Visa & Arrival Information for International Participants
3rd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access | Bengaluru, India (2–6 February 2026)
This page provides essential information for political clearance, visa application, and arrival procedures for international participants attending the 3rd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access.
Mandatory Political Clearance (MEA)
As per Government of India regulations, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is mandatory for all foreign participants.
To enable the organisers to initiate this process, all international invitees must submit their details using the form below. Information must be entered exactly as it appears in the passport.
Political Clearance Form:
https://forms.gle/feTqBGqiRhhbtwdF6
Prior Reference Category (Important)
Before proceeding with the visa application, participants must determine whether they fall under the Prior Reference Category, as defined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Are you a national of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iraq, or Sudan; a foreign national of Pakistani origin; or a stateless person (Prior Reference Category)?
If Yes: Your application requires Prior Reference clearance from the Government of India. Additional approvals will be necessary, and processing time may be significantly longer. Early submission of details is strongly advised.
Official References (MHA):
- Conference Visa FAQs:
https://conference.mha.gov.in/events/FAQ.aspx - MHA FAQs on Conference Visa (PDF):
https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/ForeigD-FAQs-on-ConferenceVisa.pdf
Visa Category Applicable
Eligible international participants may apply for an Indian e-Conference Visa.
Official e-Visa Application Portal:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration
Additional official resources:
- Bureau of Immigration: https://boi.gov.in/boi/
- Authorized Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Visa-on-Arrival
Visa-on-Arrival is available only for nationals of:
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
(for visits not exceeding 60 days for Business, Tourism, Conference, or Medical purposes)
More details:
https://boi.gov.in/boi/public/landing
Documents Required for the e-Conference Visa
Mandatory Documents
- Passport copy
(Page containing personal particulars) - Official Invitation Letter from the Organiser
(Issued after submission of Political Clearance Form) - Political Clearance
Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Optional (if applicable)
- Event Clearance
Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Conference Details (for Visa Application)
- Name of Conference:
3rd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access – Bengaluru, India - Duration: 5 days
- Start Date: 2 February 2026
- End Date: 6 February 2026
- Venue: University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
- State: Karnataka
- District: Bengaluru
- Pin Code: 560065
Organiser Details (for Visa Application)
- Organiser:
Dr. Sridhar Gutam
Organising Secretary, 3rd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access – Bengaluru
Joint Secretary, Society for Promotion of Horticulture, Bengaluru
Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - Jointly Organised by:
Society for Promotion of Horticulture (SPH), Bengaluru
ICAR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru
ICAR – Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (ICAR-DKMA), New Delhi
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UASB)
Jaya Prakash Narayan National Centre of Excellence in the Humanities, IIT Indore
CSIR – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi
Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), New Delhi - District: Bengaluru
- Phone: +91 9005760036
- Email: gutam2000@gmail.com
Email: sridhar.gutam@icar.org.in
Important Visa & Arrival Updates
Processing Time
Due to high global demand, visa processing may take longer. Apply at least 14 days before travel.
e-Arrival Card (Foreigners & OCI Card Holders)
- Submit e-Arrival Card (within 72 hours before arrival) on Su-Swagatam Mobile App
- Carry ETA approval and the same passport used for application
Official References
- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- https://boi.gov.in
- Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app
Participant Checklist
Before Applying for Visa
✓ Submit Data for Political Clearance Form and Registration for Invitation Letter
✓ Receive official invitation letter
For the e-Visa Application
✓ Passport bio-page copy
✓ Invitation letter
✓ MEA political clearance
✓ MHA event clearance (if required)