India Reduces Visa Categories from 13 to 9, Simplifies Application Process

The Indian government has announced a major overhaul of its visa system, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to 9 and cutting the number of subcategories from 49 to 23.

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the changes are aimed at simplifying the visa application process and making it easier for foreign nationals to visit India.

The nine revised visa categories are:

1. Business Visa

2. Diplomatic Visa

3. Employment Visa

4. Journalist Visa

5. Medical Visa

6. Official Visa

7. Student Visa

8. Visitor Visa

9. Other Visa - This category includes people of Indian origin and those applying for long-term visas.

The government has also announced significant changes to visa application forms. The amount of information applicants are required to provide will be reduced by 65% to 70%, helping to save time and minimize the difficulties involved in completing the forms.

The new visa system is expected to come into effect by the end of 2026.

The initiative aims to attract more international tourists, boost medical tourism, encourage foreign students to study in India, and improve administrative efficiency.

Currently, India offers e-Visas under 13 subcategories through its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This facility is available to citizens of 172 countries.

The government expects the simplified visa structure and shorter application forms to make India more accessible to international visitors.