Big visa reform: India reduces visa categories from 13 to 9, simplifies entry rules

The consolidation of similar travel purposes aims to provide greater clarity and make it easier for foreign visitors to identify the appropriate visa category while facilitating legitimate international arrivals.

India simplifies visa categories

The revised framework seeks to streamline the visa application process by bringing similar travel purposes under fewer categories.

The move is expected to make it easier for foreign nationals to understand visa requirements and apply under the appropriate category.

E-visa facility available to 172 countries

Currently, India's e-visa facility is processed through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and is available under 13 sub-categories.

The facility is presently accessible to nationals of 172 countries, allowing eligible foreign travellers to apply for visas electronically before arriving in India.

Visitor Visa: greater flexibility for short and long stays

The erstwhile Tourist Visa has been renamed Visitor Visa, reflecting a broader range of permitted purposes beyond conventional tourism. The category has been organised into two sub-categories, V-1 and V-2, so that applicants may select a visa suited to the nature and duration of their proposed visit.

V-1 Visa: In addition to other eligible visitor activities, it covers short-term activities such as business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short-duration medical treatment and short-term courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft. It is granted for 30 days with multiple entries.

V-2 Visa: Intended for longer-duration visits, with validity of 1, 5 or 10 years, as specified. It covers the activities permissible under V-1 and mountaineering. For mountaineering, a visa of six months, with multiple entries, will be granted.

By bringing a wider range of short visits under a clearly identified category, the new arrangement makes visa selection simpler for travelers who may combine leisure with business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats or cultural learning, short duration yoga programme.

The longer-duration V-2 option provides continuity and convenience for eligible repeat visitors, while the specific mountaineering provision addresses the distinct needs of such travel.

Medical Visa: continuity of care and ease of repeat visits

The Medical Visa framework retains separate provisions for treatment under conventional and AYUSH systems. M-1 Visa covers medical treatment other than treatment under AYUSH systems, while M-3 Visa covers treatment under AYUSH systems.

M-1 and M-3 Visas, including their e-Visa variants, will be granted for one year as a default option with multiple entries. Corresponding medical attendant visa provisions are also available accordingly M-2 and M-4 Visas will be granted for attendant of M-1 and M-3 visa holders respectively.

This arrangement gives patients greater predictability when treatment involves multiple consultations, follow-up appointments or staged procedures. Multiple-entry validity can reduce the need for repeated visa applications during a course of care, while the distinct AYUSH provision helps applicants identify the appropriate treatment route.

The availability of attendant visas also facilitates support by accompanying persons. This will encourage Medical Value Tourism in India as per  the Prime Minister’s Vision of Heal in India.

Student Visa: clearer pathways for education and research

The Student Visa category has been consolidated into two broad sub-categories. S-1 Visa covers school, graduate and post-graduate education. S-2 Visa covers PhD and research scholars in Indian universities, visiting faculty, foreign research students visiting India for research, scientific and anthropological expeditions, internships and exchange students, among other specified academic activities.

For foreign students enrolled in Indian educational institutions through the Study in India portal, the e-S1 Visa may be granted for up to five years or for the duration of the academic course, whichever is less, with multiple entries.

These provisions offer students a more readily identifiable visa pathway and greater certainty for academic planning. Longer validity linked to the course duration can also minimise procedural interruptions and make it easier for eligible students to travel during their studies.

Business Visa: clearer provisions for investment and specialized activities

The Business Visa category has been consolidated into B-1 and B-2. B-1 Visa covers long-term, licence-based business activities, including foreign nationals seeking to establish industrial or business ventures in India. B-2 Visa covers short-term, contract-based business activities, including Production Investment Business, conferences, sports, performative arts and films.

A specific provision has also been made for foreign subject-matter specialists, engineers and technical personnel engaged by Indian companies in activities such as installation and commissioning, quality checks and essential maintenance, production, IT and ERP ramp-up, training, supply-chain development, plant design and bring-up, senior management and technical support, including transfer of know-how, technology and services.

Such personnel may be granted a Production Investment Business Visa under the B-2 category through the e-Visa platform. This was earlier granted under e-B4 visa nomenclature.

This differentiation gives businesses greater clarity when planning long-term investments as against short-term contractual assignments. The dedicated provision for technical specialists can facilitate timely deployment of expertise for setting up and operationalising industrial facilities, transferring technology, training personnel and supporting production, thereby improving predictability for companies and foreign professionals alike.

Simpler, purpose-based visa framework

Taken together, the changes reduce overlap between visa categories and make the framework easier to navigate for visitors, patients, students, researchers, investors and business professionals.

The rationalisation is intended to support legitimate travel, education, healthcare and economic engagement with India through clearer, purpose-based visa options, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and conditions.