Nearly 11 million foreign tourists traveled to India during 2019, marking an increase of 3.1 per cent from the previous year. The nation’s rising popularity as a global centre of commerce to tourism and healthcare has been driving this rise.
India offers a wide range of business visas to investors who are interested in pursuing opportunities in the country. As the regulations for these visas may be amended from time to time, including Advisories, Travel and Visa restrictions (related to COVID-19), applicants are advised to review the updated information provided in the Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India
A business visa is given to individuals who undertake business-related trips to India. These include sales, marketing or any form of contract on behalf of a company, based outside India. Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India
Indian Missions/Posts can grant a conference visa to foreign delegates to attend international conferences and seminars held by Government organisations, Public Sector Undertakings or Government aided bodies and NGOs. If the conference/seminar/workshop is being organised in India by private companies, you should apply for a business visa for the shortest available duration. If approved, a three-month Single-entry Business Visa will be granted. Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India
Employment visas are issued to foreigners who are working in India for an organisation registered in India. Employment visas are usually granted for one year, or for the term of the contract. It can be extended in India. Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India
Indian Missions/Posts may grant a Multiple-entry Project Visa to skilled or highly skilled foreign nationals coming to India for the execution of projects. Project Visa only covers professionals working in the power and steel sectors. Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India
In addition to the above, there are several other categories of visas. For details please refer to the Bureau of Immigration’s Visa Categories.
India is a land of rich cultural heritage and geographic beauty as well as that of exciting career and business opportunities. Hence the Government has undertaken numerous initiatives to preserve thousands of popular tourist destinations across the nation while augmenting infrastructure and services to better serve international travelers.
As a result of these initiatives, Foreign Tourist Arrivals have been increasing each year, reaching 10.89 million in 2019. However, the rate of increase in tourist arrivals has been declining in recent years. Industry experts attribute the slowdown to multiple factors, including street protests and elevated levels of pollution in northern India.
Foreign nationals planning to visit India for tourism, vacations, education or business should check the travel advisory bulletins of their respective countries. These travel advisories are posted with specific information regarding the health and safety of prospective travelers.
For tourist visas, travel plans, transportation, accommodation, visit Incredible India.
To learn about India’s tourism policies, guidelines, and initiatives, visit the Ministry of Tourism. Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India.