When it comes to applying for a visa to visit India, most people assume that all that is required is a passport and a visa number from the US embassy. However, many tourists are somewhat surprised to find out that the Indian immigration requirements are quite similar to those for US citizens who want to travel to India on tourist visas. Indian visas are available mainly for U.S. visitors planning to visit India for tourism purposes only. Indians planning to change their residence in India do not need a visa.
There are several methods of procuring an Indian business or tourism visa for a tourist or business trip to India. These include: applying for an India Visa through the Federal Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); applying directly with the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC; or applying for an India Visa through an agency such as the Indian Immersion Fund or the Indian High Commission. Of these methods, the first one, applying directly with the MEA, is considered the easiest. However, it requires you to have a basic knowledge of English and Indian English. The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC will issue an visa if you meet their minimum requirements.
The other methods for applying for an Indian business visa are more convenient. If you decide to apply for an India visa online, your document requirements will be similar to those of applying for an India business visa through the MEA. You will also need to provide proof of your residential status in India and proof of earnings from any domestic or international sources, including bank statements and salary slips. In addition to these documents, you will also be required to fill a registration form that includes a fee. After you register with the relevant agency, all three documents should be sent by mail, along with payment, to the MEA.
If you prefer an alternative method for obtaining an india business visa, you can contact the Indian Embassy for further information on various options. The MEA offers three options for electronic travel including the Electronic System for Travel (ESTC) service, which is highly recommended if you do not have much money or a tight budget. The Electronic Reservation of Travel Service (ERS) is also offered by the MEA. ETS provides customers with electronic tickets that can be printed and presented at the time of departure for the purpose of air travel, and for the purpose of transit.
Another option that you can use to apply for an india business visa is the e-visa. The best advantage of this method is that you do not have to obtain a visa for the country of India for your stay. However, the process of applying for the visa can take longer than the other two methods mentioned above. For the same reason, you must submit the application forms as soon as possible for faster processing. You must submit the application either through the web or through the postal system of the Indian Embassy.
Your completed application form must be submitted in the prescribed format, i.e. one page application form, signed with your personal details, and the scanned copy of your original passport. Once submitted, it is advised that you return to India for processing. Within four weeks, you will receive a “plate” or “chip,” which will authenticate your signature. This chip must be attached to your passport within a month after it is received in India.