India has expanded its electronic Tourist Visa (e-TV) programme to 166 nationalities, up from 157, according to an update released on February 10, 2026, by the Ministry of Tourism. First introduced in 2014, the e-TV system allows travellers to complete the entire visa process online, receive approval in as little as 72 hours, and enter India through 29 designated airports and five seaports.
The latest expansion includes new markets such as Kenya, Algeria, Fiji, Uruguay, Armenia, and North Macedonia, further strengthening India’s international travel connectivity. While the category is primarily designed for leisure travel, business visitors frequently use the 90-day Business e-Visa for short-term meetings, project assignments, and after-sales visits. Event organisers also benefit from the e-Conference visa option, which can be processed online once the event is approved by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Officials say the expansion aligns with the government’s ‘Visit India 2026’ campaign and the rollout of the biometric Fast-Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), now operational at 13 international airports. Pre-enrolled e-visa holders can clear automated e-gates in under 30 seconds, significantly reducing transit times.
The programme has grown considerably over the years. Before the pandemic, only 68 nationalities were eligible for the e-TV, compared to the current 166. However, authorities have also strengthened security measures. The system now cross-checks Interpol data and uses AI-based fraud detection, which means applicants must submit high-quality documents and be prepared for additional checks if flagged.
Travel managers are advised to update compliance systems and remind travellers that even short overstays can lead to automatic entry bans under stricter immigration rules.
