India’s Conference Visa

The Indian government issues a conference visa for individuals to attend meetings, seminars, or workshops in the country. The conference organizers require applicants to submit a letter of invitation. Additionally, the conference visa application must include copies of various clearances. 

Delegates may also combine tourism activities on the e-Visa. Read the article below to learn more about the India conference e-Visa. 

Types of Conference Visas

India offers both a regular visa and an e-Visa for conference purposes. This article will focus mostly on the conference e-Visa offered by the country. 

Regular Conference Visa

A regular conference visa is a paper document issued by an Indian embassy or consulate. The application processing can take several weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate.  

 It is valid for a maximum of 60 days. Please note applicants can extend the regular conference visa for 30 days. 

Conference e-Visa

It is an electronic visa issued by the Government of India. An e-conference visa is another name for it.  

• Application process: It is entirely online. Individuals can submit their application through the Indian government’s e-Visa portal.
• Processing time: It is processed within 72 hours
• Entry: Single-entry
• Validity: It is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India.

Eligibility Criteria

The India e-Conference Visa allows certain foreign nationals to join events in India. For instance, the following persons can apply for the India e-Visa for the purpose of attending a conference: 

1. Conference participants: Foreigners invited to attend or speak at events.
2. Delegates for training: Those attending training, workshops, or non-business meetings (see business e-visa for business meetings)

Purpose of Visit

Apply for the e-Visa if attending a conference, seminar, or workshop organized by the following specific enterprises: 

• A ministry or department of the government of India
• State government
• Union territory administrations and their subordinate attached organizations
• Public sector undertakings (PSUs)
• Private conferences organized by private persons/ companies/organizations

Documents Required for the e-Visa Application

When applying for the conference e-Visa, certain documents are essential. Applicants will need the following items: 

1. Passport details: A scanned copy of the passport’s bio page. This page should include the photograph and personal details.
2. Invitation from the organizer:

• An invitation letter from the event organizer.
• The applicant must request this from the concerned organizer, as it is a mandatory requirement.

3. Political clearance:

• They must obtain clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs.

4. Event Clearance:

• Approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the specific event.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the electronic visa application process. Applicants must ensure the applicant meets all requirements for attending the conference. 

Indian Airports that Allow the e-Visa

Indian Seaports that Allow the e-Visa

Application Process for the Conference e-Visa

To get a conference e-Visa, applicants must submit all necessary info and documents on the MHA website. Applicants must then follow the below-mentioned steps: 

• After receiving the letter of invitation, complete the online application form
• Provide personal information, passport details, and travel plans
• Once approved, the applicant gets the electronic visa on their email

Key Points to Remember for the Conference e-Visa

Applicants must pay attention to the following details: 

• Accurate information on the form: Fill out the visa form as per instructions. Use the name exactly as it appears on the passport. Any name alteration can cause visa rejection.
• Safeguarding official documents: Keep all official documents secure. They are crucial for the e-Visa approval.
• Application timeline: Apply online at least 4 days before the planned arrival date.
• Eligible nations: e-Visa for conference purposes only applies to eligible countries/territories.
• Visa limitations: It is non-extendable and non-convertible.
• Port of entry: Arrival is permitted at 28 airports and 5 seaports
• Exit: Departure can be from any Indian Immigration Check Post (ICP).

Approval for the Conference e-Visa

The process of reviewing India e-Conference Visa applications involves several critical steps: 

• Document verification: Check the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents. Discrepancies may lead to further inquiries.
• Background checks: Conducting security checks to ensure no threats to national security or criminal history.
• Eligibility assessment: Evaluating if the applicant meets the conference e-Visa requirements.
• Review of conference details: Verify whether of the conference or event.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a pivotal global entry point, welcomes a myriad of visitors to India each day, accommodating both tourists and business travelers. The airport is equipped with the India eVisa system for entry.

Reasons for Rejection

The e-Conference visa may reject applications for various reasons. 

• Incomplete information: Rejection can occur due to missing or incorrect details.
• Security concerns: If background checks raise security issues.
• Lack of eligibility: Failure to meet the eligibility criteria or lack of a valid invitation.
• Invalid conference details: It will not be granted if the event is illegal or irrelevant.
• Previous visa violations: History of visa misuse or overstaying in India.
• No Objection Certificate: Absence of No Objection Certificate (NOC). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for a conference e-visa from India?

A: No, the conference e-Visa cannot be applied for from within India. It must be obtained before entering the country.

Q: Can I attend multiple conferences with the e-visa?

A: No, the e-Visa is valid for only one conference, seminar, or workshop.

Q: Is it possible to extend the conference e-Visa?

A: No, extensions are not permitted for the e-Visa for conference purposes. Applicants requiring a longer stay must obtain a regular visa from the Indian embassy in their home country.

 Q: Can I work in India on an e-Conference Visa?

A: No, the e-Visa is not valid for work purposes. Applicants seeking employment in India must obtain a separate work visa. They can apply for it from the Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Conclusion

The India conference e-Visa is for individuals who wish to attend conferences in the country. It offers convenience, efficiency, and a shorter processing time than regular conference visas.  

However, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations, including its single-entry and non-extendable nature. Additionally, applicants from only eligible countries can apply for it.