Visas for international conferences, or on certain subjects, as decided by the Government of India from time to time, can be issued only after clearance for the said conference is received from the Government of India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Conference visas are issued for attending conferences or seminars in India. For participation in certain conferences, approval of the concerned authorities in India may be essential and would, therefore, require a longer processing time.
Visas for international conferences, may be issued to delegates if they are able to produce an invitation to a conference/seminar/workshop being organized in India by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings, Central Educational Institutions, Public Funded University or an organization owned and controlled by the Government of India or State Government, UN or its specialized agencies and reputed NGOs.
In the case that the conference/seminar/workshop are being organized in India by private companies a Business visa may be issued and conference visa should not be issued in these cases.
Kindly ensure all the fields of the visa application form are completely filled before submitting including your UK and India referees. Please note if you going for tourism purposes and do not have Indian referees kindly attach a self declaration that you will book your accommodation/ hotels on arrival in India.
Please note that the duration of the visa is at the sole discretion of the Issuing Authority. All visa fees once paid are non-refundable irrespective of the outcome of the visa application and duration granted.
Please download the document
Dual Nationality Citizens
Applicants other than Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan Passport Holders are required to apply on their British Passport.
Applicants from above countries are requested to apply on the passport of the country of origin if they are holding/ residing in UK on that Passport.
Kindly look into the following Important Notices and Documents required section before submitting your visa application:
Import of Satellite Phones into India
Due to the pertaining security reasons, the use and/or import of satellite phones being carried during your travel may be detained by the department of Telecommunication. Please follow through the rules and regulations before your travel.
Under the Indian law, people of Indian origin, who have acquired foreign nationality, are required to surrender their Indian passport (nationality) to the High Commission of India in London or at the respective Indian consulates at Birmingham and Edinburgh before submitting their visa applications.
In view of the spreading of the Swine Influenza A (H1N1), all passengers are required to complete the Health Screening cards, either on arrival or before travelling to India.
Dual Nationality Citizens