A foreign national may come to India to explore the culture and the food in states. They could also plan a visit to attend a business meeting consult a doctor or even spend a few days learning an Indian art form. Now Indias revised visa rules bring such short-term activities under one broader category.
The Government of India has renamed the Tourist Visa as the Visitor Visa. Divided it into two sub-categories, V-1 and V-2. The changes are part of an exercise to simplify the country’s visa system, with fewer categories and shorter application forms.
India’s Tourist Visa Gets A New Name
The biggest change for visitors is the name itself. The Tourist Visa is now called the Visitor Visa. That name clearly tells foreign nationals what they need to know.
The updated category is not for regular tourism. It also includes short-term activities. This means people can come to India for things like attending a concert or a business meeting. They can do these under the Visitor Visa without needing visas for each kind of activity.
There are two options, under this system: V-1 and V-2. They differ mainly in how they are valid and what activities are allowed.
V-1 Visa: 30 days, multiple entries
This option is for visits. It is given for 30 days. Allows multiple entries. It covers activities that’re eligible like business meetings talks with medical experts, retreats, experiences and many other things.
It also includes short-term courses, in languages, music, art and craft.
V-2 Visa: 1, 5 or 10 years
For people who are planning to stay or visit again the V-2 Visa is available for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years as stated. It includes all the activities that are allowed under V-1 and also covers mountaineering.
There is an option, for people who want to go on mountaineering trips. These people will get a six-month visa that allows entries.
India Cuts Visa Categories From 13 To 9
The Visitor Visa is a piece of a shift that the Ministry of Home Affairs announced on August 27 2026. The government has cut the visa categories from 13 to 9. The sub‑categories have been cut from 49 to 23.
This is the round of simplification in a little more than one year. In October 2025 the government cut the categories from 22 to 13 and the sub‑categories from 63, to 49.
The main reason for this change is to group travel activities into fewer categories and make it simpler, for tourists, students, researchers and others.
Indias Tourist Visa now has a name and a bigger range of options with two choices depending on how long the visit is and what the purpose of the visit is.
