Can I attend a conference on a tourist e-Visa?

No. Even unpaid conference attendance requires a business visa. Tourist visas prohibit business activities including conferences, meetings, and trade fairs. Immigration will ask about purpose of visit and may deny entry if they discover conference attendance on tourist visa.

How long can I stay on an e-Business Visa?

Maximum 180 days per visit. The visa itself is valid for 1 year from date of issue with multiple entries allowed, but each individual stay cannot exceed 180 days. You must leave India and can return on the same visa as long as it has not expired.

Can I convert my e-Business Visa to a longer visa while in India?

No. E-Business Visas cannot be extended or converted. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a traditional business visa from outside the country. Traditional business visas can sometimes be extended through FRRO.

What if my invitation letter is from a small startup without official letterhead?

The letter must still include complete company details — registration number, address, contact information, and purpose of your visit. Have it signed and stamped if possible. Include company registration documents as supporting proof. Very informal or incomplete letters may delay application or lead to rejection.

Do I need a business visa for exploring business opportunities without meetings?

Market research and business exploration without scheduled meetings technically requires business visa, but enforcement is inconsistent. If you are attending any meetings, conferences, or visiting offices, you absolutely need business visa. Tourist visa is risky for anything business-related.

Can I work remotely for my home country employer while on a business visa?

Remote work for foreign employer while physically in India is a gray area. Business visa does not permit employment in India. If your work is incidental (checking email, video calls) during a business trip, generally acceptable. If your primary purpose is working remotely from India, technically you are in questionable territory. India does not currently offer a digital nomad visa.

How to Get a Business Visa for India

Indian business visas are issued electronically (e-Business Visa) for stays up to 180 days or as traditional sticker visas for longer engagements. Most nationalities can apply online for the e-Business Visa with approval in 2-5 business days. You need a valid passport, business letter, invitation from an Indian company, and proof of funds.

Determine which business visa you need. E-Business Visa works for conference attendance, meetings, sales visits, trade fairs, and short-term projects — maximum 180 days per visit, multiple entry for up to 1 year from issue date. Traditional business visa required for longer stays, employment-like activities, or establishing a business. Check if your nationality is eligible for e-Business Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Gather your documents. Passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Digital passport photo (white background, 2x2 inches, recent). Business letter from your employer on letterhead explaining purpose of visit. Invitation letter from Indian company or organization with complete address and contact details. Bank statement from last 3 months showing sufficient funds. Business card or company registration proof. Round-trip flight itinerary (not required to purchase tickets yet).
Complete the online application. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in for e-Business Visa or indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa for traditional visa. Fill all fields accurately — spelling must match passport exactly. Upload documents as PDF or JPEG under 1MB each. For traditional visa, you will need to schedule an appointment at VFS Global or Indian consulate after online form.
Pay the visa fee. E-Business Visa fee is 80 USD for most nationalities, paid online by credit/debit card. Traditional business visa fees vary by nationality and duration — check with nearest Indian mission. US nationals pay 160 USD for 10-year multiple entry. Fee is non-refundable even if visa denied.
Submit biometrics if required. E-Business Visa typically does not require biometrics. Traditional business visa applicants must visit VFS Global center or consulate to submit fingerprints and photograph. Book appointment after completing online form. Bring printed application confirmation and original documents.
Wait for processing. E-Business Visa processes in 2-5 business days. Check application status online with reference number. Traditional business visa takes 5-10 business days from biometric appointment. During busy seasons (September-March) add 3-5 extra days.
Receive your visa. E-Business Visa arrives via email as PDF. Print 2 copies to carry with you. Traditional business visa is stamped or affixed in your passport — collect from VFS Global or receive by courier if you paid for return service. Verify all details immediately — dates, name spelling, number of entries.
Register with FRRO if staying beyond 180 days. If your traditional business visa allows stay beyond 180 days, register with Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. Bring passport, visa, proof of address in India, and 2 photos. Not required for e-Business Visa or stays under 180 days.

Can I attend a conference on a tourist e-Visa?: No. Even unpaid conference attendance requires a business visa. Tourist visas prohibit business activities including conferences, meetings, and trade fairs. Immigration will ask about purpose of visit and may deny entry if they discover conference attendance on tourist visa.
How long can I stay on an e-Business Visa?: Maximum 180 days per visit. The visa itself is valid for 1 year from date of issue with multiple entries allowed, but each individual stay cannot exceed 180 days. You must leave India and can return on the same visa as long as it has not expired.
Can I convert my e-Business Visa to a longer visa while in India?: No. E-Business Visas cannot be extended or converted. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a traditional business visa from outside the country. Traditional business visas can sometimes be extended through FRRO.
What if my invitation letter is from a small startup without official letterhead?: The letter must still include complete company details — registration number, address, contact information, and purpose of your visit. Have it signed and stamped if possible. Include company registration documents as supporting proof. Very informal or incomplete letters may delay application or lead to rejection.
Do I need a business visa for exploring business opportunities without meetings?: Market research and business exploration without scheduled meetings technically requires business visa, but enforcement is inconsistent. If you are attending any meetings, conferences, or visiting offices, you absolutely need business visa. Tourist visa is risky for anything business-related.
Can I work remotely for my home country employer while on a business visa?: Remote work for foreign employer while physically in India is a gray area. Business visa does not permit employment in India. If your work is incidental (checking email, video calls) during a business trip, generally acceptable. If your primary purpose is working remotely from India, technically you are in questionable territory. India does not currently offer a digital nomad visa.