You can acquire a multiple entry visa to India for the purpose of either tourism or business. Such visas are available to applicants who want to visit India multiple times over a specific period of time without having to apply for a visa on each occasion. This article will provide you with basic information about multiple entry India visas including what is required in order to get one.
The Indian government has recently made changes to the visa requirements. It is now mandatory for all applicants to submit a copy of either their birth certificate or school diploma. You should not submit an original document but only a copy. The Indian consular services will not assume responsibility for original documents that are mailed to them.
To acquire a multiple entry India visa, you are also required to submit a completed application form for India visa, a passport that is still valid and two passport-type photos that are 2×2 inches. Note, photos in which the applicant is wearing glasses are no longer acceptable.
There are additional requirements for business visas which include a business letter on company letterhead that specifies the nature of businessyou plan to conduct in India and the name of a reference in India. The validity and number of entries you are requesting should also be stated in the letter. The organization in India must provide the applicant with a sponsor letter that can be submitted together with the application. This also has to be written on company letterhead.
The multiple entry tourist visas have validity of either 6 months or 10 years. The multiple entry business visas have validity of 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. You have to prove the need for the validity that is requested.
Another change that the Indian government made recently is the establishment of a two-month gap period between visits. Travelers who receive a multiple entry visa to India are now required to wait for a period of two months before making another visit. This restriction only applies to tourist visas.
According to the Embassy of India, the purpose for this new requirement is to “curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa.” They give no explanation concerning neither the type of abuse or misuse that has occurred nor how this new regulation will combat it.
Visa holders who would lke to visit India before the two month gap is completed have to submit a special request from the respective Head of Mission. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.
Visa fees paid to the Indian consular services vary depending on the type and validity of the visa you want to obtain. Fees range from $73 for a 6-month tourist visa to $253 for a 10-year business visa. The Embassy of India has outsourced the processing of visa applications.
To get your application processed within 3 to 7 days, expedite visa to India.
While India remains a popular tourist destination for U.S. citizens, it is important for anyone planning a trip to India to be aware of issues concerning health and safety. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to security concerns that continue to exist in India. The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. You are encouraged to register wit the the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate either online or in person .
