In the context of globalization, India is not only famous as a cultural tourism destination but also as a hub for hosting many important international conferences. To facilitate foreign delegates, the Government of India has implemented the e-Conference Visa (electronic visa for conferences). This is a special type of online visa that allows foreigners to attend approved conferences, seminars, and workshops in India.
The article below provides detailed information about eligibility, specific requirements, duration of stay, validity, required documents, fees, and other important notes when applying for an Indian e-Conference Visa.

Eligibility Conditions for e-Conference Visa

To be granted an e-Conference Visa, applicants must meet the following basic conditions:

• Valid nationality: Citizens of more than 160 countries (including Vietnam) are eligible for e-Visa.

• Valid passport: At least 6 months validity from the date of application with at least 2 blank pages.

• Clear purpose of entry: Only to attend a conference, seminar, workshop, or symposium in India, not for other purposes.

• Return ticket or onward ticket to another country.

• Proof of financial means: Ensure sufficient funds for stay in India.

• Application details must match passport information.

Applicants NOT eligible for e-Conference Visa include:

• Holders of Pakistani passports or of Pakistani origin (they must apply for a regular visa at the Embassy).

• Holders of diplomatic, official, or UN travel documents.

• Individuals traveling on shared passports (each person must have their own).

• Holders of international travel documents instead of regular passports.

Specific Requirements by the Government of India

Not every conference qualifies for an e-Conference Visa. According to Indian regulations:

• The conference must be organized by a recognized authority, usually Ministries, government bodies, state authorities, or public sector undertakings (PSUs).

• Privately or NGO-organized conferences may also qualify but require official approval and permits.

• Any international conference with foreign participants must have clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Thus, when applying for an e-Conference Visa, applicants must attach:

• Official invitation letter from the conference organizer.

• Event approval from MHA.

• Political Clearance from MEA.

If these approvals are not available, the applicant must apply for a regular (sticker) Conference Visa at the Embassy/Consulate.

Maximum Stay Duration

• The e-Conference Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.

• It is a single-entry visa. Once you leave India, it expires even if the 30 days are not complete.

• It cannot be extended under any circumstances.

• Each visa is tied to one specific conference only.

Validity

• Valid for 30 days from the date of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) issuance.

• The applicant must enter India and attend the conference within this period.

• After entry, the visa allows up to 30 continuous days of stay.

• The e-Visa application must be submitted at least 4 days before travel and up to 120 days before the intended entry date.

Required Documents

When applying, applicants must prepare electronic copies to upload online:

• Passport: Color scan of the bio page in PDF format, as per size rules.

• Photograph: White background, front-facing, JPEG format with standard dimensions.

• Invitation letter from the conference organizer (with event name, date, and venue).

• MHA approval letter (usually provided by the organizer).

• MEA Political Clearance.

• Online fee payment: via international card or PayPal.

Additional details required: accommodation information, occupation, marital status, family details, etc. All documents must be in English.

At entry, travelers should carry:

• Printed ETA.

• Return flight ticket.

• Proof of sufficient funds (cash or credit card).

Processing Time, Fees & Notes

• Processing time: Normally 3–5 working days, sometimes faster (2–3 days). Urgent services may approve in 1–3 days.

• Fees: Depend on nationality, ranging from about 13 USD to over 100 USD.

• Payment: By international card or PayPal, non-refundable.

Other Notes:

• Biometrics (fingerprints) taken at entry.

• Not valid in restricted/protected or military areas.

• Only valid for conference attendance and short tourism activities.

• Always carry your passport and printed e-Visa.

Conclusion

The e-Conference Visa is an essential option for international delegates attending approved conferences and seminars in India. However, it is short-term, single-entry, and non-extendable. Applicants must carefully prepare documents, including invitation letters and approvals from MHA and MEA.
At India-immi.org, we do not process e-Conference Visa applications directly. Our services only support e-Tourist Visa and e-Business Visa applications. However, we provide the most accurate and updated information about e-Conference Visas to help you prepare documents conveniently at the Embassy or India’s official government portal.

👉 If you need an e-Tourist Visa or e-Business Visa to travel to India, apply now at India-immi.org for fast and professional support.