India further eases e-visa rules for business travelers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? India has amended its e-Business Visa rules to allow for longer stays, expanded visa validity and additional entries.

What does the change mean? e-Business Visa holders may now remain in India for up to 180 days per stay—up  from 60 days. e-Business Visas will remain valid for up to one year, and restrictions on the number of entries have been removed.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: e-Business Visas.
• Who is affected: Nationals of 166 countries and territories who are eligible for India’s e-visa program.

Background: India has expanded its e-visa program in recent years, introducing new e-visa subcategories and allowing e-Business Visa holders to conduct any activity that is permitted on a consular business visa. In addition to the changes described above, authorities have expanded to 28 the number of airports at which e-visas may be used, with airports in Port Blair and Bhubaneswar recently added to the list. Authorities have also lifted restrictions on the number of times foreign nationals may apply for e-visas and have said that e-visa holders who fall sick in India may seek medical help in India without first obtaining a medical visa.

Analysis & Comments: The changes ease visa processes for business travelers, particularly those who travel to India on a frequent basis or for long periods of time.

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.