India Simplifies Visa Rules: Categories Reduced, Application Forms to Be 70% Shorter

India is set to make its visa application process simpler and more convenient for foreign nationals, with the Centre announcing a major reduction in visa categories and application requirements. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reduced the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23. The information required in visa application forms will also be reduced by approximately 65–70%, making the application process less complicated and more user-friendly. One of the key changes is the renaming of the Tourist Visa as the Visitor Visa, which will have two sub-categories: V-1 and V-2. These categories will allow applicants to choose a visa based on the purpose and duration of their intended visit to India. The revised framework will also introduce special provisions for subject-matter experts, providing greater flexibility for foreign professionals visiting India for specialised purposes. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the reforms are intended to create a more compact, coherent and responsive visa system that addresses the needs of international visitors. The rationalisation builds on earlier reforms introduced in October 2025, when the government reduced the main visa categories from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49. Officials said the issuance of visas under the revised framework is expected to begin by the end of 2026. The move is expected to simplify visa applications, reduce paperwork and make India more accessible to international tourists, professionals and other foreign visitors.