The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ announcement on simplifying and rationalising India’s visa framework, describing the move as a significant step towards making the country more accessible and visitor-friendly for international travellers.
The association has acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism in addressing a long-standing concern of the inbound tourism industry, while also taking into consideration suggestions and feedback submitted by IATO.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said, “We sincerely thank both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism for their efforts in bringing about this much-needed simplification of India’s visa procedures. IATO has been consistently raising this issue at various government forums and meetings, as cumbersome visa procedures have often been a concern for international travellers and overseas tour operators. We have been pursuing this matter through regular interactions and follow-ups with both Ministries, and it is encouraging to see these efforts translating into a positive outcome.”
Under the revised framework, the number of principal visa categories will be reduced from 13 to nine, while subcategories will be streamlined from 49 to 23. Application fields across various visa categories are also being reduced by approximately 65–70%, substantially simplifying the application process.
As part of the changes, the existing Tourist Visa will be renamed the Visitor Visa. The new V-1 category will provide for 30-day multiple-entry visits and cover a broader range of eligible short-term activities, while the V-2 category will offer longer validity. Medical and Business Visa categories will also undergo simplification.
IATO expects the revised framework to reduce administrative hurdles, make visa applications more straightforward and strengthen India’s appeal among international holidaymakers, cultural travellers, business visitors and other eligible categories of international travellers.
Emphasising the importance of visa accessibility in destination selection, Gosain said ease of obtaining a visa could significantly influence travellers’ choices in an increasingly competitive global tourism market. He expressed hope that the revised system would be implemented seamlessly and within the announced timeframe, allowing international visitors to benefit from the changes at the earliest.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated that the necessary IT systems are being upgraded, with visa issuance under the revised framework expected to commence by the end of 2026.
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