India expands permissible activities for business e-visa holders

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Indian government has expanded the list of activities that are allowed on e-business visas.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals traveling to India on e-business visas may now conduct any activity permitted under normal business visas issued through a consulate.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: E-business visas.
• Who is affected: Eligible foreign nationals traveling to India for business.
• Impact on processing times: The changes will reduce processing times for business travelers eligible for e-business visas. E-business visas are typically issued within 72 hours.

Background: India introduced e-visa subcategories for tourists, business travelers and medical visits to its e-visa program in April 2017. Initially, e-business visas holders could only conduct a limited number of activities. That has changed, however, and e-business visas may now be used for any business activities traditionally allowed on normal business visas issued through a consulate.

India’s e-visa program is open to nationals of more than 150 countries and territories. The permissible duration of stay is 60 days, with double entry permitted on e-tourist and e-business visas and triple entry permitted on e-medical visas.

BAL Analysis: The change will make business travel to India easier, especially for those with urgent travel needs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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