Indian Long-term Regular Business Visa

It is undoubtedly true that the tourism industry is booming in India and cross-country travel is playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of tourist destinations. However, there has been a growing concern about the detrimental effects of the travel industry on the local inhabitants and natural surroundings in India. For this reason, strict laws got introduced by Indian authorities meaning there is a need for steps to be taken to regulate and facilitate the process of obtaining visas for British residents. This article is made to critically analyze the merits and demerits of a complete procedure on how to get an Indian Long-term Visa in 2022.

Let’s consider this:

Introduction

1. Top questions

1.1 What is a regular visa & who needs to get it?

1.2 What a Regular Business Visa is to enter India? 

1.3 How long is a Regular Business Visa valid for?

1.4 How long does it take to get an Indian Regular Visa?

1.5 Where is the Regular Visa processed?

1.6 How much does it cost to obtain an Indian Regular Business Visa? How to pay? 

2. Application process

2.1 Documents to apply for an Indian Regular Business Visa

2.2 Steps to apply for an Indian Regular Business Visa

In overall 

One of the highly controversial issues today relates to the dissolution of barriers between countries and the unprecedented rise in international tourism. In this article, we are going to shed some light on the tourist regulations in India.

There are several benefits of tourism in India. The main reason for believing this is that British people bring into the country they visit a lot of foreign currency which can boost the local Indian economy. It is also possible to say that tourism creates a great diversity in India which is celebrated in modern communities.

However, every coin has two sides and despite all the advantages of international tourism, there are some disadvantages too, that may affect the environment and the locals. Firstly, it is often argued that foreign visitors like British tourists may not be very keen on preserving the environment.

So, tourism in India has several advantages and disadvantages. However, we tend to believe that welcoming British tourists to India is highly beneficial if the government is able to control most of the negative impacts of tourism by implementing strict and consecutive legislation and visa requirements.

Let’s start to answer as well as reply to some questions to find out the subtleties of the Indian visa application process.

1. Top questions 

1.1 What is a regular visa & who needs to get it? 

When you have a trip to India, you have to apply for a visa. An India visa UK application may be a regular visa or an e-visa.

An e-visa is a fully online procedure. The e-visa is issued when the applicant travels for business, tourism, or medical purposes. If you are traveling for other reasons like studies, employment, or filming, then a regular visa is required. If you want to stay in India consecutively for longer than 180 days without needing to leave, then an e-visa will not be appropriate for you.

WHAT IS AN INDIAN REGULAR VISA?

In the UK, the Indian Embassy outsources its visa process to VFS. The regular India visa requires applicants to send their passports to VFS for visa stamping. A long-term tourist visa will allow you to have a visa to enter India between 1 and 5 years with multiple re-entries. It lets you stay in India for a maximum of 180 days per trip. If you want a 5-year visa, biometric information will be collected at the VFS Centre. You cannot apply for a 5-year visa by post.

1.2 What a Regular Business Visa is to enter India?

A Business Visa is given to those who are doing business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. Business visas may be valid for three months to one year or more with single or multiple entries. However, the period of stay in India (for each visit) under this category is limited to six months only.

Those who are applying to work for an Indian company should apply for an Employment Visa.

If applying to the High Commission of India (London), both your Letters should clearly state the applicant’s Name and passport details and should be addressed only to:

To,

The High Commission of India,

India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA

If applying to the Consulate General of India (Birmingham), both your letters should clearly state the applicant’s Name and passport details and should be addressed only to:

To,

The Consulate General of India

20 Augusta Street, Jewellery Quarter

Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6JL

If applying to the Consulate General of India (Edinburgh), both your letters should clearly state the applicant’s Name and passport details and should be addressed only to:

To,

The Consulate General of India

17, Rutland Square

Edinburgh, EH1 2BB

1.3 How long is a Regular Business Visa valid for?

The time of visa to be actual primarily depends on a visa type. Consequently, this enables us to pay attention to the duration and prepare some documents to make your trip a great pleasure.

Please take a look at the next table to make sure that the time your visa valid is actual:

1.4 How long does it take to get an Indian Regular Visa?

Applications in the following categories may take longer to be processed when submitted in person at the center:

– non-UK passport holders residing in the UK for less than two years (minimum 6-8 working days);

– nationals or origin of Pakistan (minimum 7-8 weeks);

– nationals of Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan & UK Travel documents (minimum 15 working days);

– regular cases may take a minimum of 3 to 5 working days.

In addition, if the High Commission or the Consulate General requires an applicant to attend an interview, the India Visa Application Center will contact the applicant and inform the date and time of the interview accordingly. Please note that VFS Global is not involved in the process of assessment of visa applications, or their grant or refusal. The assessment of visa applications is carried out by the High Commission of India or its Consulates, and the grant or refusal of India visas is at their sole discretion.

1.5 Where is the Regular Visa processed?

To start, all visas are processed in a similar way. The only difference worth mentioning is the rare cases when additional documents are needed.

THE FIRST OPTION IS VFS, NOT THE INDIAN EMBASSY:

You can apply for a regular visa to India on the VFS website here, where the Indian Embassy outsources its visa process.

In the UK there are two methods of applying for a long-term Indian tourist visa: by appointment in person and by post.

THE FIRST METHOD OF APPLYING FOR A REGULAR VISA – IS THROUGH AN APPOINTMENT AT A VFS VISA CENTRE IN THE UK:

VFS Visa Center Address: Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre 142-148 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DU.

Opening days: Monday to Friday.

Opening hours: 08:30 – 15:30.

What is expected to be at the Visa Application Center on the day of your appointment:

– aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment;

All applicants must ensure they print both the online application form and appointment confirmation letter and carry both when attending the application center for their appointment. All applicants must also ensure that the signature on the application form is within the box provided.

– bring all supporting documentation (originals and copies);

Applicants will be attended to by the Security Personal at the entrance of the center, after confirming the details, the applicant will be issued a token number for the respective service. Applicants are required to take a seat & wait for their numbers to be called out on the screen placed in the waiting area. Once at the counter applicant will be asked to submit their necessary documents & pay for the service required. Once the process is completed the applicant will be advised about the tentative timelines, along with the receipt of the services paid for. Once the documents are ready, applicants will be informed about the status of their application via text (paid service).

At the center, you may also need to submit your fingerprints and photograph for some applications. This is known as biometric information collection. A digital finger scanner collects images of all 10 digits, and you will have a digital photo taken. The digital fingerprint scanner uses no inks, liquids, or chemicals and will not mark your skin.

Your digital photograph must show your full face. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless it is worn for religious or ethical reasons. Applicants wearing headgear for religious purposes should ensure that as much of their face, forehead, and ears as possible is visible.

If you are applying for a visa on behalf of a child under 14 years old, they are not required to attend an appointment since they don’t have to provide their fingerprint information.

If children under 18 years old need to visit the center they need to be accompanied by an adult and this cannot be a member of VFS Global staff.

If you miss your appointment on the scheduled day, you will need to book a new appointment.

In the interest of safety and security, the center workers reserve the right to conduct random bag searches of applicants and visitors.

Our staff has the right to work without fear of abuse or intimidation. Threatening or abusive words or behavior towards our staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Please have the following documentation ready for inspection: Passport, Application form, and Collection receipts, if applicable.

Applications can only be submitted with prior appointments here. Appointments must be booked in line with the service required. We will be unable to assist customers who arrive at the center with incorrect service appointments. Kindly carry a printout of your appointment confirmation for each application required to be submitted at the VFS Centre.

Only one member per family will be allowed into the center. Friends and other family members are strictly not allowed unless accompanying a minor.

Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, you should cover your face and follow a social distance (2 meters) at the center.

THE SECOND METHOD OF APPLYING FOR A REGULAR VISA – IS BY POST TO A VFS VISA CENTRE IN THE UK:

This option is available however VFS advises you to make the application via appointment to avoid any inconvenience/delay. Postal applications are known to take 2-3 weeks longer than an appointment. VFS will also take no responsibility for your passport. If you want a 5-year visa, biometric information will be collected at the VFS Centre. You cannot apply for a 5-year visa by post.

If you physically can’t make an appointment but you know a friend/family member that can visit a VFS Centre an authorisation letter can be submitted. This authorizes them to submit your application on your behalf. The link for the authorisation letter is here.

THE SECOND OPTION IS OUR COMPANY WEBSITE:

To release your stress of applying for your Indian regular visa let our company sort everything out for you. We charge a service fee but make the procedure faster and easier to follow and offer a zero frustration policy. We can process your application and hand you a regular visa.

1.6 How much does it cost to obtain an Indian Regular Business Visa? How to pay?

PAYMENT IN CASE OF DOING WITH OUR COMPANY:

If you sought the service of our company, then you should pay £20 extra as a service fee.

PAYMENT IN CASE OF DOING WITH THE VFS CENTER ON YOUR OWN:

Remember that banks normally charge an additional 2.5% of the above amount as their service charge.

All visa fees once tendered are non–refundable.

To get to know more about visa fees for each kind of visa you need to pay the attention to this table:

Mode of payment: Cash, Debit/ Credit Card, Postal Order, or Bank Draft payable to “VF Services UK Ltd”.

2. Application process

2.1 Documents to apply for an Indian Regular Tourist Visa

INDIA VISA DOCS FOR KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 16:

– Copy of the birth certificate of the child with the name of at least one parent mentioned;

– A consent letter signed by both parents;

– Copy of passports for both parents and, if parents are not UK nationals, copies of UK visas will be required;

– Copy of the custody agreement is required for single parents.

In the case of a Single Parent, Solicitor’s Letter and Child Benefit letter will be required.

In the case of a Minor’s Application/Declaration, either of the parents can sign the application form.

FOR ARMED FORCES OR POLICE, MEDIA PROFESSIONALS, COMMERCIAL PILOTS, AND CREW MEMBERS, CHARITY AND SOCIAL WORKERS WHO ARE VISITING INDIA FOR TOURISM:

– A letter from the employer which has been addressed to the High Commission of India —confirming they are traveling to India for tourism and will not carry out any professional work;

– For self-employed, a personal letter or undertaking is required to confirm that your travel is for tourist purposes only.

INDIA VISA DOCS FOR NON-UK CITIZENS:

Is it necessary to provide proof of residency in the UK — for at least two years — in the form of a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or council tax bill. However, mobile bills or bank statements will not be accepted. In the case of not being able to provide a proof of address in the UK for two years, applicants must submit an additional form and the processing may take approximately three weeks longer to complete.

INDIA VISA DOCS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE NATIONALITY WAS INDIAN BEFORE OBTAINING FOREIGN NATIONALITY:

– Copy of Indian passport Surrender Certificate

– Copy of their previous passport with an Indian visa if they have traveled to India earlier.

INDIA VISA DOCS FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE BANGLADESHI OR PAKISTANI NATIONALS HAVING PAKISTAN ORIGIN:

– Their Pakistan passport should be provided by all British citizens of Pakistani origin with dual nationality.

Those who are of Pakistani origin should provide proof of the fact that their Pakistani nationality has been surrendered.

INDIA VISA DOCS FOR AFGHANISTAN AND BANGLADESH NATIONALS:

– A letter from the employer and at least a one-month bank statement for Afghanistan and Bangladesh nationals.

When applying for an Indian Regular Business Visa, you must provide the next documents:

FIRST DOCUMENT – VISA APPLICATION FORM

You need to fill in your Long-stay Regular Visa Application Form legibly, and correctly, sign it, and be aware that addresses in India must specify the number, street name, city, and postal code.

Please make use of the following sample screenshots to fill in the form correctly:

In the section ‘Select Country’ you should choose the United Kingdom.

In the section ‘Indian Mission’ you should choose UK-London. If you want to do a postal application please select UK-London. Visa applications by post can be made, as long as it is for a less than 5-year visa duration.

Then you need to select your nationality, date of birth, e-mail ID, date of arrival, visa type, and at last purpose of your trip.

For the field ‘Applicant Details’ complete all sections for the person wishing to obtain a long-term Regular Visa, for Citizenship ID No insert- NA.

For the field ‘Passport Details’ insert the details of the person wishing to obtain a long-term Regular Visa then click ‘Save and Continue’ orange button.

For the field ‘Applicants Address Details’ insert your current address and permanent address, if they are the same tick the box.

For the field ‘Family Details’ insert your father and mother’s name, nationality, place of birth (city), and country of birth.

For the section ‘Marital Status’ choose single or married, and insert details if married.

If you have parents/grandparents who are Pakistan nationals or belong to the Pakistan area give the corresponding information of them.

For the field ‘Profession/Occupation Details of Applicant’ select from the list your present occupation, your employer or business name, address, past occupation, and finally military services if yes. Then you should click ‘Save and Continue’ orange button at the bottom of the form.

All applicants requiring 4 years or less can make a postal application. After deciding the duration of your visa, complete the first section of the form.

For the section ‘Places to be Visited’ write places in India planning to visit into box one and two if required. Of course, if you change plans once in India, it’s not a big deal. At least get the flying into and out of destination on there.

For the section ‘Duration of Visa’ insert the duration in months- so 1 year would be 12, 1.5 years would be 18, etc.

For the section ‘Number of Entries’ insert how many times you can re-enter India, as there is no cost difference between single and multiple entries, it’s best to select multiple unless you know you will only travel to India once whilst the visa is active.

For the section ‘Port of Arrival’ write the airport/seaport city you are planning to enter India, for example, Mumbai.

Section ‘Expected Port of Exit’ is not an obligatory field but if you know, please enter the airport or port you have booked to leave India.

For the section ‘Previous Visa/Current Visa write the necessary details if you have had or have an Indian Visa.

For the section ‘Other Information’ write in the order of countries, you have visited in the last 10 years.

For the section ‘SAARC Countries’ select ‘Yes’ and fill in the details- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka if you have visited any of these countries in the past 3 years.

For the section ‘Reference in India,’ this would be a known reference if you have one in India if you don’t use your hotel/accommodation as a reference.

For the section ‘Reference in the United Kingdom,’ this would be anyone you know who can act as a reference for you in the UK. And at last, you need to click ‘Save and Continue’ orange button.

Finally, you should upload your photo, resize it, save and continue. Then do not forget to check the information you provided properly and click the button ‘Verified and Continue’ if your profile details are correct. If you want to make changes select ‘Modify’.

After your application has been confirmed click the ‘Print Form’ orange button, the completed application will then automatically download a PDF, into your Downloads folder.

If you will be carrying out a postal application there is no need to click ‘Book an Appointment’, unless you are applying for a 5-year visa and biometric data is required.

If you click ‘Book Appointment’ you will be taken to this screen: select the UK Mission you inserted in the application form, then select “Get Appointment.”

SECOND DOCUMENT – DECLARATION FORM

Please do not forget to fill, sign and print your declaration form.

THIRD DOCUMENT – TWO RECENT PHOTOS

Photo requirements:

– front-facing photograph with white background;

– JPEG format;

– no larger than 1 mb in size;

– 50 mm (width) * 50 mm (height).

FOURTH DOCUMENT – ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND PASSPORT COPY WITH AT LEAST TWO BLANK PAGES

A clear colored scan copy of the passport (the first and last page) of the UK with the information pages that has a signature. Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue, and expiry dates. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 180 days.

FIFTH DOCUMENT – COPY OF THE PREVIOUS INDIAN VISA

SIXTH DOCUMENT – LETTER FROM THE PARENT SPONSORING ORGANISATION IN THE UK ON THE COMPANY’S LETTER HEAD INDICATING THE NATURE OF THE APPLICANT’S BUSINESS

SEVENTH DOCUMENT – LETTER FROM THE SPONSORING ORGANISATION IN INDIA ON COMPANY LETTERHEAD INDICATING THE NATURE OF THE APPLICANT’S BUSINESS

Both the letters need to contain the following information:

– addressed to High Commission of India or Consulate General of India, Birmingham, or Consulate General of India, Edinburgh;

– letters need to be on the company’s headed paper;

– letters need to be signed by the authorized signatory of the company, proxy signatures are not acceptable;

– the purpose of the visit;

– applicants name;

– passport number;

– start and expiry date of the passport;

– duration of stay in India per trip;

– a copy of the Registration papers of Company/Companies in India.

EIGHTH DOCUMENT – TWO YEARS OF RESIDENCE PROOF IN THE UK (INCLUDING UTILITY BILL FOR WATER, GAS, ELECTRICITY, COUNCIL TAX EITHER INDEFINITE STAY STAMP OR AGREEMENT PAPERS IF STAYING AS A TENANT) IN THE CASE OF APPLICANTS APPLYING IN THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN PASSPORT

ADDITIONAL DOCS FOR NON-UK PASSPORT HOLDERS:

– Additional Form to be filled by non-UK nationals who have been living in the UK for less than two years;

– Additional form to be filled by Chinese passport holders;

– Additional form to be filled by Sri Lankan passport holders;

– Additional form to be filled by people of Pakistani origin or Pakistani passport holders.

2.2 Steps to apply for an Indian Regular Visa

Irrespective of your visa type, your movements after collecting all the corresponding docs to getting an Indian Regular visa are the same:

FIRST STEP – fill out the India regular visa application form online;

SECOND STEP – book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre;

Once you have filled out your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’. Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.

THIRD STEP – look through and confirmed paid fee for your regular visa;

After completing the application, be sure to revise that all information is accurate. Then you will need to pay for the cost of your regular visa for India. Until the payment of the visa fee is made, the regular visa application for India cannot be processed. Once you have paid the visa for India fee your application will be processed.

FOURTH STEP – attend your scheduled appointment at a visa application center;

You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.

FIFTH STEP – track your application about the progress of your application;

Processed Visa Application documents will be delivered by Post/Courier. A secured courier service is available at the VFS application centers.

In overall,

we do really hope this article has helped you apply for India Regular Visa from the United Kingdom.

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