Planning a trip to India? The first thing to confirm is whether your nationality is among the countries exempt from India visa requirements. In 2026, India offers four distinct entry pathways for foreign tourists — full visa-free access, Visa on Arrival, the OCI/PIO card exemption, and the rapidly expanding e-Tourist Visa now covering 166 countries. As part of its Visit India 2030 programme, which targets 30 million annual foreign arrivals, the Indian government has made it easier than ever for international visitors to enter India with minimal paperwork. This guide covers every category, updated as of March 2026.
1. Countries Exempt from India Visa — Full Visa-Free Access
Only a small number of nationalities enjoy full visa-free access to India. Citizens of these countries do not need a visa or even a passport in some cases:
| Country | Entry Conditions | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | No visa or passport required. May live and work without restriction. Must not arrive via mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Pakistan. | Unlimited |
| Bhutan | No visa or passport required. May live and work without restriction. Same China/Pakistan restriction applies. | Unlimited |
| Maldives | No visa required for tourism. Passport required. | Up to 90 days |
Note: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are among India’s closest neighbours under longstanding bilateral treaties. The China/Pakistan transit restriction applies to all three nationalities.
2. Countries Exempt from India Visa via Visa on Arrival
India grants a Visa on Arrival (VoA) to citizens of a limited number of countries. This is a physical stamp issued at designated international airports upon arrival — distinct from the online e-Tourist Visa.
| Country | Conditions | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin. Available at select airports. | 30 days |
| South Korea | Not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin. Available at select airports. | 30 days |
| United Arab Emirates | Applies to UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian e-Visa or sticker visa. | 30 days |
Key Visa on Arrival conditions:
- Valid for single entry and tourism purposes only
- Maximum two visits per calendar year on the Visa on Arrival
- A gap of at least two months is required between visits
- Issued at designated airports — confirm availability before travel
3. OCI and PIO Cardholders — Visa Exemption for Persons of Indian Origin
Foreign nationals holding a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or a valid Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card are exempt from Indian visa requirements. They may live and work in India without any limit on their stay.
OCI/PIO exemption does NOT apply to nationals of the following countries, regardless of card status:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- China
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Note: PIO cards issued before 9 January 2015 that have since expired may still be accepted for entry under certain conditions. Cardholders should verify with the nearest Indian mission before travel.
4. India e-Tourist Visa 2026 — 166 Countries Now Eligible
The biggest development for inbound tourism in early 2026 is India’s major expansion of the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme. The Ministry of Tourism confirmed on 8 February 2026 that the eTV now covers nationals from 166 countries — up from 157 the previous year — as part of India’s digitisation drive and its Visit India 2030 roadmap.
What is the e-Tourist Visa?
The e-Tourist Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to apply, pay, and receive electronic travel authorisation entirely online — without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate. Approval is typically granted within 72 hours.
Key eTV Details (2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries covered | 166 (as of February 2026) |
| Application process | Fully online at indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Processing time | Typically within 72 hours |
| Standard stay | 30 days per visit (double entry) |
| Business/Conference eVisa | Up to 90 days |
| Entry points | 28 designated airports and 5 designated seaports |
| Cost | Varies by nationality — check the official portal |
| Who is excluded? | Pakistani passport holders; diplomatic/official passport holders; individuals on a parent’s/spouse’s passport |
New Countries Added to eTV in February 2026
The 2026 expansion prioritised high-value tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) markets. Notable newly added nationalities include:
- Kenya
- Algeria
- Fiji
- Uruguay
- Armenia
- North Macedonia
…and several other African, Latin American, and Scandinavian nations, bringing total coverage to 166 countries.
5. How India’s Visa Exemption Policy Has Evolved — 2014 to 2026
India’s e-Tourist Visa programme was launched in November 2014 for just 43 countries. Over the following decade, it expanded steadily — through 2015, 2016, 2017, and beyond — reaching 157 countries before the February 2026 update pushed the total to 166. This transformation reflects India’s commitment to removing friction for inbound tourists and positioning itself as a seamless, tech-enabled destination.
6. Permitted Activities Under India’s Visa-Free and eTV Policies
Whether arriving visa-free, on a Visa on Arrival, or on an e-Tourist Visa, foreign visitors are permitted to engage in the following activities:
- Tourism, sightseeing, and recreation
- Short-term visits to friends and relatives
- Short-duration yoga programmes
- Short courses in Indian languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, or Ayurvedic medicine (not exceeding 6 months, without formal certification)
- Voluntary work of short duration (maximum one month, with no monetary compensation)
- Medical treatment, including Indian traditional medicine
- Business activities (under e-Business Visa category)
- Attending conferences or seminars organised by the Government of India, state governments, or UT administrations
Important: Paid employment or long-term study requires a separate work or student visa. An e-Tourist Visa cannot be converted into another visa category once in India.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which countries can visit India without a visa in 2026?
Only Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives have full visa-free access to India. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not even require a passport. Maldivian citizens need a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Can citizens of the US, UK, or EU visit India without a visa?
No. Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and EU member states must obtain a visa. Most are eligible for the India e-Tourist Visa, which can be applied for entirely online at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
How long does the India e-Tourist Visa take to process?
The e-Tourist Visa is typically processed within 72 hours. It is recommended to apply at least four days before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Is the India e-Tourist Visa the same as a Visa on Arrival?
No. The e-Tourist Visa is applied for online before travel. A Visa on Arrival is a physical stamp issued at the airport upon arrival and is available only to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and (under specific conditions) the UAE.
Can I extend my e-Tourist Visa inside India?
Extensions are very limited. The standard 30-day e-Tourist Visa typically cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you should apply for the appropriate long-term visa before travelling.
8. How to Apply for an India e-Tourist Visa
Eligible nationals can apply through the official Indian government e-Visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in. Always use the official portal — third-party sites may charge additional fees.
- Visit the official India Visa Online portal
- Select ‘e-Tourist Visa’ and check your country’s eligibility
- Complete the online application form with accurate details
- Upload required documents: passport biographical page and recent passport photo
- Pay the applicable fee online
- Receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email — typically within 72 hours
- Print the ETA and carry it along with your passport when you travel
Important Notes for All Visitors to India
- Passport validity: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of entry into India.
- Return ticket: You must hold a confirmed onward or return ticket.
- Proof of funds: You may be asked to show sufficient funds for your stay.
- Entry points for eTV: You must arrive through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports that accept e-Tourist Visas.
- Visa rules change: Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Indian government portal or with your nearest Indian mission before travel.
Whether you are from one of the three countries exempt from India visa requirements entirely, or one of the 166 nations eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, India in 2026 has made inbound travel more accessible than at any point in its history.
Last updated: March 2026. Visa policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at the official India Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) or through your nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
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