The Indian government recently issued a new set of visa rules that affects US citizens, requiring them to obtain a visa before traveling to India for work. As an American citizen, you might be wondering what these new rules entail and whether or not it’s worth making the trip there for work anymore.
What is happening?
The new INDIAN VISA ELIGIBILITY rules that took effect on May 1st, 2014 require all American citizens who wish to visit India to obtain a visa in advance. The rules also state that American citizens cannot stay in India for more than 180 days in any given year. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for business purposes or if you are married to an Indian citizen, but generally speaking, if you want to visit India as an American citizen, you will need to get a visa and you will be limited to a stay of 180 days.
What does this mean for American travelers?
If you’re planning a trip to India, make sure you allow enough time to get your visa sorted out in advance. And keep in mind that you’ll need to leave the country every 180 days if you want to come back and continue your travels. The good news is that India is an amazing country with plenty to see and do, so even a short trip can be well worth the effort!
Who does this affect?
The new Indian visa rules announced in February 2020 will affect American citizens who wish to travel to India for business or pleasure. The most significant change is that travelers will now need to apply for an e-visa instead of a paper visa. The process is similar to applying for a regular visa, but travelers will need to submit their application online and pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. Travelers will also need to upload a passport-sized photo and supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation from their host in India.
The other major change is that travelers will now need to register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Officer) within 14 days of arrival in India, regardless of the length of their stay. The FRRO is responsible for issuing visas and permits, and overseeing the registration of foreign nationals in India. American citizens who do not comply with the new rules may be subject to a fine or detention.
The new visa rules are designed to streamline the process of applying for a visa to India and make it easier for travelers to comply with the requirements. However, it is important to note that these changes may cause some inconvenience for travelers who are not familiar with the new process. BUSINESS VISA FOR INDIA
How to get a business visa for India
As of April 1, 2020, the process for applying for a business visa to India has changed. American citizens now need to apply for an e-Visa online through the Indian government’s website. The e-Visa is valid for 60 days and can be used for multiple entries into India.
To apply for an e-Visa, you will first need to create an account on the Indian government’s website. Once you have created an account, you will need to fill out an application form and upload the required documents. After your application has been submitted, you will need to make a payment using a credit or debit card.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an email with your e-Visa attachment. You will need to print out the e-Visa and bring it with you when you travel to India.
If you have any questions about the new Indian visa rules, please contact the nearest Indian consulate or embassy.
Four key points to understand about the new Indian visa rules
- If you are an American citizen planning to travel to India, you will need to obtain a visa before your trip.
- The new Indian visa rules require all travelers to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their arrival in India.
- Travelers will also need to provide proof of onward travel out of India, such as an air ticket or hotel reservation.
- Finally, please be aware that the new Indian visa rules allow for multiple-entry visas, so you can enter and exit India multiple times during your trip.
Conclusion
The new Indian visa rules are certainly something that all American citizens should be aware of before they travel to India. While the process may seem a bit daunting at first, it is actually quite simple and straightforward once you know what you need to do. So long as you have all of the necessary documents and information ready, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get your Indian visa without any problems.