Can I use tourist visa for business meetings?

No. Tourist visas prohibit business activities including meetings, conferences, or trade discussions. Immigration officers check this strictly and may deny entry or deport you if caught conducting business on tourist visa.

What if my business invitation letter is incomplete?

Application will be rejected. The letter must include: Indian company's full name and address, nature of business, purpose of your visit, duration of stay, guarantee of expenses, and company registration/GST numbers. Get a complete letter before applying.

Can I enter India through any airport with e-Business visa?

Only through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa. Land borders and other airports don't accept e-visas. Check the official list before booking flights.

How many times can I enter India on this visa?

Multiple entries allowed within 365-day validity period. Each stay is maximum 180 days with no minimum gap required between visits. You can leave and return the same day if needed.

How to Apply for an Indian Business Visa

Apply for an Indian business visa online through the official e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The process takes 3-5 business days, costs $80 USD for most nationalities, and requires a business invitation letter from an Indian company plus standard documents like passport photos and financial proof.

Check your eligibility. Verify your nationality is eligible for Indian e-Business visa (167+ countries qualify). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date with 2 blank pages. Business visa is for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or exploring business opportunities — not for employment.
Gather required documents. Collect: valid passport, recent passport-size photo (white background, 51mm x 51mm), business invitation letter from Indian company with their registration details, your company's business registration or incorporation certificate, bank statements from last 3 months, and return flight ticket.
Complete online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and select 'e-Business Visa.' Fill out the form completely — any mistakes mean starting over. Upload all documents as PDF files under 1MB each. The application reference number is crucial — save it immediately.
Pay the visa fee. Pay $80 USD (most nationalities) plus $2.50 processing fee using credit/debit card. Some countries pay different amounts: UK citizens pay $130, while SAARC nations pay $25. Payment must be completed within 24 hours of application submission.
Wait for processing. Processing takes 3-5 business days typically, though it can extend to 7 days during peak seasons. Check status using your application reference number. You'll receive an email when approved — download and print the e-Visa immediately.
Prepare for arrival. Print your e-Visa approval (electronic copy won't work at immigration). Valid for 365 days from issue date with multiple entries allowed, each stay up to 180 days. Present printed e-Visa, passport, and return ticket at designated airports — 28 airports accept e-Business visas.

Can I use tourist visa for business meetings?: No. Tourist visas prohibit business activities including meetings, conferences, or trade discussions. Immigration officers check this strictly and may deny entry or deport you if caught conducting business on tourist visa.
What if my business invitation letter is incomplete?: Application will be rejected. The letter must include: Indian company's full name and address, nature of business, purpose of your visit, duration of stay, guarantee of expenses, and company registration/GST numbers. Get a complete letter before applying.
Can I enter India through any airport with e-Business visa?: Only through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa. Land borders and other airports don't accept e-visas. Check the official list before booking flights.
How many times can I enter India on this visa?: Multiple entries allowed within 365-day validity period. Each stay is maximum 180 days with no minimum gap required between visits. You can leave and return the same day if needed.