Okay, folks, let’s dive into how I actually got my business visa for India. It wasn’t as scary as I thought, but it definitely took some doing.
Getting Started: The Online Application
First things first, I jumped onto the official Indian e-Visa website. Gotta make sure you’re on the right one, there are a few look-alikes out there.
I picked the “e-Business Visa” option. Then came the fun part – filling out the application. It’s pretty long, so grab a coffee. I made sure to have all my info handy:
- Passport details (obviously!) – number, expiration date, all that jazz.
- Digital photo – I just took a selfie against a white wall. Make sure it’s clear and meets their size requirements.
- Business card – I scanned mine in.
- Invitation letter from the Indian company – This was crucial. I got the company I was visiting to send me a formal letter on their letterhead, explaining the purpose of my visit and the dates. It MUST include Company registration number.
- My company’s registration details.
I filled out everything super carefully, double-checking every entry. I’ve heard horror stories of people getting rejected for silly mistakes.
Paying the Fee and Waiting…
Once I submitted the application, I paid the fee online using my credit card. It wasn’t cheap, I paid around $100, but hey, that’s the price of doing business, right?
Then came the waiting game. The website said it usually takes 3-5 business days, but I’ve heard it can take longer. I kept checking my email like a hawk.
Getting the Email and Printing the ETA
After about four days, I finally got an email! It had the subject line “Regarding e-Visa application (Application ID)”. I opened it with bated breath.
Inside was the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It’s basically a PDF document that says you’re good to go. I printed it out – you NEED to have a printed copy when you arrive in India.
At the Airport – Immigration
When I landed in India, I followed the signs for “e-Visa”. There’s a separate counter for e-Visa holders, which is usually faster than the regular lines (win!).
At the counter, I handed over my passport, the printed ETA, and they took my fingerprints and photo. The officer stamped my passport, and that was it! I was officially in India, ready for business.
Honestly, the whole process was pretty straightforward, just a bit tedious. The key is to be organized, have all your documents ready, and fill out the application accurately. Good luck!
