ICANN57 Travel and Visa
To attend ICANN57 in India, interested applicants may visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on “Regular Visa Application” Tab in (Red). Please select the Visa Type as Conference Visa after filling all relevant details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Visa Applications
This information is based on our current knowledge of visa requirements and the application process. We will update it as and when we receive new information from the Government of India.
ICANN's role in the visa application process is to share information as we receive it, and to assist you by getting answers to your questions. However, all policies and decisions regarding visas are those of the Government of India alone.
If you have a question that you don't find here, email our help desk: icann57visasupport@icann.org.
Q: Do I need a Conference visa to attend ICANN57?
A: Most foreign nationals attending ICANN57 will need a valid Conference visa. To find out if you need a visa, check the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs website or contact your local Indian diplomatic mission.
Q: Who is eligible for a Conference visa?
A: You must meet all of these conditions:
- You are a foreign national who is required to obtain a Conference visa.
- The sole purpose for your visit is to attend a conference, seminar or workshop.
- You hold a valid passport and a re-entry permit (if required by your country of nationality).
- You are not prohibited from entering and staying in India for any reason.
- You have the financial resources for the entire trip, demonstrated by having a return ticket and enough spending money.
Q: How do I obtain a Conference visa? Where can I learn about the timeline, application process and required documents?
A: ICANN has worked extensively with the Government of India to ensure a smooth process for all visa applications. To help you, ICANN has put together a visa application guide with an estimated timeline, step-by-step instructions and a list of all required documents.
Q: Are the visa application process and timeline the same for every country?
A: The application process and timeline may vary from country to country. We recommend that you verify them with your local Indian diplomatic mission.
Q: What is the duration of a Conference visa?
A: A Conference visa covers the duration of the conference plus travel time.
Q: Can I use my existing Business visa instead of applying for a Conference visa?
A: We advise you to apply for a Conference visa even if you hold a valid Business visa. The Government of India has assured us that your existing Business visa will remain valid even if you apply for and obtain a Conference visa.
Q: Can I use my existing Tourist visa instead of applying for a Conference visa?
A: No, a Tourist visa is not valid for ICANN57. You must apply for a Conference visa.
Q: Can I use a Conference visa to tour India before or after ICANN57?
A: Please use your discretion on how you wish to spend your time in India before or after attending ICANN57. It is recommended that you check with the local Indian mission if you wish to travel early or extend your stay and combine tourism or work with ICANN57.
Q: I was told that I cannot apply for the Conference visa until two weeks before traveling. Is there a way I can apply earlier?
A: The Government of India has requested that the Ministry of External Affairs and concerned missions allow for earlier applications.
Q: I'm applying from Pakistan. I was asked to provide the India Reference's employment card and proof of address. Can you help?
A: The Government of India has emailed these documents to the Indian mission in Pakistan.
Q: I'm applying from Canada. I was asked to provide copies of the actual clearance letter. Can you help?
A: The Government of India has emailed the clearance letter to the Indian mission in Ottawa.
Q: My embassy is requesting additional documentation for my application. Who can help me?
A: Clearance letters should already have been sent to all missions. But if your embassy requests additional documentation, contact our help desk: icann57visasupport@icann.org.
Q: I intend to go to India for a business visit before heading to ICANN57. Can I apply for the ICANN57 Conference visa?
A: Please contact our visa help desk (icann57visasupport@icann.org) with your travel dates so we can advise you accordingly.
Q: I have business meetings in India before attending ICANN57, but not in Hyderabad. Will this be an issue with the Conference visa?
A: Please contact our visa help desk (icann57visasupport@icann.org) with your travel dates so we can advise you accordingly.
Q: I'm from Japan. Can I enter Hyderabad with an Official visa and passport (ie official/diplomatic passport) instead of applying for a Conference visa?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: I'm from Congo. Can I enter Hyderabad with an Official visa and passport (ie official/diplomatic passport) instead of applying for a Conference visa?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: My embassy is asking for a Political Clearance letter from the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Where can I get this letter?
A: Please download this letter from our meetings website (https://meetings.icann.org/en/hyderabad57/visa-application-guide-india).
Transportation
Q: Is ICANN providing shuttle buses between the airport and my hotel? If not, how can I arrange transportation?
A: ICANN is not providing shuttle buses to and from the airport. You can reserve your own transportation via the ICANN57 website (links to be posted by mid-October). At the airport, representatives at the ICANN Airport Welcome desk can help arrange for a taxi to your hotel.
Q: Will shuttle bus service be available during the meeting?
A: ICANN will provide daily shuttle service between the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) and these hotels listed on the ICANN Meetings website: Trident, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt Gachibowli, Park Hyatt, Holiday Inn Gachibowli, Radisson Hi Tec, Lemon Tree, Red Fox, as well as Oakwood and Ibis, which are not listed.
The exceptions are the three Taj hotels listed on the ICANN Meetings website. Taj hotels will provide their own shuttle or car transfers to and from the HICC. If you are staying in a Taj hotel, verify the shuttle service with them directly.
Q: When will shuttle buses run?
A: Shuttle buses will run in the morning, at midday and in the evening. ICANN is still developing the final shuttle bus schedule, and will post it on the ICANN57 Meetings website by mid-October.
Q. If I miss the shuttle buses to and from the HICC, what is the recommended mode of transportation?
A: If you have missed the shuttle buses going to the HICC, contact hotel staff to make arrangements for a taxi.
You shouldn't have a problem with shuttle buses from the HICC to your hotel. The evening shuttles will run until all delegates have departed for the day, which should be no later than 20:00 India Standard Time (IST).
Q: How will ICANN ensure the safety of ICANN57 attendees on the shuttle buses?
A: Our host government has pledged their full support to the ICANN community during the event. ICANN security has already put risk-mitigation measures in place for travel to and from the HICC. These safeguards include designated routes to the meeting venue, unique vehicle identification for police checkpoints and escorts, shuttle communication protocols, local police route and journey management support, and quick response measures. In addition, vehicle access will be controlled at the entrance to the HICC compound to ensure safe arrival at the ICANN57 meeting venue.
Health and Security Concerns
Q: Where can I find the list of vaccinations required for India?
A: See the list here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india
Q: Is it safe for women to travel around Hyderabad at night?
A: Follow these basic safety guidelines:
- Travel with a trusted group and use prearranged transportation (preferably from your hotel).
- Minimize travel after dark; even group travel does not eliminate risks entirely.
- Before getting in a taxi, give the taxi and driver details to someone you trust (colleague, friend, relative).
- Dress conservatively by generally accepted standards, carry a scarf or shawl and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the chest, arms to the elbow, and legs.
- Always keep your food and drinks in sight, particularly if with a recent or casual acquaintance.
- At all times, carry a mobile telephone programmed with useful and emergency contact numbers.