On 28 February 2026 the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that India’s e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) scheme now covers 166 countries, up from 156. New entrants include Algeria, Fiji, Kenya, Uruguay, Armenia and North Macedonia. The expansion supports the government’s “Visit India 2026” marketing push and complements biometric fast-track lanes now active at 13 international airports.
![India expands e-Tourist Visa programme to 166 countries, boosting “Visit India 2026” campaign]()
For travellers or travel managers who prefer guided support rather than going it alone, VisaHQ offers a simple online pathway to complete the Indian e-Tourist Visa application, verify documents and track approvals—saving time while ensuring compliance. Details are available at https://www.visahq.com/india/
Applicants submit an online form, passport scan and photograph, then receive an electronic travel authorisation within 72 hours. Industry analysts predict the move could lift inbound arrivals by 8 % in FY 2026/27, with ripple effects for conference organisers and the medical-tourism sector. Deloitte’s mobility practice notes that easier tourist entry often converts to longer business trips as global teams piggy-back meetings onto leisure travel. Key take-aways for corporates: (1) check whether the employee’s nationality is newly eligible; (2) remind travellers that e-TV permits double entry for up to 30 days—longer stays require a business or conference visa; and (3) ensure passports have at least six months’ validity even though no physical sticker is issued. Airports Authority of India says dedicated e-Visa counters have reduced average immigration clearance times in Delhi and Bengaluru by three minutes per passenger, a noticeable gain during peak morning banks.
For travellers or travel managers who prefer guided support rather than going it alone, VisaHQ offers a simple online pathway to complete the Indian e-Tourist Visa application, verify documents and track approvals—saving time while ensuring compliance. Details are available at https://www.visahq.com/india/
Applicants submit an online form, passport scan and photograph, then receive an electronic travel authorisation within 72 hours. Industry analysts predict the move could lift inbound arrivals by 8 % in FY 2026/27, with ripple effects for conference organisers and the medical-tourism sector. Deloitte’s mobility practice notes that easier tourist entry often converts to longer business trips as global teams piggy-back meetings onto leisure travel. Key take-aways for corporates: (1) check whether the employee’s nationality is newly eligible; (2) remind travellers that e-TV permits double entry for up to 30 days—longer stays require a business or conference visa; and (3) ensure passports have at least six months’ validity even though no physical sticker is issued. Airports Authority of India says dedicated e-Visa counters have reduced average immigration clearance times in Delhi and Bengaluru by three minutes per passenger, a noticeable gain during peak morning banks.
