Visa for India

To apply for an Indian visa for attending a conference, you'll typically need to apply for an e-Conference Visa, designed for people visiting India specifically to attend conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by government bodies, private sector organizations, or universities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the application procedure, required documents, and costs:

1. Eligibility and Application Procedure
• Eligibility: The e-Conference Visa is generally available to citizens of eligible countries. Make sure your country is listed under the eligible countries for e-Visas to India.
• Application Website: The official portal for e-Visa applications is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
• Timeline: It’s advised to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel dates, as processing time can vary depending on the application volume.

2. Steps to Apply
• Go to the official e-Visa portal and select the e-Conference Visa option.
• Fill out the application form carefully. You will need to provide details like your passport information, travel itinerary, and conference details.
• Upload required documents (details below) in the specified format.

3. Required Documents
• Invitation Letter from the conference organizers.
• Government Clearance (optional but advised) if the conference is hosted by a government body. Sometimes, organizers provide this if needed.
• Proof of Residence and address in your home country.
• Passport-size Photograph (specific dimensions as mentioned on the website).
• Copy of Passport Bio Page, valid for at least six months from the date of entry to India.
• Other Details: It may require details on funding for the trip and a cover letter detailing the purpose.

4. Fees
• The visa fee can vary by nationality, typically around USD 80-100, though it may differ based on your country. Fees are generally non-refundable.

5. Additional Notes
• Validity: The e-Conference Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
• Processing Time: Normally takes around 3-5 business days, but it's advisable to allow extra time.

For detailed guidelines and updates, refer to the Indian e-Visa FAQ page. Make sure to apply only through the official government websites to avoid scams and additional charges.