New Delhi:India has streamlined its visa regime by reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine, and sub-categories from 49 to 23, aiming to bolster foreign tourist arrivals, medical travel, and international student enrolment.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the changes are designed to make the visa framework more compact, coherent, and responsive to the needs of foreign nationals visiting the country. The ministry stated, "Under Visa regime rationalization, main categories for Visa reduced from 13 to 09 and sub categories from 49 to 23," as reported on November 11.
The revised visa framework also simplifies the application process by reducing the number of fields applicants must fill in by 65 to 70 percent across all 23 sub-categories. This effort is expected to minimize overlaps between visa categories, making it easier for visitors, patients, students, researchers, investors, and business professionals to identify the appropriate visa for their travel purposes.
Significant changes include the revision of the medical visa framework, where separate provisions exist for treatment under conventional and AYUSH systems. The M-1 visa covers medical treatment other than that under AYUSH systems, while the M-3 visa is for AYUSH system treatments. Both visas, including their e-Visa variants, will typically be granted for one year with multiple entries. Additionally, corresponding medical attendant visas have been introduced, with M-2 visas for attendants of M-1 visa holders and M-4 visas for attendants of M-3 visa holders.
Furthermore, the former Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa to encompass a wider range of activities beyond traditional tourism. This new category is divided into V-1 and V-2 sub-categories, allowing applicants to select based on the nature and duration of their visit. The Visitor Visa, which covers activities such as business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, and short courses in Indian languages, music, art, and craft, is granted for 30 days with multiple entries, as stated by the ministry.
Currently, India's e-Visa facility operates through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system under 13 sub-categories and is available to nationals of 172 countries. The ministry emphasized that the rationalization aims to promote legitimate travel, education, healthcare, and economic engagement with India through clearer, purpose-based visa options. This initiative was undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah.