A business visa for India is an entry requirement for all non-Indians wanting to conduct business, take up employment, or even visit India. It is also one of the most common visas sought by foreign nationals travelling to India. Applying for a business visa for India can be a simple process given that all the information required is readily available. There are two primary methods of applying for a business visa for India: 1. Online, and 2. Offline – Via your nearest Indian consulate or embassy.

A business visa for India allows an individual to visit India for conducting business related activities. The duration of the stay is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry in India. A person who wishes to travel to India will require a passport which must be valid for another two months after the expiry date of the visa.

Important Information

Appointment System

The India Visa Application Centre operates an appointment system for the processing of all visas. After we have received all the materials required in support of your visa application, VisaCentral will schedule an appointment at the India Visa Application Centre. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 1 – 6 weeks.

 The processing time is the time taken for the visa to be received after the scheduled appointment.

Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for an India Visa for UK Citizens

1. Appointment SystemThe India Visa Application Centre operates an appointment system for the processing of all visas. After we have received all the materials required in support of your visa application, VisaCentral will schedule an appointment at the India Visa Application Centre. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 1 – 6 weeks.
   
   The processing time is the time taken for the visa to be received after the scheduled appointment.
2. Processing FeesThe India Visa Application Centre provides a mandatory SMS notification service to all visa applications. This is charged at £1.67 + VAT per application and is in addition to the consular and VFS fees quoted.

1. PassportThe applicant’s actual passport. The passport must:
   • Have at least two blank visa pages
   • Be machine readable
   • Be valid for at least 180 days beyond exit date
2. Copy of Passport Identification PageProvide a clear colour copy of your passport identification page
3. Photograph(s)One Indian passport sized colour photograph. The photograph must:
   • Measure 5cm x 5cm without including the borders
   • Have a white background
   • Include the applicant’s shoulders
   • Be taken within the last six months
   • Be identical
4. Business Introduction LetterYou must provide a Business Introduction Letter from the applicant’s UK employer. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a UK postal address. Use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at https://visacentral.co.uk/forms?formname=Business%20Introduction%20Letter%20Sample.pdf to complete your letter. Note that most consulates require the Business Cover Letter to be dated within one month of application submission.In addition to the language provided in the sample, your Business Introduction Letter must:
   • Be addressed to:”The Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA”
5. Letter of InvitationA letter of invitation from the company to be visited in India. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
   • Be addressed to:”The Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA”
   • Be on company letterhead paper with the name and address matching exactly to that which is stated on the visa form
   • Include the applicant’s full name as stated in their passport
   • Include the passport number of the applicant
   • Include the date of issue of the passport
   • Include the date of expiry of the passport
   • Specify the purpose of journey
   • Specify the exact nature of the business being conducted
   • Specify requested number of entries and the length of visa required
   • Be signed and dated by the inviting party