to newborns and infants who may have never traveled internationally before. Travelers from the United Kingdom and the United States should initiate passport applications for minors well in advance of planned travel, as processing times for first-time child passports can extend several weeks depending on local government workflows.
When preparing the passport scan for upload, ensure the entire bio page is visible, including the child's photograph, full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date. The scan must be saved as a PDF file between 10 kilobytes and 300 kilobytes to meet portal specifications. Blurry images, cropped edges, or files in the wrong format trigger automatic rejection. For guidance on preparing compliant passport scans for all family members, refer to our general documentation guide.
Verifying passport validity and scan quality for each minor before starting the eVisa application reduces the risk of correction requests that delay your entire family's travel timeline.
Birth Certificate Documentation: Both Parents Names Must Be Visible
A clear copy of the minor's birth certificate is a mandatory upload for India eVisa applications involving children. This document verifies the child's legal identity and establishes parental relationships for consent purposes. The birth certificate scan must display both parents' full names exactly as they appear on official identification documents. If the certificate lists only one parent, or if names are abbreviated or incomplete, immigration authorities may request additional proof of guardianship. Travelers from Germany and other eligible nations should ensure the birth certificate is issued by a recognized civil authority and includes an official seal or registration number. If your birth certificate is not in English, include a certified translation alongside the original document.
The file must be saved as a PDF between 10 kilobytes and 300 kilobytes, with all text sharp and legible. Preview your upload on a computer screen before submission to confirm that no critical information is cropped or obscured. In cases of adoption, legal guardianship, or single-parent households, additional documentation such as court orders or custody agreements may be required.
Get India E-Visa reviews all minor application documentation manually before requesting sensitive uploads through secure channels, helping families avoid formatting errors that could delay processing during time-sensitive travel planning.
Parental Consent Rules: Traveling With One Parent or Alone
Indian immigration authorities require explicit parental consent when a minor travels with only one parent, with grandparents, with other relatives, or as an unaccompanied minor. This consent is typically provided through a notarized letter signed by the non-traveling parent or legal guardian. The letter should include the child's full name and date of birth, the traveling companion's name and relationship to the child, the purpose and duration of the trip, and contact information for the non-traveling parent. It should also state that the non-traveling parent grants permission for the child to travel to India and acknowledges the travel itinerary. Travelers from the United States and Australia should have this letter notarized by a recognized legal authority to ensure acceptance.
If both parents are traveling with the child, a consent letter is generally not required, though carrying a copy of the birth certificate remains advisable. In cases of sole custody, divorce, or deceased parents, provide supporting legal documentation such as court orders or death certificates to clarify guardianship status. Indian authorities may request these documents upon arrival, so keep printed copies accessible alongside your eVisa authorization.
Get India E-Visa helps families prepare complete consent documentation that aligns with official expectations, reducing the risk of entry delays or additional questioning at immigration checkpoints.
Photo Requirements and Fee Structures for Minor Applications
Minors must submit a compliant photograph with their India eVisa application, following the same technical specifications as adult applicants. The photo must be square, measuring at least 350 pixels by 350 pixels, with a solid white background and the child's face occupying 50 to 70 percent of the frame. Glasses are strictly forbidden, and head coverings are permitted only for documented religious reasons. For infants and young children who cannot sit upright or look directly at the camera, take the photo while the child is lying on a plain white sheet, ensuring even lighting and a clear view of the face. For detailed guidance on preparing compliant photos for travelers of any age, refer to our guide on India eVisa photo requirements.
Government fees for minor eVisa applications are identical to adult fees and vary by visa duration and nationality. Standard fees are 24 dollars for the 30-day option, 40 dollars for one year, and 200 dollars for five years. Travelers from the United Kingdom pay adjusted rates for longer durations due to reciprocal agreements. Get India E-Visa is an independent assistance service, and we are not affiliated with the Government of India. Our service fee is always displayed separately from government fees so you understand exactly what covers official processing and what supports our application review and family coordination services.
We never promise approvals, as all final decisions rest with Indian immigration authorities. Travelers from Canada and other eligible nations can compare duration options and fee breakdowns on their country page. Select your country page to review the complete fee structure and start a guided application request with expert support focused on family travel needs.
Secure Family Application Process Through Get India E-Visa
Applying for India eVisas for minors through Get India E-Visa follows a secure, human-reviewed process designed to simplify family travel planning. First, you complete a simplified intake form with basic travel details for each family member, including intended arrival dates, purpose of visit, and contact information. Our team manually reviews this information to verify that all passports meet the six-month validity requirement and that documentation for minors includes birth certificates and consent letters where applicable. Only after this initial assessment do we request sensitive documents like passport scans, birth certificates, and consent letters through encrypted, secure channels. This privacy-first approach protects your family's personal information while ensuring each application meets technical specifications.
We check that birth certificates display both parents' names clearly, that consent letters include all required elements, and that photos for minors comply with official guidelines. If any adjustments are needed, we provide specific, family-friendly feedback before applications reach the official portal. Government fees and our service fees are always shown separately for full transparency. We never promise approvals, but we help you avoid common errors that cause delays. Travelers from the United Kingdom and Germany benefit from our familiarity with nationality-specific documentation standards for minor travelers.
After submission, we monitor all family applications and send automated email alerts when updates occur, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip with reduced administrative burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do infants and newborns need their own India eVisa?
What if only one parent is traveling with the child to India?
Can a child travel to India with grandparents or other relatives?
What name format should I use when applying for a minor's eVisa?
How do I upload a birth certificate that meets India eVisa requirements?
Can I use my child's passport photo for their eVisa application?
Important Disclaimer: Get India E-Visa is an independent assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of India. We do not issue visas or guarantee approvals. All visa decisions are made solely by Indian immigration authorities. Government fees are set by Indian authorities and are separate from our service fee.
