IndiaVisits and short stays

India conference visa

Conference visa

In short

The conference visa is for attending international conferences, seminars and workshops in India. Participants submit the organiser's invitation, a letter from their employer and copies of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs clearances obtained by the organiser. Eligible nationalities can use the conference variant of the e-Business visa instead.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
The conference visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
No
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

Scope

The Bureau of Immigration lists the conference visa for attending international conferences, seminars and workshops. For e-Visa holders, conference participation is a variant of the e-Business visa, and organisers upload event details on the MHA conference portal; nationals not eligible for the e-Visa use the regular conference visa.

Documents

The invitation letter from the conference organiser, a letter from your employer, copies of the MHA and MEA clearances from India and, if a local sponsor is involved, its no-objection certificate (not needed if you travel in a personal capacity).

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Work

  • Letter from your employer

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs
  • Invitation letter from the conference organiser
  • Copies of MHA and MEA clearances for the event

Fee and payment

The fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which states how to pay; fees are not refunded.

Arrival card and FRRO registration

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Ask the conference organiser for the invitation and the copies of the MHA and MEA clearances for the event.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I attend a conference on a tourist visa?

No. Conferences require the conference visa (or, for eligible nationalities, the e-Business conference variant).

Who obtains the MHA and MEA clearances?

The organiser in India obtains them; you submit copies with your application.

How much is the conference visa?

It depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply; the fee is not refunded.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Medical treatment visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide