India simplifies visa norms; categories cut, forms to be 70% leaner
Tourist visa renamed ‘visitor visa ’, which will have two sub-categories, V-1 and V-2, so that applicants can select a visa suited to the nature and duration of their proposed visit; special provision for subject-matter experts introduced
India has streamlined its visa system by consolidating 13 main visa categories into nine and reducing sub-categories from 49 to 23. The number of fields in visa application forms has been cut by 65-70 percent to simplify the process for foreign nationals. The changes, announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to make the country's visa system more responsive to the needs of visitors.
The revised framework is expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year, pending completion of IT system updates by the MHA. The earlier visa rationalization in October 2025 reduced main categories from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49 after studying international standards. The new categories include Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous visas.
For instance, the Former Tourist Visa has been renamed Visitor Visa with two sub-categories: V-1 for short-term visits including business meetings and wellness retreats, and V-2 for longer stays of up to 10 years. The Medical Visa now caters to both conventional treatment and AYUSH treatment, generally granted for a year with multiple entries.
The Student Visa now covers school and higher education, as well as PhD scholars, researchers, visiting faculty, interns, and exchange students. The nine main categories are Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous visas.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- India Overhauls Visa Regime: Main Categories Cut From 13 To 9, Application Form Fields Reduced By Up To 70% freepressjournal.in
- India cuts visa categories from 13 to 9, simplifies application form indianexpress.com
- India Simplifies Visa Rules For Tourism, Business, Medical Treatment: Categories Cut To 9, Forms 70% Shorter ndtv.com
