Photo: The Hindu
India to overhaul visa forms, cutting fields by 70%
TL;DR
- Visa application fields to be reduced by about 70%
- Changes will affect 22 visa categories
- Implementation targeted for 2027
- Aim is to align with global standards and boost tourism
The Indian government plans to revamp its visa application system for foreign nationals, proposing to cut the number of required fields by roughly 70%.
The reform will apply across 22 visa categories and is slated for rollout in 2027, with the goal of matching international best practices.
Proposed changes include removing redundant fields, easing local address requirements and making the forms more user‑friendly.
Tourism industry groups have urged additional measures such as a uniform 120‑day application window and simpler permits for protected areas.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to revive foreign tourist arrivals, which have not yet returned to pre‑COVID levels.
Why It Matters
Simplifying India’s visa process could make travel to the country easier for Indians living abroad and for foreign tourists, potentially increasing visitor numbers and supporting the tourism sector that remains below pre‑pandemic levels. For the diaspora in the US, Canada and elsewhere, a streamlined system may reduce paperwork and waiting times when planning trips to India, while also fostering stronger people‑to‑people ties between the nations.
Nov 4, 2026 · Updated 11/4/2026, 7:57:36 AM · Reported with: The Hindu
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