The India Business e-Visa (e-Business Visa) allows foreign nationals to enter India for business purposes such as meetings, trade fairs, and setting up ventures. It grants a 1-year multiple-entry stay of up to 180 days per visit and costs between $25 and $80 depending on your nationality. You can apply entirely online through the official indianvisaonline.gov.in portal.
The Business e-Visa is one of several e-Visa categories available for India. If you are visiting India for commercial or trade-related reasons rather than tourism or medical treatment, this is the visa you need.
What Is the India Business e-Visa?
The India Business e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Government of India that permits foreign nationals to engage in business activities in the country. It is part of the broader India e-Visa system introduced to simplify the visa application process.
Unlike a regular business visa that requires a visit to an embassy or consulate, the Business e-Visa can be obtained entirely online. You submit your application, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email.
The e-Business Visa is officially classified as the e-B1 Visa in the Indian government’s visa system. There are also sub-variants (e-B5 and e-B6) for specific conference and event-related travel.
Who Can Use the Business e-Visa?
The e-Business Visa is available to citizens of over 160 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. Eligible business activities include:
- Attending business meetings and negotiations
- Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Setting up industrial or business ventures
- Conducting business tours
- Delivering lectures under the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN)
- Recruiting manpower
- Participating in sports events (as a business participant)
If your activities fall outside these categories, you may need a different type of India visa.
India Business e-Visa: Duration and Validity
The e-Business Visa comes in different validity options depending on the purpose of travel:
| Visa Type | Validity | Entries | Max Continuous Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-B1 Business Visa | 1 year (365 days) from ETA grant | Multiple | 180 days per visit |
| e-B5 (Conference) | 30 days from arrival | Multiple | 30 days total |
| e-B6 Business Visa | 1 year (365 days) from ETA grant | Multiple | 180 days per visit |
Key points about validity:
- The 1-year validity begins from the date the ETA is granted, not the date you enter India.
- You can enter and exit India multiple times during the validity period.
- If you plan to stay longer than 180 consecutive days, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within two weeks after the 180-day mark.
- The e-B5 conference visa is specifically for attending conferences organized by Indian government bodies, where event organizers must upload documentation to the MHA website.
India Business e-Visa Requirements
Before applying, make sure you have all required documents ready. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for processing delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these conditions:
- Valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India
- At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
- An ordinary passport (diplomatic or official passports have different procedures)
Read our detailed guide on India visa passport requirements for more specifics.
Photo Requirements
You need a recent digital photograph that meets these specifications:
- Color photo with a white background
- Dimensions: minimum 350 x 350 pixels (square format)
- JPEG format, file size between 10 KB and 1 MB
- Face should occupy 60-80% of the frame
- Neutral expression, eyes open, looking straight at the camera
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
For the full specification, see our India visa photo requirements guide.
Business-Specific Documents
In addition to your passport and photo, you will need:
- Business card or company letterhead showing your name, designation, and company details
- Invitation letter from the Indian company or organization you are visiting (recommended but not always mandatory)
- Company registration documents if you are setting up a new business venture in India
- Return or onward flight ticket showing intent to leave India within the visa validity
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in India
Additional Requirements for US, UK, and Canadian Citizens
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada face the same core requirements but should note:
- Processing fees are higher for US citizens (see fees section below)
- Applications may require additional scrutiny and take slightly longer
- Multiple-entry business e-Visa is available for 1-year and 5-year validity
India Business e-Visa Fees
The fee for the India Business e-Visa depends on your nationality and the duration of the visa. All fees are paid online during the application process via credit card, debit card, or payment wallet.
| Nationality Group | 1-Year Business e-Visa Fee | 30-Day Conference e-Visa Fee |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $80 | $25 |
| United Kingdom | $80 | $25 |
| Canada | $80 | $25 |
| Australia | $80 | $25 |
| Most EU countries | $80 | $25 |
| SAARC countries | $25 | $25 |
| Japan | $25 | Free |
| Other eligible countries | $40-$80 | $25 |
Important fee notes:
- An additional bank processing fee of 2.5-3% is charged on top of the base visa fee.
- Fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
- The Government of India does not charge any emergency or express processing fees. Anyone claiming to expedite your application for an extra fee is not affiliated with the official process.
- Fee amounts can change; always verify the exact amount displayed during your application at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
For a complete breakdown of all India visa types and fees, visit our India visa fees guide.
How to Apply for India Business e-Visa: Step-by-Step
The entire application process takes place online and typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on “Apply here for e-visa.” This is the only official portal for India e-Visa applications. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra service fees.
For a detailed walkthrough of the application process, see our guide on how to apply for India e-Visa online.
Step 2: Select Visa Type
Choose e-Business Visa from the list of e-Visa categories. You will also need to select:
- Your nationality/passport-issuing country
- Port of arrival (airport or seaport you will enter through)
- Expected date of arrival in India
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Complete the application form with:
- Full name (exactly as it appears in your passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Current address and contact information
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Previous India visa details (if any)
- Profession and employer details
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload the following in the required formats:
- Passport bio page scan (PDF, max 300 KB)
- Digital passport photo (JPEG, 10 KB to 1 MB)
- Business card or invitation letter (PDF or JPEG)
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay the visa fee online using a credit card, debit card, or payment wallet. The site accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and several regional payment options. SBI ePay and Axis Bank handle payment processing.
Step 6: Receive Your ETA
After submission, your application will be reviewed by Indian immigration authorities. You will receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at your registered email address, typically within 72 hours (3 business days). The ETA is a PDF document that you must print and carry with you.
If any documents are missing or unclear, you will receive an email asking you to re-upload them within 24 hours of submission. You can also check your application status and re-upload documents through the portal.
India Business e-Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for an India Business e-Visa is:
| Processing Scenario | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 72 hours (3 business days) |
| With document issues | Up to 5-7 business days |
| Peak season (Oct-Mar) | May take up to 7 business days |
Tips for faster processing:
- Apply at least 4 business days before your travel date
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in the correct format
- Double-check your passport number and personal details before submitting
- Monitor your email (including spam folder) for any document re-upload requests
The Government of India states there is no express or emergency processing option for e-Visas. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
India Business e-Visa vs Regular Business Visa
If you are deciding between the e-Business Visa and a traditional sticker visa, here is how they compare:
| Feature | Business e-Visa | Regular Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Fully online | Embassy/consulate visit |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | 5-15 business days |
| Validity | 1 year | Up to 5-10 years |
| Max stay per visit | 180 days | 180 days |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Cost | $25-$80 + bank fee | $100-$250 |
| Documents needed | Digital only | Physical submission |
| Visa sticker in passport | No (ETA on phone/print) | Yes |
When to choose the e-Business Visa:
- You need to travel within the next 1-2 weeks
- You are visiting for meetings, trade fairs, or short-term business
- You prefer the convenience of an online application
- Your trip is under 1 year
When to choose a regular business visa:
- You need a multi-year validity (5 or 10 years)
- You travel to India very frequently
- Your activities require a longer uninterrupted stay
- Your nationality is not eligible for the e-Visa
Compare all visa types in our India visa types overview.
Authorized Entry Points for Business e-Visa
Holders of the India Business e-Visa can enter and exit through the following authorized immigration checkpoints:
Airports
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kannur, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam.
Seaports
Mumbai, Goa (Mormugao), Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, and Kolkata.
You must enter and exit through one of these designated checkpoints. Entering through a non-designated port may result in denial of entry.
FAQs About India Business e-Visa
Can I work in India on a Business e-Visa?
No. The Business e-Visa does not authorize employment in India. It is strictly for business activities such as meetings, trade fairs, and setting up ventures. If you plan to work or take up employment, you need an India Employment Visa.
Can I extend my Business e-Visa while in India?
e-Visas generally cannot be extended or converted to other visa types while in India. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a new visa from outside India or, for stays exceeding 180 days, register with the FRRO within two weeks of the 180-day mark.
How many times can I enter India on a Business e-Visa?
The 1-year Business e-Visa (e-B1) allows multiple entries. You can enter and exit India as many times as you need during the 365-day validity period, with each stay capped at 180 consecutive days.
Is the India Business e-Visa available for citizens of Pakistan?
No. Pakistani nationals are not eligible for the e-Visa system. Pakistani citizens must apply for a regular visa through the Indian High Commission or Embassy. The same restriction applies to holders of Pakistani-origin travel documents.
What happens if my Business e-Visa application is rejected?
If your e-Visa application is rejected, you will receive a notification by email. The visa fee is non-refundable. You can reapply or choose to apply for a regular business visa through an Indian embassy or consulate, which may have different approval criteria.
Do I need to print the e-Visa or can I show it on my phone?
While the Indian government accepts the ETA displayed on a mobile device, it is strongly recommended to carry a printed copy. Some airlines require a printed ETA before allowing boarding, and immigration officials may request a physical copy at the checkpoint.
Can I attend conferences on a Business e-Visa?
Yes, but for conferences organized by Indian government bodies, you may need the e-B5 conference visa variant (30-day validity). For private business conferences and trade shows, the standard e-B1 Business e-Visa is appropriate.
How far in advance should I apply for a Business e-Visa?
You can apply up to 120 days before your intended travel date. It is recommended to apply at least 4-7 business days in advance to allow for processing time and any potential document re-upload requests.
Is the India Business e-Visa the same as a work permit?
No. The Business e-Visa is for short-term business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and trade fairs. It does not authorize employment or long-term work in India. For employment, you need an India Employment Visa, which requires a job offer from an Indian employer.
Can I apply for an India Business e-Visa if I have dual citizenship?
You should apply using the passport you will travel with. India does not recognize dual citizenship. If you hold an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you may not need a visa at all. Compare your options in our OCI vs Indian Visa guide.
