Types of Visas in India – All About Tourist and Business Visas
There are different types of visas in India issued by the Indian government based on the purpose of the visit to India. The most common types of visas issued are tourist and business visas. Guidelines for both these types of visas are appended.
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are issued to people who wish to visit India as tourists. The Government may issue a tourist visa with a validity of over six months, but the person holding a tourist visa can stay in the country for a maximum period of six months. A person holding an Indian tourist visa should keep a gap of two months at least between two consecutive trips.
India offers a tourist visa on arrival facility to citizens of Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Philippines. All visitors need a visa for India, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan.
Transit visas cover a stay up to three days, beyond which a tourist visa is required.
Five and ten year visas are issued on a selective basis to citizens of France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam.
The cost of obtaining a six month Indian tourist visa is under 100 US Dollars. The processing time is typically about 48 hours after the documents are received at the Embassy.
Business Visa
With the opening up of the economy, India threw its doors open to businessmen. Business visas are available for businesspeople who wish to explore business opportunities in India, conduct business in India or attend business conferences hosted by private organisations in India.
A person holding a business visa is not allowed to work for or earn remuneration from any Indian party while in India. To apply for a business visa, the application must be enclosed with a letter from the host organisation giving details about the nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited and a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses.
Multiple entry business visas are issued with validity of up to six months. The maximum period of stay in India for a person with a business visa cannot exceed six months. The government issues 10 year business visas only to people who have set up or intend to set up joint ventures in the country. Applicants going for employment in projects in India should apply for an employment visa and not a business visa.
When you’re looking to get a visa to India, make sure that you know what you’re applying for.
types of visas in India,visa to India
Processing your request, Please wait....
