India recently announced that if you are a UK citizen, you will now be able to apply for an Indian Business Visa. With this new policy change, Indians from the UK and South Africa can now travel to India without a visa! The article also goes on to describe how and when the new policy went into effect, what it means for Indian citizens traveling to these countries and for Indian visitors in these countries.
What are the changes in the Indian Visa policy for UK and South African citizens?
India has amended its visa policy for UK and South African citizens. From 1 April 2017, citizens of the UK and South Africa will need to apply for a Tourist Visa (subclass 6A) if they want to visit India for tourism purposes. Previously, these citizens could stay in India for up to 180 days without a visa. INDIAN BUSINESS VISA FOR UK CITIZENS
Now, in order to visit India for tourism purposes, UK and South African citizens must apply for a Tourist Visa (subclass 6A) and have their passport valid for at least six months after the date of your planned departure from India. The visa validity period is renewable once, for a period of six months from the date of issue.
The Tourist Visa (subclass 6A) costs £60 (GBP) and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. You must also carry a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
If you are travelling to India as part of a group (maximum 10 people), each member of the group must apply for a Tourist Visa (subclass 6A). If you are travelling to India as part of an organised tour, you do not need to apply for a Tourist Visa (subclass 6A).
Business visa for UK citizens
India has announced that it will begin issuing business visas to UK citizens from 1st of December 2017. This is a significant development as the UK is one of India’s key economic partners and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The move follows similar moves made by South Africa, which also issued business visas to its citizens earlier this year.
The business visa allows UK nationals to visit India for up to six months with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional three months, provided they meet certain criteria such as having a valid travel document and being able to provide evidence of financial stability. The visa may be used for business purposes only, and holders are not allowed to work in India. INDIAN VISA FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS
This new policy is likely to be welcomed by businesses operating in India, given the country’s growing economy and increasing popularity as a destination for investment. It also gives UK citizens greater access to some of India’s key economic hubs, including Mumbai and Bangalore.
Business visa for South African citizens
India has announced a new visa policy for UK and South African citizens. Effective from 1 January 2019, all UK nationals will need a valid visa to visit India for tourism or business purposes. South African nationals will also need a valid visa to visit India for tourism or business purposes from 1 January 2019. The new visa policy will apply to all Indian nationals, except those who hold a valid visa issued by the British High Commission in New Delhi.
This new visa policy follows India’s decision to suspend the Working Holiday Scheme for UK and South African citizens in November 2018. The Working Holiday Scheme allows young people aged 18-30 to travel to India to work for up to six months. This suspension of the scheme came after reports of abuse and exploitation of working holidaymakers in India.
The new visa policy is likely to increase demand for visas from UK and South African citizens travelling to India. It is important that travellers make sure they have the correct visas before travelling to India, as there may be delays in getting approved if you do not have the correct type of visa.
The process of applying for a Business Visa
British nationals who wish to visit India for business purposes will now require a valid visa. This change was introduced in early 2018 as part of the country’s new visa policy. The new visa policy means that all tourists, including Britons, must apply for a tourist visa before making travel plans to India. This applies to both South Africans and UK nationals, regardless of whether or not they are citizens of India.
If you already have a valid Indian visa, you will not need to apply for a Business Visa; however, if you are visiting India for business purposes and do not already have a valid Indian tourist visa, you will need to apply through the Indian High Commission in London.
The process of applying for a Business Visa is straightforward, and can be done online or at the Indian High Commission in London. The application fee is £145 (£120 for Indians). Once your application is complete, you will need to submit photocopies of all documents submitted with your application (including your passport photo), as well as an original copy of your business proposal or letter of invitation from your sponsor in India. You should also bring evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in India (