In a major stride toward digital immigration reform, the Government of India has expanded its e-visa programme to include four additional sub-categories: transit, mountaineering, film, and entry (X-1). In a press release issued in August 2025 (press release), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that this expansion strengthens India’s commitment to seamless, technology-enabled travel by extending online access to a wider range of foreign nationals.
Broader e-Visa Access
Since its introduction in November 2014 for 43 nationalities, India’s electronic visa system has grown to cover nationals of 172 countries. Travellers can enter via 32 designated international airports and six major seaports. As confirmed via the press release India’s e-Visa facility now operates under 13 sub-categories.
Alongside established categories such as e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Conference, e-Ayush, e-Ayush Attendant, e-Student, and e-Student X visas, the newly recognised sub-categories include e-Transit, e-Mountaineering, e-Film, and e-Entry (X-1).
Newly introduced e-Visa Categories
The four newly introduced categories provide access for specialised travel purposes as follows:
- e-Transit Visa: Two entries, valid for 30 days, for travellers transiting through India.
- e-Mountaineering Visa: Single entry, valid for six months, requiring clearance from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
- e-Film Visa: Multiple entries, valid for one year, for film, TV, and web-production teams.
- e-Entry (X-1) Visa: Multiple entries, valid for three months from the date of first arrival; traditionally for persons of Indian origin and their dependants.
Online Processing
The e-Visa system operates entirely online. The press release confirms that “processing of e-visa is totally on the online platform. A foreigner can apply for e-visa from anywhere.” The government notes that liberalisation and simplification of the e-Visa regime is an ongoing process, guided by considerations of security, tourism, investment, and reciprocity.
Resumption of Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals
India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a nearly five-year hiatus. Chinese citizens may now apply online and submit their passports and supporting documents at Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, or at the Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
This move reflects the Indian government’s effort to restore people-to-people engagement between India and China.
Collectively, these updates establish a clearer and more user-friendly framework for foreign nationals entering, travelling through, or residing in India.