Indian Visa Rules Revised; Main Categories Reduced to 9, Sub-Categories to 23!

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reduced the number of Indian visa categories from 13 to 9, bringing down the sub-categories from 49 to 23, as per a PIB release dated November 11, 2026.  

The changes also include a reduction of 65-70% in the number of fields applicants must fill in visa application forms. This is the second round of changes to India's visa system in less than a year.  

In October 2025, the government had reduced the main categories from 22 to 13 and the sub-categories from 63 to 49. The latest changes were announced on Wednesday, August 27, 2026. 

Tourist Visa Renamed Visitor Visa 

One of the changes is the renaming of the Tourist Visa as the Visitor Visa. The category has been divided into V-1 and V-2 visas, covering different durations and purposes of travel. 

The V-1 visa allows multiple entries over 30 days. It covers business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short-term medical treatment and courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft. 

The V-2 visa is available for one, five or 10 years. It covers the activities permitted under V-1, along with mountaineering. Foreign nationals visiting India for mountaineering can also receive a six-month multiple-entry visa. 

Medical and Student Visa Categories 

The Medical Visa category has been divided into M-1 and M-3. The former covers treatment other than AYUSH, while the latter applies to treatment under AYUSH systems. Both visas have a default validity of one year with multiple entries. Separate attendant visas, M-2 and M-4, are available for accompanying persons. 

Student visas have been grouped under S-1 and S-2. S-1 covers school, graduate and postgraduate education, while S-2 includes research scholars, visiting faculty, internships and exchange students. Students enrolled through the Study in India portal may receive an e-S1 visa for up to five years or the duration of their course, whichever is shorter. 

Changes to Business Visas 

Business visas have been divided into B-1 and B-2. B-1 applies to long-term, licence-based activities, including setting up industrial and business ventures in India. B-2 covers short-term contractual activities, conferences, sports, performances and films. 

Foreign engineers, technical personnel and subject specialists hired by Indian companies for production, installation, maintenance and technology-related work can also apply under B-2. 

Revised Visa Structure 

The nine main categories are Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor and Miscellaneous. India's e-visa facility is currently available to nationals of 172 countries. 

Read More: India, EU Step Up Tech and Investment Ties Ahead of Landmark Trade Pact! 

Conclusion 

The MHA is updating its IT systems to implement the changes. The revised visa structure is expected to come into effect by the end of 2026. 

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