Britain, on Tuesday, launched a new “super priority” same-day visa service for Indian business travellers and cash-rich frequent flyers.
Described as the “first of its kind”, the service will be initially available only in Delhi and Mumbai, but there are plans to extend it to Chennai over the next few weeks.
A visa will cost £600 (Rs. 51,000).
The Home Office said the service would be available only to those applying for a six month or two- year multiple entry visitor visa excluding student visit visas; those who have travelled without difficulty in the last five years to one of the following countries: UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or a Schengen country; and employees of companies which are members of the Business Express Programme managed by UK Trade and Investment in India and are travelling on official business.
The visa, announced by Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to India, was “designed with frequent and valued business travelers in mind.” Using the service, however, did not guarantee a visa, officials said.
International business
Immigration Minister Mark Harper said the British Government was “committed to encouraging international business to invest in Britain.”
“India and Britain have a long history of trade and we run our largest visa operation in the world there. We are delighted to be able to launch our first same day visa service in Delhi and Mumbai, and make our world class visa service even better,” he said.
