Crew members operating General Aviation flights into India must obtain a valid Business Visa issued by an Indian Embassy or Consulate, or apply for an e-Business Visa online prior to arrival.
The Indian e-Visa system has made the process faster and more convenient for international flight crew operating private jets, charter flights, technical stops for crew rest, ferry flights, and other non-scheduled operations into India.
The official Government of India e-Visa website is: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
The standard processing time for an Indian e-Business Visa is approximately 72 working hours. However, approval timelines may vary depending on nationality, documentation, security clearances, and other immigration factors. Operators and crew are therefore advised to apply well in advance of their planned operations into India.
Which Visa Should GA Crew Apply For?
For most General Aviation operations, crew members should apply for:
e-Business Visa (e-B1 V) – ATTEND TECHNICAL/BUSINESS MEETINGS
Purpose: Crew can select ATTEND TECHNICAL/BUSINESS MEETINGS
Validity: 365 days from the date of ETA grant.
Entries: Multiple entries allowed.
Maximum Stay: Continuous stay during each visit must not exceed 180 days.
If the crew member intends to stay longer than 180 days, registration with FRRO/FRO authorities becomes mandatory within two weeks after completion of 180 days.
Indian Airports Approved for e-Visa Entry
Crew holding a valid Indian e-business Visa can enter India through the following airports:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Cochin
- Goa (Dabolim)
- Goa (Mopa)
- Ahmedabad
- Amritsar
- Gaya
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Trichy
- Varanasi
- Calicut
- Mangalore
- Pune
- Nagpur
- Coimbatore
- Bagdogra
- Guwahati
- Chandigarh
- Visakhapatnam
- Madurai
- Bhubaneswar
- Port Blair
- Kannur
- Surat
- Indore
- Vijayawada
Eligible Nationalities for Indian e-Business Visa
The Indian e-Visa facility is available for nationals of several countries worldwide, including:
- USA
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- UAE
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Ukraine
- Sweden
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Austria
- Portugal
- Poland
- Greece
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Colombia
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Note: Refer to the link to see the entire list of countries: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
Documents Required for Indian e-Business Visa
- Copy of Passport containing personal particulars.
- Copy of Business Card: Crew must upload business card/visiting card issued by the company (i.e., Operator). The crew can upload an ID card in the absence of a business card. We can issue the invitation letter if requested by immigration authorities. We need passport copies of crew members to issue invitation letters.Our team will be more than happy to assist you if there are any further requirements.
- Copy of business Invitation Letter: For applying for the Business Visa, some Embassies ask for an invitation/sponsorship letter, which VVIP Flight will gladly provide.
GA Crew Visa Requirements India for Transit Flight / Fuel Stops:
Visa is not required for a fuel stop as long as the crew /pax remain onboard the aircraft (transit).
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Indian e-Business Visa
Step 1: Visit the Official e-Visa Website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Select and open – Apply here for e-Visa
Step 2: Complete Initial Registration
Fill in the details below:
- Nationality/Region
- Passport Type
- Port of Arrival
- Date of Birth
- Email ID
- Visiting India for (Recommended selection for GA Crew: e-Business Visa (e-B1 V) – ATTEND TECHNICAL/BUSINESS MEETINGS)
- Expected Date of Arrival (please note that the e-Business visa process normally takes 72 working hours, and it may take more, depending upon several factors).
Step 3: Fill in Applicant Details and Passport Details
Step 4: Enter Address and Family Details
Step 5: Fill Visa & Operational Details
Step 6: Security & Background Questions
Step 7: Upload Photograph
Step 8: Upload Passport & Supporting Documents
Step 9: Verify Application Carefully
Step 10: Complete Online Visa Fee Payment
If you are a General Aviation crew planning your trip to India, our team will be pleased to assist you step-by-step with your visa application process.
If required, we can also support you with invitation letters and provide world-class aviation support services, including ground handling across India.
Please feel free to contact us for any assistance at: ops@vvipflight.com
Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided in the above article is subject to change without prior notice. We recommend contacting our operations team for the latest regulations, updates, and accurate information before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do General Aviation crew members need a visa to operate flights into India?
Yes. In most cases, General Aviation crew members operating private jet, charter, positioning, ferry, or non-scheduled flights into India are required to obtain a valid Business Visa or e-Business Visa before arrival. Operators should ensure all crew documentation is in place before commencing the flight.
- Which visa is recommended for private jet and charter flight crew flying to India?
For most General Aviation operations, crew members should apply for an e-Business Visa (e-B1 Visa) under the purpose ‘Attend Technical/Business Meetings.’ This visa typically allows multiple entries and is valid for up to one year from the date of approval, subject to prevailing immigration regulations.
- Is a visa required for crew on a technical stop or fuel stop in India?
Generally, a visa is not required for a technical or fuel stop in India, provided that the crew and passengers remain onboard the aircraft and do not clear immigration. If crew members need to disembark for hotel accommodation, crew rest, or operational reasons, an appropriate Indian visa will be required.
- How long does it take to obtain an Indian e-Business Visa for flight crew?
The standard processing time for an Indian e-Business Visa is approximately 72 working hours. However, approval times may vary depending on nationality, documentation requirements, and security clearances. Crew members are strongly advised to apply well in advance of their planned operation.
- Can VVIP Flight assist General Aviation crew with Indian visa applications?
Yes. VVIP Flight assists operators and crew members with the Indian visa application process, including guidance on visa categories, supporting documentation, invitation letters when required, and operational coordination for private jet and charter flights throughout India.
