New Delhi: The Government of India has introduced major changes to its visa regime, aimed at simplifying the entry process for foreign nationals. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a new framework for visa regulations. Under this, the number of primary visa categories has been reduced from 13 to 9, while sub-categories have been cut from 49 to 23.
Furthermore, the number of fields and the amount of information required in visa application forms have been reduced by 65 to 70 percent. The government states that this move will streamline the application process and significantly reduce the paperwork for foreign nationals.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, these reforms are intended to make India’s visa system simpler, more organized, and better aligned with the needs of foreign travelers.
This new framework was finalized on August 27. Previously, in October 2015, the government had also implemented changes to the visa regime, reducing primary categories from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49.
The Ministry noted that the new changes were developed after studying the visa systems of developed nations and international standards. By consolidating categories with similar travel objectives, it will be easier for applicants to select the appropriate visa, thereby encouraging legitimate travel to India.
‘Tourist Visa’ Renamed as ‘Visitor Visa’
Under the new system, the ‘Tourist Visa’ has been renamed as ‘Visitor Visa.’ Its scope has been expanded beyond general tourism to encompass a wider range of activities. It has been divided into two sub-categories:
– V-1 Visa: This category covers activities such as business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short-term medical treatments, and short courses related to Indian languages, music, art, and handicrafts. This visa will be issued for 30 days and will allow for multiple entries into India.
– V-2 Visa: This covers activities permitted under the V-1 category, as well as long-term visits and mountaineering. Depending on the requirement, this visa will be issued with a validity of one, five, or 10 years. For mountaineering, a six-month multiple-entry visa will be provided.
Simplified Rules for Medical Visas
The government has maintained separate provisions for foreign nationals arriving in India for treatment under traditional medicine and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) systems. Medical visas have been divided into four sub-categories:
– M-1 Visa: For medical treatments other than those under the AYUSH system.
– M-2 Visa: For family members or attendants accompanying M-1 visa holders.
– M-3 Visa: For those seeking treatment under the AYUSH system.
– M-4 Visa: For attendants accompanying M-3 visa holders.
Both medical visa categories—along with their e-visa counterparts—will generally offer a one-year validity and the facility for multiple entries into India.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, this will provide relief to foreign patients who need to consult doctors multiple times during their treatment, return for follow-ups, or undergo treatment in various stages. The multiple-entry facility eliminates the need to apply for a new visa each time.
A dedicated AYUSH category will make it easier for foreign patients to select a visa tailored to their specific needs. It will also simplify travel arrangements for those accompanying the patients. The government expects this to boost ‘medical value tourism’ in India.
Two Categories Established for Student Visas
Under the new system, student visas have also been divided into two primary sub-categories: S-1 and S-2. – S-1 Visa: Intended for school-level education, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
– S-2 Visa: Intended for PhD and research scholars enrolled in Indian universities, visiting faculty, foreign researchers, participants in scientific or anthropological expeditions, interns, and those in exchange programs.
Foreign students enrolling in Indian educational institutions through the government’s ‘Study in India’ portal may be granted an e-S1 visa for a maximum duration of five years or the length of their academic program, whichever is shorter. This visa will allow for multiple entries into India.
Changes to Business Visa Categories
Business visas have been divided into two categories—B-1 and B-2—based on the nature and duration of the business activities.
– B-1 Category: Covers long-term, license-based business activities, including cases where foreign nationals establish industrial or commercial ventures in India.
– B-2 Category: Covers short-term, contract-based business activities. This also includes work related to production and investment, conferences, sports, performing arts, and film-related activities.
The government has also introduced special provisions for foreign technical experts, engineers, and subject-matter specialists hired by Indian companies.
Such experts may be permitted to travel to India for tasks including the installation and commissioning of machinery and equipment, quality checks, essential maintenance, production-related activities, the implementation of IT and ERP systems, staff training, supply chain development, plant design, senior management roles, and the provision of technical support.
These professionals may be granted a ‘Production-Investment Business Visa’ under the B-2 category. An e-visa facility will also be available for this purpose. Previously, such arrangements fell under the e-B4 visa category.