From Reading the FAQ's on Tourist Visa's it would seem that Travel to India ( once or twice a year) for purposes of attending a 3-4 week Yoga Course would NOT qualify for either a Tourist nor a Student Category Visa. I know personally 100's of Yoga Students travel to India each year for just that purpose and do so under a Tourist Visa Status. However it states that a Tourist Visa is " granted for visiting India for recreations, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, etc. NO other activity is permissible on a Tourist Visa". I certainly would NOT consider Yoga as being a recreation activity NOR would the Senior Yoga Teachers of India. Yoga as taught in India is much more than asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing). SO, which would be the correct Visa in this case?
Secondary Question: A Tourist Visa ( 6 months or 180 days) states that Registration is NOT required and yet some Yoga Schools state it is definitely required EVEN when I show them the statement on the Visa. I hate adding to the paper chase pile of having to fill out forms in triplicate, plus submit a copy of Visa / Passport and / or photo id when I know it is NOT required.
Suggestions / Comments on either of above would be appreciated from someone in a position knowledge. Thank You.
Secondary Question: A Tourist Visa ( 6 months or 180 days) states that Registration is NOT required and yet some Yoga Schools state it is definitely required EVEN when I show them the statement on the Visa. I hate adding to the paper chase pile of having to fill out forms in triplicate, plus submit a copy of Visa / Passport and / or photo id when I know it is NOT required.
Suggestions / Comments on either of above would be appreciated from someone in a position knowledge. Thank You.
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