India introduces major visa system changes to simplify application process

Visa forms will require 65-70% less information, and new categories like M-2 and S-1 visas are being added.

Edited by Abhilasha Garg, Editor · SafarSamachar Desk✔ Approved by Abhilasha Garg14 Nov 2026, 10:59 am IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1Visa application forms will require 65 to 70 percent less information
2Medical and education visas will be easier to obtain
3Maldivians can get a 90-day on-arrival visa for tourism, business, and medical purposes
4All visas issued to Maldivians are free except emergency visas
5New visa categories include M-2 for patients' attendants, S-1 for students, and V-2 for short business meetings and cultural courses

India's Ministry of Home Affairs is rolling out major visa reforms that will take effect before the end of this year. These changes simplify applications for medical, education and business travel.

Application forms will require significantly less information – reports state they will demand 65 to 70 percent less data. New visa categories are added: M-2 for patients' attendants; S-1 for students at school, degree, and master's levels; V-2 for short business meetings, yoga and cultural courses.

Maldivians gain a new on-arrival visa that allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, and medical purposes. All visas issued to Maldivians are free, except for emergency visas. The reforms also introduce the S-2 visa for PhD research and internships, and the B-1 visa for those conducting business in India.

What this means for Indian travellers

If you're a Maldivian planning to visit India, you may now qualify for a 90-day on-arrival visa for tourism, business, or medical purposes. For other applicants, expect simpler forms and new visa options to be available by the end of this year.

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and read and approved for publication by Abhilasha Garg on 14 Nov 2026; the figures come from the reports listed above. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.