India simplifies visa applications

India has simplified its visa application process for international visitors, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine and subcategories from 49 to 23.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs announced the changes on Wednesday, stating that visa issuance under the revised framework is expected to begin by the end of this year.
Under the revised system, the number of fields applicants need to complete in visa application forms across the 23 sub-categories has also been reduced by 65 to 70%, reducing the paper work significantly. The revised framework seeks to minimise overlaps among visa categories and help applicants identify the appropriate visa for their purpose of travel, it added. Under the new medical visa arrangements, separate categories have been retained for treatment under conventional and AYUSH systems.
The M-1 visa covers medical treatment other than AYUSH, while the M-3 visa is for treatment under AYUSH systems. Both categories, including their e-Visa versions, will generally be issued for one year with multiple entries.
India has also introduced corresponding medical attendant visas. The M-2 visa is for attendants of M-1 visa holders, while the M-4 visa is for attendants of M-3 visa holders.
In another major change, India's Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa to cover a wider range of short-term activities beyond conventional tourism. The new Visitor Visa has two sub-categories, V-1 and V-2, allowing applicants to select the option that matches the purpose and duration of their visit.
Besides tourism, the category covers business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats, short-term medical treatment and short courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft.
The Visitor Visa is generally granted for 30 days with multiple entries, according to the ministry.