David Park
David Park
International Travel Editor
David covers eVisa programmes, ETA systems, and global travel policy for VisaWise.

How to Check Your eVisa Application Status

After submitting your eVisa application, the waiting period can be stressful — especially as your travel date approaches. Most eVisa portals provide online status tracking, but the process varies by country and service provider. This guide shows you how to check your application status, what the different status updates mean, and what to do if your application appears stuck.

Comment nous avons validé ces étapes

Chaque étape de ce guide a été vérifiée en complétant une demande en direct sur le portail gouvernemental concerné ou le service tiers. Les captures d'écran sont vérifiées par rapport aux portails actuels au moment de la publication.

  1. 1

    Locate your application reference number

    When you submitted your eVisa application, you should have received a confirmation email with a reference or application number. Find this email — you will need this number to check your status. If you used a third-party service, log into your account on their website to find your reference number.

  2. 2

    Visit the official status portal

    Each country has an official status portal. For the US ESTA, visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov. For India, use indianvisaonline.gov.in. For Kenya, use evisa.go.ke. For third-party services like VisaGov, log into your account on their website. Always use official government URLs or your original service provider — search engine results sometimes show scam sites.

  3. 3

    Understand the status messages

    Common status messages include: "Pending" or "Under Review" — your application is being processed, no action needed. "Approved" or "Authorised" — your application was successful, check your email for the approval document. "Refused" or "Denied" — your application was not approved; you may need to apply for a different visa type. "Additional Information Required" — the immigration authority needs more documents; act quickly.

  4. 4

    Act on any requests for additional information

    If your application status shows a request for additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. Delays in responding can result in a refusal. Gather the requested documents carefully, ensure they are clear and legible, and submit them through the correct channel (usually the original application portal or email).

  5. 5

    Contact support if your status is unchanged

    If your status has not changed for significantly longer than the stated processing time, contact the processing service or the relevant immigration authority. For third-party services, use their customer support channels. For government portals, look for a contact form or phone number on the official website. Have your reference number ready.

1
India eVisa Highly Recommended
India's e-Visa programme covers tourism, business, medical visits and more. With over 160 eligible countries and online processing, it's the standard entry route for most international visitors.
★★★★½
Avantages
  • India eVisa status tracking is available through the official portal and third-party service dashboards.
  • Multiple validity options to suit both short trips and frequent visits.
  • Available for tourism, business, and medical purposes — three in one programme.
Inconvénients
  • Processing can take 3-5 business days — apply well ahead of travel.
  • Not available on arrival — must be obtained before reaching India.
Traitement3-5 business days
Valide pour30 days, 1 year, or 5 years (tourist)
Type de visae-Visa
Frais gov.$25
2
USA ESTA Most Popular
The ESTA is the gateway to the USA for travellers from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. Apply online, receive approval within minutes, and visit the US for up to 90 days at a time over 2 years.
★★★★½
Avantages
  • USA ESTA status tracking is available through the official portal and third-party service dashboards.
  • Fast approval — most applicants receive ESTA status within minutes.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity means one application covers many US trips.
Inconvénients
  • Only available to citizens of VWP countries — others need a B1/B2 visa.
  • Maximum 90 days per visit — cannot be extended.
TraitementMinutes to 72 hours
Valide pour2 years
Type de visaESTA
Frais gov.$21
3
Kenya eVisa Safari Gateway
Kenya's eVisa is the essential travel document for safari adventures and Nairobi city breaks. Apply online before you fly, and avoid the long queues at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
★★★★☆
Avantages
  • Kenya eVisa status tracking is available through the official portal and third-party service dashboards.
  • East Africa Tourist Visa option covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in one application.
  • No consulate visit required — fully online process.
Inconvénients
  • Processing takes 3-5 business days — apply well in advance.
  • Government fee ($50) is higher than some other African eVisas.
Traitement3-5 business days
Valide pour90 days from entry
Type de visaEast
Frais gov.$50

Questions fréquemment posées

How long should I wait before checking my eVisa status?+
For fast-processing destinations (USA ESTA, Turkey), check after a few hours if you have not received an approval email. For standard processing (India, Egypt, Vietnam), check after 3 business days. Only contact support if your application has exceeded the stated maximum processing time.
Why is my eVisa still showing as "pending" after 7 days?+
Longer pending times can indicate additional security checks, high application volumes, or a request for information that was not communicated clearly. Contact the processing service or the immigration authority directly with your application reference number.
Can I check my eVisa status without my reference number?+
Some portals allow status checks using your passport number and date of birth. However, your reference number is the most reliable identifier. If you cannot find your reference number, check your spam/junk email folder for the original confirmation.