E-Visa Program to be Expanded

The situation

The Indian government will be expanding the scope of the electronic visa (e-Visa) program to include new subcategories and to open eligibility to foreign nationals from additional countries.

A closer look

• E-Conference Visa. This category is intended for foreign nationals attending government-sponsored conferences. The allowable duration and qualification requirements have not yet been published.
• E-Medical Attendant Visa. This category is intended for foreign nationals accompanying foreign nationals on a medical visa trip. The allowable duration and qualification requirements have not yet been published. 
• Expansion of countries. Additional countries’ nationals will be eligible for the e-Visa. The country list has not yet been published.

 

Impact

Additional foreign nationals will soon be able to apply for an e-Visa and do not have to rely on Indian Missions to issue visas in their passports prior to travel. This will result in a faster and easier application and travel process.

Background

The extension of the e-Visa scheme is aimed at encouraging tourism, business travel and health tourism in the country. E-Visas are issued within 72 hours of application submission.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].