I HAVE A MULTIPLE ENTRY INDIAN BUSINESS VISA VALID FOR ONE YEAR. I INTEND TO CONDUCT BUSINESS FOR THE FIRST WEEK AND THEREAFTER TRAVEL TO SOUTHERN INDIA FOR A WEEK’S HOLIDAY. DOES MY BUSINESS VISA PERMIT ME TO DO SO?

The validity of the visa does not begin at the date of entry into India but from the date of issue of the visa. Since you intend staying only for two weeks, the restriction of stays of up to 180 days at a time within India does not affect you. The Indian Business Visa is not convertible to any other type of visa, except in specific cases. Should you be interested in converting, please see the general policy

guidelines on the Indian Government website.

Your Business visa for India allows entry to anywhere in India, except those designated as restricted or protected areas. Since you are to travel in Southern India, the restricted and protected areas should not affect your travels.

Access to the following areas is limited and requires a special permit: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, Havelock Island, Long, Neil Island, Jolly Buoy, North & South Cinque, Red Skin, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, Mt. Harriet, Madhuban, Itanagar, Zin Along, Pasighat, Miao, Namdapha and Tipi, Sejusa (Puki) Bhalukpong, Poo-Khab-Sum, Do-Dhankar-Tabo-Gompa-Kaja, Morang-Dabling;

Jammu and Kasmir, Gampa-Tangar (Only for trekking conducted by approved tour operators and accompanied by State Police Personnel);

Nyoma Sub-Division, Loktak Lake, Imphal, Moirang INA Memorial, Keibul Deer Sanctuary & Waithe Lake Konjam War Memorial;

Mizorma: Vairangte, Thingdawl, and Aizawl;

Sikkim: Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang, Pemayangtse, Tashiging, Zongri in West of Sikkim, Tsangu Lake;

and Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand: Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Niti Shathi and Kalindi Khal in Chamoli and Uttar Kashi Districts, and adjoining areas of Milan Glacier.

Pakistan nationals have few travel options within India, however.