India Overhauls Visa Regime, Cutting Main Categories from 13 to 9

The Centre announced a comprehensive overhaul of India's visa regime, reducing main categories from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23. Officials stated the changes aim to streamline entry procedures for foreign travelers, medical tourists, students, and business professionals. The Ministry of Home Affairs also trimmed application form fields by 65 to 70 percent across all sub-categories to reduce the information required from applicants. This follows an earlier rationalization phase in October 2025.

Visitor and Medical Visa Restructuring

The traditional Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa to encompass a broader scope of activities. Divided into V-1 and V-2 sub-categories, it accommodates short-term meetings, wellness retreats, and cultural courses. The V-1 option grants a 30-day multiple-entry stay, whereas V-2 offers extended validity of one, five, or ten years, alongside specialized mountaineering provisions. Meanwhile, the Medical Visa framework has been reorganized into conventional treatment under M-1 and AYUSH-related care under M-3, supported by dedicated attendant visas labeled M-2 and M-4.

Consolidated Student and Business Categories

Educational pursuits are now split into two consolidated paths: S-1 for general school, graduate, and postgraduate studies, and S-2 for doctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and exchange programs. Eligible students using the Study in India portal may secure an e-S1 visa lasting up to five years or course duration. Similarly, the Business Visa system now features B-1 for long-term industrial ventures and B-2 for short-term contractual assignments, conferences, and technical expert deployments.

India currently offers e-visa processing to nationals of 172 countries. The government is actively upgrading its information technology infrastructure to implement the revised framework across all operational channels.