India Simplifies Its Visa System: Main Categories Cut from 13 to 9, Subcategories from 49 to 23

India has made sweeping changes to its existing visa system. Under the new structure, the number of main visa categories has been brought down from 13 to nine, while the number of subcategories has been reduced from 49 to 23.

The aim of the move is to reduce the hassle faced by people who want to travel to the country for tourism, medical treatment, higher education, research and business, officials say.

According to India's home ministry, alongside the restructuring of visa types, the application forms have also been simplified. In the forms for the new 23 subcategories, the required information fields have been cut by 65 to 70 percent.

The visa policy had previously been changed in October 2025. This second round of reform has been made to bring the system in line with international practice and with the systems in place in developed countries.

Under the new rules, a 'visitor visa' has been introduced in place of the tourist visa. Its scope covers ordinary travel as well as short business discussions, medical consultations, wellness activities and training in language, music and the arts.

This visa has two types, V-1 and V-2. The first is valid for 30 days, during which multiple entries into India will be allowed. The second can be valid for one, five or even 10 years, depending on eligibility. Mountaineering has also been included in this long-term facility.

Separate provisions have been made for foreigners travelling for medical treatment. An M-1 visa will be issued for general treatment and an M-3 visa for treatment under the Ayush system. Both will normally be valid for one year with multiple entries, and the same facility will be available through e-visas.

For relatives accompanying a patient, M-2 and M-4 visas have been arranged respectively. This will maintain continuity of treatment and reduce the need for fresh applications for follow-up visits. The initiative is also linked to India's 'Heal in India' programme.

An S-1 visa has been set for students and an S-2 visa for people engaged in research and related activities. The first will cover education from school to postgraduate level. The second category will include PhD researchers, visiting teachers, interns and participants in scientific expeditions.

Foreign students admitted through the 'Study in India' portal will be able to get an e-S1 visa for up to five years, though its validity will be determined by the duration of the course.

Business visas have been divided into B-1 and B-2 categories. The first can be used to set up a business establishment in India or to run a long-term venture. The second will cover contract work, investment, conferences, sports, cultural events and film production.

In addition, a 'Production Investment Business Visa' is being introduced for foreign engineers and technical specialists employed by Indian institutions. It will cover machinery installation, production, maintenance, information technology and training-related work, and applications will also be possible through the e-visa system.

At present, citizens of 172 countries receive e-visas in 13 subcategories through electronic travel authorisation. India is making technical preparations to make the new rules workable.

Under the revised structure there will be nine types of visa: business, diplomatic, employment, journalist, medical, official, student, visitor and miscellaneous. Persons of Indian origin and their family members, along with a few other special categories of applicant, will fall under the miscellaneous visa.

Under the Indian home ministry's plan, issuing visas under the new system could begin by December 2026.