A Major Simplification
In a move designed to boost tourism, education, and business engagement, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has undertaken a significant rationalisation of its visa framework. The number of main visa categories has been reduced from 13 to a more manageable
nine, and the extensive list of 49 sub-categories has been trimmed down to 23. This follows a previous simplification in October 2025, which had already cut the main categories from 22 to 13. The goal is to eliminate confusing overlaps and provide a clearer, purpose-based structure for anyone planning to visit, from tourists and students to investors and medical patients.
Less Paperwork, Faster Processing
Beyond reducing the number of visa types, the government has also simplified the application forms themselves. Applicants will find that the number of fields they need to fill out has been slashed by as much as 65-70%. This initiative aims to reduce the time and effort required to complete an application while allowing immigration officials to process them more efficiently. The changes, which were announced on August 27, 2026, are being implemented now, with the updated IT systems expected to be fully operational and granting visas under the new framework by the end of the year.
Visitor Visa Replaces Tourist Visa
One of the most significant changes is the renaming and restructuring of the Tourist Visa. It is now called the 'Visitor Visa' to reflect a broader range of permitted activities. This new category is split into two sub-types: the V-1 and V-2. The V-1 visa is for short-term stays of up to 30 days with multiple entries and covers not just tourism but also activities like short business meetings, wellness retreats, and brief medical consultations. The V_2 visa is designed for longer-duration visits, offering validity of one, five, or ten years for those eligible, and covers all activities under V_1 plus mountaineering.
Clearer Paths for Business and Study
The Business Visa category has also been consolidated into two streams. The B_1 visa is for long_term activities, such as establishing a business venture in India. The B_2 visa caters to short_term, contract_based work, including conferences, film production, and technical assignments by specialists and engineers. Similarly, the Student Visa is now grouped into the S_1 category for school and university education and the S_2 category for research scholars, PhD candidates, and interns. Students applying through the 'Study in India' portal may be granted an e_S1 visa for up to five years.
Enhanced Medical and Other Visas
To promote India as a destination for medical care, the visa framework now includes distinct provisions for different types of treatment. The M_1 visa is for conventional medical treatment, while the M_3 visa is specifically for those seeking treatment under traditional Indian systems like AYUSH. Both will have a default validity of one year with multiple entries to accommodate extended treatment plans. The other main visa categories in the new, streamlined system include Journalist, Work, Diplomatic, Official, and a 'Miscellaneous' category for people of Indian origin and dependents.
