The image above is an AI generated illustration made for this guide. It is not a photograph.
Quick answer: can you apply for India’s V-1 or V-2 Visitor Visa now? As of 12 November 2026, the public e-Visa page still lists the e-Tourist Visa. Use the option shown for your nationality and reason for travel. Under the announced framework, V-1 is for short visits of 30 days with multiple entries. V-2 has a validity of 1, 5 or 10 years, as specified; that is not the length of each permitted stay. The Ministry of Home Affairs expects the revised system to be in use by the end of 2026 and has not named an exact start date.
This page is for foreign passport holders applying for an Indian visa. OCI cardholders and Indian passport holders do not need a visitor visa. The portal check above covers the public e-Visa page only, and a consulate or a nationality specific form may show something different. This site is independent and does not process visas.
What has been announced, and what has not started
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reduced India’s main visa categories from 13 to 9 and the sub-categories from 49 to 23 (MHA release on PIB). Three dates matter:
- 27 August 2026: the ministry says it reduced the categories.
- 11 November 2026: the detailed announcement of the new categories was published and reported (Free Press Journal, ANI).
- By the end of 2026: the ministry’s target for visas under the revised framework, as its IT systems are updated. No exact launch day has been given.
That is the difference to keep in mind: the decision has been announced, but the application system has not been shown to change. Do not look for V-1 or V-2 on today’s application form unless the official portal actually lists it.
V-1 and V-2 at a glance: announced framework
| Announced framework, not the current application form | V-1 | V-2 |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Short visit Visitor Visa | Visitor Visa with longer validity |
| Validity | 30 days, multiple entries | 1, 5 or 10 years, as specified |
| Covers | Tourism, which the renamed Visitor Visa takes over from the Tourist Visa, plus business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short medical treatment, and short courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft | The V-1 activities, plus mountaineering |
| Mountaineering | Not covered | A six month, multiple entry visa is granted |
Validity is how long the visa can be used. How long you may stay on each visit is a separate condition, so check the conditions printed on your visa. The announcement says the visas are subject to eligibility criteria, and it does not say which applicants get which V-2 validity.
If you are applying now
- Use the official Indian visa portal and follow the categories and instructions it shows for your nationality and purpose of visit. On 12 November 2026 its public e-Visa page still listed e-Tourist Visa options.
- Our Indian e-Visa guide for US citizens explains the fees, documents and steps for US passport holders under the current system.
- Families travelling soon should also read our e-Arrival Card guide for the arrival declaration.
The nine main categories
Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor and Miscellaneous. The Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa. The announcement also mentions medical sub-categories (M-1 to M-4), student sub-categories (S-1 and S-2) and business sub-categories (B-1 and B-2).
What “70% fewer fields” means
The ministry reports that the required application fields across the 23 categories and sub-categories have been cut by 65 to 70 per cent. That is about the form. It is not a promise of faster approval, lower fees or fewer supporting documents.
Who this affects
Foreign passport holders visiting India, including family members of Navi Mumbai residents. If you hold an OCI card or an Indian passport, you do not need a visitor visa. See our NRI guide to Navi Mumbai for the topics that apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are V-1 and V-2 visas?
They are the two types of Visitor Visa under India’s announced visa framework. V-1 is a 30 day, multiple entry visa for short visits. V-2 has a validity of 1, 5 or 10 years as specified, which is not the length of each permitted stay.
When do the new visitor visas start?
The Ministry of Home Affairs expects visas under the revised framework by the end of 2026. No exact date has been given.
Can I apply for a V-1 or V-2 visa today?
On 12 November 2026 the public e-Visa page still listed the e-Tourist Visa. Apply using the option the official portal shows for your nationality and reason for travel.
I already have an Indian tourist visa. Do I need to reapply?
The announcement does not give replacement instructions for people who already hold a visa or an electronic travel authorisation. If you need confirmation for a booked trip, ask the authority that issued your visa. Do not assume cancellation or automatic conversion.
Do OCI cardholders need a V-1 or V-2 visa?
No. OCI cardholders and Indian passport holders do not apply for a visitor visa.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Categories 13 to 9, sub-categories 49 to 23, timeline | Ministry of Home Affairs release on PIB |
| V-1 and V-2 details, 11 November 2026 reporting | Free Press Journal and ANI |
| Where to apply, e-Tourist Visa still listed on 12 November 2026 | Indian Visa Online, e-Visa page |
Checked 12 November 2026. This page will be updated when the official application flow changes, with the launch date and the exact option applicants see.
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