The Ministry of Home Affairs says India has consolidated its principal visa categories from 13 to nine and subcategories from 49 to 23, with the change dated 27 August 2026. The ministry presented further details in a release dated 11 November.
The former Tourist Visa is described as a Visitor Visa with V-1 and V-2 routes for different lengths and purposes of travel. The ministry also outlines separate medical-treatment and attendant visa arrangements.
These categories do not mean every applicant qualifies. Nationality, travel purpose, validity and permitted activities still depend on operative visa rules. Applicants should verify their specific category through official visa channels before applying.
Official source: Press Information Bureau — original ministry announcement (11 November 2026). Independent summary; official claims are attributed to the issuing ministry.