India cuts visa categories to nine, application forms to be 70% shorter

India has simplified its visa regime, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23, while cutting the information required in application forms by 65% to 70%, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

The changes, announced on Wednesday, are aimed at making the visa process easier for foreign tourists, students, patients, researchers, investors and business professionals.

Under the revised framework, the Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa and divided into two sub-categories, V-1 and V-2, allowing applicants to choose according to the purpose and duration of their visit.

The V-1 visa will permit multiple entries over 30 days and cover activities including business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short-term medical treatment and courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft. The V-2 visa will be available for one, five or 10 years, depending on eligibility.

The government has also introduced provisions for foreign subject-matter experts, engineers and technical personnel undertaking assignments in India, including installation, maintenance, training and technology transfer.

The MHA said it was updating its information technology systems, with visas under the revised framework expected to be issued by the end of 2026.