work or travel visa?

NikkiSunshine

Hello, hoping someone can provide an answer, to ease my mind.

I travelled to India last fall on a work visa for my company, which is valid for 2 entries and one year.

I am travelling back in 5 weeks for personal travel. Do I need to apply for a separate tourist visa? Or will my work one be sufficient for this trip? I know when entering Delhi it won't be a huge deal, but we are travelling to Sikkim where I understand I will be required to show my visa for permission to enter, and don't want to get denied due to personal travel on a business visa.

I'm thinking it won't be an issue, since I'm sure people travel while there on business anyway, but I am not working this trip at all. Any guidance?

Thanks!

sanjmeister

Hi Nikki,

I can't give a definitive answer, so I would strongly recommend you to contact the Indian Embassy in your jurisdiction directly.

You shouldn't have a problem travelling on a business visa, as change of purpose is generally allowed on all but student visas. However, access to Sikkim would be a problem without appropriate permissions.

The embassy should be quite helpful in this regard.

sanj

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Visas4India

crvlvr

It looks like once you get a business visa, you can use it for multiple entries without further documentation. To be safe, make sure you take a copy of the letter from your employer that was submitted as part of the original visa application.

Merchant

I think I would get the tourist visa. No one in India bats an eye at tourist visas. If you are going to Sikkim, they may ask you about your business, etc. I don't think you would be deined on the business visa; you'll just might reduce the likelihood of time-wasting hassles and paperwork.

sanjmeister

To visit Sikkim, you will need a restricted area permit, which can be obtained from your nearest embassy.

For more info:

sikkim restricted area

sanj