India Expands e-Tourist Visa to 166 Countries. India has taken a major step toward strengthening its global tourism and business travel ecosystem by expanding its e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) program to 166 countries. As of 8 February 2026, India’s Ministry of Tourism has officially added nine new nationalities, further opening the door for international visitors seeking hassle-free entry for both leisure and business purposes.
This development reflects India’s long-term strategy to modernize its visa system through digital solutions and position itself as a leading global destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
Nine New Countries Added to India’s e-Tourist Visa List
According to updates on the Ministry of Tourism’s official website—later confirmed by industry sources—the expanded e-Tourist Visa eligibility now includes travelers from Kenya, Algeria, Fiji, Uruguay, Armenia, along with four other countries.
With this update, the total number of countries eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa has reached 166, marking one of the broadest digital visa coverage programs in the world. The quiet rollout has generated strong interest across the global travel and mobility industry.
Part of India’s Five-Year Digital Visa Overhaul
The expansion of the e-Tourist Visa program is part of India’s five-year digital services overhaul, aimed at simplifying entry procedures while boosting inbound travel. This transformation has already contributed to a sharp rebound in foreign tourist arrivals and increased demand for corporate MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
By shifting the entire visa application process online, India has significantly reduced paperwork, processing delays, and dependency on physical embassies or consulates.
Fully Online Application with Fast Approval
One of the biggest advantages of India’s e-Tourist Visa system is its fully digital application process. Travelers can complete the entire procedure online, submit required documents electronically, and pay visa fees through secure online payment methods.
In most cases, applicants receive authorization within 72 hours, making the e-TV one of the fastest visa options available for international travelers. This efficiency has made India more attractive for short-notice business trips and leisure travel planning.
Uniform 30-Day Double-Entry Rules for All Nationalities
A key benefit for corporate travelers and mobility managers is policy consistency. The 30-day double-entry e-Tourist Visa rules apply equally to all 166 eligible nationalities, eliminating confusion around varying entry conditions.
This uniform structure simplifies pre-trip compliance checks, especially for multinational companies managing cross-border project teams, consultants, and short-term business visitors.
Travel-Tech Platforms Set to Benefit from Expansion
Indian travel-technology companies are expected to gain significantly from the expanded e-TV coverage. Several leading visa facilitation and mobility platforms have confirmed plans to integrate the updated nationality list into their APIs.
This integration will allow corporates to perform real-time eligibility checks directly within booking tools, HR systems, and expense management apps—reducing administrative workload and minimizing errors during travel planning.
Digital Visa Management Solutions
Online visa management platforms such playing a key role in simplifying the application process. Through India-specific portals, travelers and corporate mobility teams can verify eligibility, upload documents, track application status, and receive alerts if additional information is required.
These tools help reduce delays, improve accuracy, and provide greater transparency throughout the visa approval process—particularly beneficial for high-volume corporate travel programs.
Expected Boost in Leisure Tourism
Tour operators predict a mid-single-digit increase in inbound leisure travel to India over the next 12 months as a result of the expanded e-Tourist Visa program. Easier access is expected to attract travelers interested in India’s cultural heritage, medical tourism, spiritual destinations, and adventure travel.
The simplified visa process removes a major barrier for first-time visitors, encouraging spontaneous and short-duration travel.
Strong Growth Anticipated in Business Travel
While leisure tourism will benefit, industry experts believe the bigger impact will be seen in business travel. Corporate interest from African and Latin American markets has reportedly surged following the visa expansion.
A Mumbai-based destination management company (DMC) revealed that its RFP pipeline has doubled, driven by companies exploring India for advanced manufacturing, healthcare outsourcing, and technology partnerships.
Key Considerations for HR and Mobility Teams
For HR, global mobility, and travel managers, the expansion of India’s e-Tourist Visa program calls for immediate action. Organizations should update assignment policy handbooks, refresh destination briefings, and ensure that travelers from newly eligible countries apply for e-Tourist Visas instead of more expensive sticker visas.
It is also essential to remind visitors that the 30-day e-TV cannot be extended within India. Any work beyond permitted business meetings, site visits, or conferences still requires an Employment Visa, in line with Indian immigration regulations.
Conclusion
India’s decision to expand its e-Tourist Visa program to 166 countries represents a strategic move toward greater global connectivity. By offering a fast, consistent, and fully digital visa process, India is strengthening its appeal as a destination for both leisure travelers and international businesses.
