India has expanded its e-Tourist Visa programme to 166 countries, up from 156 last year, signalling a renewed and aggressive push for inbound travel. Updated quietly by the Ministry of Tourism in January 2026, the move follows India’s return to pre-pandemic foreign visitor numbers and supports its ambition of welcoming 20 million international tourists by 2028.
The expansion adds 10 new eligible nations, extending near-global access to the e-Visa system, which spans multiple categories, including tourism, business, medical, and conferences. Applicants receive approval within 72 hours and can enter via 29 airports and five seaports.
For businesses and event planners, broader eligibility eases short-notice travel and is expected to boost MICE travel, particularly during India’s peak conference season from October to March.
