India simplifies visa regime, cuts categories to 9 from 13

India has rationalised its visa regime, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23, in a move aimed at facilitating foreign tourist arrivals, medical travel and international student enrolment.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs said the changes would make the visa framework more compact, coherent and responsive to the needs of foreign nationals visiting the country.

“Under Visa regime rationalization, main categories for Visa reduced from 13 to 09 and sub categories from 49 to 23,” the ministry said on November 11.

The revised framework also reduces the number of fields applicants need to fill in visa application forms across all 23 sub-categories by 65 to 70 percent, making the application process easier and faster.

The changes are intended to minimise overlaps between visa categories and make it easier for visitors, patients, students, researchers, investors and business professionals to identify the appropriate visa for their travel purposes.

Under the revised medical visa framework, separate provisions have been retained for treatment under conventional and AYUSH systems.

The M-1 visa covers medical treatment other than that under AYUSH systems, while the M-3 visa is for treatment under AYUSH systems.

Both M-1 and M-3 visas, including their e-Visa variants, will generally be granted for one year with multiple entries.

Corresponding medical attendant visas have also been introduced, with M-2 visas available for attendants of M-1 visa holders and M-4 visas for attendants of M-3 visa holders.�"UNB