India Expands e-Visa Program with Four New Categories for Travellers

Good news for foreign nationals planning a trip to India! The Indian Government has added four new options to its electronic visa system, making it easier for more types of travellers to visit the country without dealing with consulate paperwork. The new categories include:

• Transit
• Mountaineering
• Film
• Entry

The reason for adding new categories is to streamline paperwork, eliminate consular visits, and expedite the approval process.

What This Means for Travellers

Visitors from eligible countries can now apply for these new e-visas completely online. Once approved, they receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This ETA enables them to enter India and have their visa stamped in their passport after undergoing biometric verification at the airport.

Processing times are expected to be similar to other e-visas, usually between 24 and 72 hours. This makes it much faster than traditional visa methods.

India’s New e-Visa Categories

India has introduced four new e-visa categories: Transit, Mountaineering, Film, and Entry—to make the visa process faster, simpler, and fully online for eligible travellers.

1. e-Transit Visa

The new e-Transit Visa is for international travellers passing through India to a third country. Travellers can apply for this e-visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket.

• Allows two entries into India.
• Valid for 30 days from the date of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
• Applicants must have a confirmed onward ticket.

2. e-Mountaineering Visa

International travellers who are planning to climb or trek expeditions can apply for this new e-Mountaineering Visa. This visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to six months from the date the ETA is issued.

• Applicants must first get clearance from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
• It’s a single-entry visa valid for up to six months from the date of ETA.

3. e-Film Visa

The e-Film Visa is designed for filmmakers and crew members travelling to shoot movies or documentaries in India. This visa allows multiple entries and remains valid for one year from the date of the ETA.

• Requires clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from the date of ETA.

4. e-Entry Visa

For individuals of Indian origin, spouses of Indian nationals, or dependents of foreigners holding certain visas.

• It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for three months from the first entry.

How to Apply

Travellers from eligible countries can apply entirely online. The process includes:

• Completing the e-visa form and submitting the required documents.
• Obtaining clearance from relevant ministries, if needed.
• Getting an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling.

Once in India, applicants provide biometric data at the airport, and the visa is stamped on arrival.

Why It Matters

This update is part of India’s ongoing effort to modernise its immigration system and make travel smoother. The processing time is typically 24 to 78 hours, which is much faster than traditional consular applications.

By moving more visa types online, India is not only simplifying travel for foreigners but also encouraging tourism, filmmaking, and adventure travel.

Final Thoughts

The new e-visa categories make it easier than ever to travel, work on film projects, or reconnect with family in India. All you need is an internet connection, a few documents, and a bit of patience, and your visa could be ready in just a couple of days.