E-visa program expands to include 2 new categories

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? India has introduced two additional categories of e-visas, the e-Conference visa and e-Medical Attendant visa. E-visas are issued with a validity of 60 days and can now be extended for an additional 30 days in-country.

What does the change mean? Applicants from more than 160 countries and territories are eligible to apply for e-Conference visas and e-Medical Attendant visas in addition to e-Tourist, e-Business and e-Medical visas. Foreign nationals in India on an e-visa can now visit Foreigners Regional Registration Offices and apply for 30-day extension.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: E-Business Visas, e-Tourist Visas, e-Medical Visas, e-Conference Visas and e-Medical Attendant Visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals staying in India or traveling to India on any of the e-visa categories listed above.
• Impact on processing times: The introduction of additional categories could significantly reduce processing times for eligible travelers.
• Business impact: The change related to extending e-visas will enable business visitors to stay in India for up to a total of 90 days (post extension) on an e-Business Visa.

Background: India introduced the e-visa for tourists, business travelers and medical visits in April 2017. Officials recently announced two additional categories, the e-Conference Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa. The new visa categories are currently available and the e-visa application site has been updated to reflect the change. E-visas in all categories are now valid for stays of up to 60 days, extendable for an additional 30 days in-country.

Analysis & Comments: The changes are welcome and are in line with India’s continuing efforts to expand the use of e-visas. Travelers are cautioned that e-visas remain inappropriate for productive work; those intending to conduct work activities must apply for an employment visa.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.