Visa Application Requirements for an India Business Visa

1. Mandatory Arrival Card

   All travellers to India are required to apply for a mandatory e-Arrival Card 3 days prior to arrival. The e-Arrival card can be applied here free of charge.

2. Passport

   You must provide your actual signed passport. Your passport must:
   • Be valid for six months beyond the validity of your requested visa
   • Contain at least two blank visa pages
   • Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in some other way

3. Copy of Passport

   You must provide a copy of your passport information page. 

4. Photograph(s)

   The Indian Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to CIBTvisas so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Indian Consulate. Follow https://cibtvisas.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

    

   All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last three months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and with the tops of your shoulders visible. You must also display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses.  No headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt. 

   Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:

   • Be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches square
   • Be printed on high-quality glossy photo paper
   • Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples

   Passport photo vendors commonly produce photographs that do not meet these requirements. CIBTvisas cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.
   

5. Proof of Address

   You must provide a proof of your current home address. This must be a copy of one of the following documents:
   • A valid driving license that displays your home address as it appears on your visa application form
     or
   • A valid state issued ID that displays your home address as it appears on your visa application form
     or
   • A utility bill (gas, water, electricity) issued within the last three months 

6. Business Cover Letter

   You are required to provide an original Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Cover Letter. Visit https://cibtvisas.com/bcl-order to get started.

7. Letter of Invitation

   You must provide an original letter of invitation from the organization or entity that you are visiting. The invitation must:

   • Be on company letterhead paper
   • Include your name, gender, and date of birth
   • Provide information about the entity to be visited. Include the full name, contact information, telephone number and address
   • Detail the purpose of your trip including the places to be visited
   • Specify your arrival and departure dates
   • Specify the validity of the visa requested
   • Specify who is financially responsible for the trip
   • Be signed
   • Have company or organization seal/stamp

8. Certificate of Incorporation

   You must provide a copy of the Letter of Incorporation from the company that is inviting you to India.

9. Additional Particulars Form

   You must sign and complete the Additional Particulars Form found in this kit. All questions must be answered with a "yes" or "no". Do not use N/A on the form.

   In the case of an application for a minor child, both parents must sign the Additional Particulars Form.

10. Visa Application Form

    The Consulate of India requires a visa application form that is completed online. To access the form follow this link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html. Click on the blue button labeled "Regular Visa Application" in the bottom-left corner to begin the process. Your application must:
    • Display your name exactly as it appears in your passport
    • Include answers for all fields
    • Type of visa and length of validity requested must match listing on all other documentation
    • Include 2 signatures: one on page 1 under the photo (do not sign outside of the box on page 1), and a signature on page 2. Both signatures must match the signature in your passport.
    • Include your email address on the online application. Applications missing a personal email address will be rejected by the consulate
    • Be printed on single-sided sheets of paper. Double-sided applications will be rejected. You must fully print the bar code on the bottom of page 1

    CIBTvisas provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow this link: https://cibtvisas.com/forms?formname=IndiaGuide.pdf

11. CIBTvisas Order Form

    Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

12. Persons of Indian Origin Only

    If you are of Indian origin you are required to renounce your Indian citizenship in order to apply for an Indian visa. Please note CIBTvisas cannot submit your request for a visa without the renunciation certificate. You must provide proof your of renunciation as one of the following:
    • A Certificate of Renunciation issued by an Embassy or Consulate of India
      or
    • A Deemed Surrender Certificate issued by an Embassy or Consulate of India

13. Urgent Applications

    If you have an urgent visa application that carries a tight deadline, CIBTvisas can help you to save valuable time and avoid expensive delays. A CIBTvisas expert will review all of your documents to certify your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. We will contact you personally to quickly handle any mistakes ensuring your application is submitted correctly. Visit https://cibtvisas.com/visa-pre-check-service to learn more about this service.