Applying for a Multiple Entry India Visa

You can obtain a multiple entry India visa for the purpose of either tourism or business. Such visas are available to applicants who would like to enter India multiple times over a specific period of time without the trouble of applying for a visa each time they want to go. This article will provide you with basic information about multiple entry India visas including what is required in order to get one.

The Indian government has recently made modifications to the visa requirements. It is now required for all applicants to submit a copy of either their birth certificate or school diploma. It is recommended that you not submit an original document but only a copy. The Indian consular services will not assume responsibility for original documents that are mailed to them.

To obtain a multiple entry visa to India, you are also required to submit a completed application form for India tourist visa, a passport that is still valid and two passport-style photographs that are 2x2 inches. Note, you can no longer submit photos in which you are wearing glasses.

There are additional requirements for business visas which include a business letter on company letterhead that specifies the nature of business you plan to conduct in India and the name of a reference in India. The validity and number of entries you are requesting should also be stated in the letter. The organization in India must provide the applicant with a sponsor letter that can be submitted together with the application. This also has to be written on company letterhead.

The multiple entry tourist visas have validity of either 6 months or 10 years. The multiple entry business visas have validity of 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. You have to prove the need for the validity that is requested.

Another change that the Indian government made recently is the establishment of a two-month gap period between visits. Travelers who receive a multiple entry visa to India are now required to wait two months before re-entering the country. This restriction only applies to tourist visas.

According to the Embassy of India, the reason for this new requirement is to "curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa." There is no explanation concerning neither the type of abuse or misuse that has gone on nor how this new regulation will combat it.

Tourists who want to visit India before the two month gap is completed must present a special request from the respective Head of Mission. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.

Visa fees paid to the Indian consular services vary depending on the type and validity of the visa you want to obtain. Fees range from $73 for a 6-month tourist visa to $253 for a 10-year business visa. The Embassy of India has outsourced the processing of visa applications.

If your departure date is coming up quickly, you can use an expediter to get your India visa fast.

Source: Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for up-to-the-date passport, visa and travel information for international travel. Access destination guides including articles about travel to India.