Canada Joins Japan, Italy, Germany, China, US, Thailand, And Other Nations As India’s E-Visa Overhaul Opens New Travel Opportunities For Tourists

Published on December 21, 2025

Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, the US, Thailand, and many other nations now face fewer travel obstacles as India’s e-Visa system undergoes significant updates, making it easier for international travelers to visit the country. The latest changes, including an extended application window and the addition of land entry points, allow travelers to apply for e-Visas up to 120 days before arrival, streamlining the process for tourists, business travelers, and those seeking medical treatment. These updates, alongside the introduction of new visa categories, are part of India’s broader efforts to make its immigration system more accessible and efficient, especially as it continues to modernize border entry procedures and cater to a wider range of travelers.

India, a country of diverse cultures, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty, has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. In recent years, India’s visa policies have undergone significant changes, with the introduction and expansion of the e-Visa program. Until recently, India’s 30-day tourist e-Visa had a strict constraint: applications could only be submitted within 30 days prior to arrival in India. However, a new development marks a major shift in India’s travel policies, making it easier for international tourists to plan their visits in advance.

A Major Update: E-Visa Application Window Extended

On December 18, 2025, Indian authorities announced an extension to the e-Visa validity window. Previously, travelers had to apply within a narrow 30-day window before their planned arrival. With the new changes, travelers can now apply up to 120 days (four months) in advance, offering a more flexible window for planning trips to India.

The extension has been welcomed by many, especially those who prefer to organize their travels well in advance, such as tourists, business travelers, and those planning educational or medical visits. The change applies only to Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) issued from December 18, 2025, and onwards. It does not affect e-Visas that were approved before this date. This significant step forward is expected to simplify travel for visitors from across the globe and provide a smoother experience in preparing for Indian holidays or business trips.

With the new e-Visa system, travelers will not only benefit from the extended window but also maintain the same conditions as the traditional 30-day tourist visa, including stay limits and entry requirements. Importantly, this measure aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to make its visa and immigration processes more efficient and convenient for international visitors.

The Addition of Raxaul: The First Land Entry Point for e-Visa Holders

Another significant development in the e-Visa program is the inclusion of land border entry points. Until now, travelers using India’s e-Visa were limited to entering the country via air or sea. The recent update now allows e-Visa holders to enter India through the land border at Raxaul, located on the India-Nepal border.

This change is particularly important for visitors traveling within South Asia, where land-based travel is common, especially between India and neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The addition of Raxaul as an authorized entry point will make it easier for regional travelers to visit India without needing to apply for a traditional embassy visa, offering more flexibility for cross-border travel.

Once travelers enter India at Raxaul with an e-Visa, they will be able to move freely across the country through Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and continue their journey to other destinations without the need for additional visas or stamps.

Expanding the Range of E-Visa Categories

India’s e-Visa program has not only been extended in terms of application timelines but also in its scope. Over the past few years, India has gradually expanded the types of e-Visas available, catering to a wider range of travelers with diverse needs.

Currently, the e-Visa system includes the following categories:

1. e-Tourist Visa – For short-term leisure visits.
2. e-Business Visa – For business-related travel.
3. e-Conference Visa – For attending conferences and seminars.
4. e-Medical Visa – For medical treatment.
5. e-Medical Attendant Visa – For accompanying individuals receiving medical treatment.
6. e-Ayush Visa – For travel related to traditional Indian medicine.
7. e-Ayush Attendant Visa – For accompanying those seeking Ayush-based medical treatment.

As part of India’s continued effort to cater to global travelers, several new e-Visa categories have been introduced in recent months, including:

1. e-Student Visa – For students coming to India for short-term study programs.
2. e-Student Dependent Visa – For dependents of students traveling to India.
3. e-Transit Visa – For travelers passing through India en route to another country.
4. e-Mountaineering Visa – For mountaineering expeditions and trekking activities.
5. e-Film Visa – For foreign filmmakers and their crew.
6. e-Entry Visa – For other purposes that do not fit into the existing categories.
7. e-Production Investment Visa – For foreign investors looking to invest in Indian productions or industries.

The introduction of these new categories underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its visa offerings, making it easier for travelers with different needs to visit the country. Whether coming for a medical procedure, attending a business conference, or pursuing an academic degree, visitors can now apply for the appropriate e-Visa through India’s official online portal.

Streamlining Border Formalities with the e-Arrival Card

India has also taken a significant step towards modernizing its entry procedures by introducing the e-Arrival Card. This new digital system allows foreign travelers to submit their arrival details online prior to entering the country. Set to be fully operational by October 1, 2025, the e-Arrival Card will streamline the entry process, reducing the need for paper forms and expediting border formalities.

Travelers can complete the e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours before their arrival on the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival). This initiative is expected to improve efficiency, reduce waiting times at immigration counters, and minimize environmental impact by reducing paper usage.

However, it is important to note that the e-Arrival Card is not a visa replacement. It is solely a declarative form to capture arrival information and must be submitted in conjunction with an approved visa.

E-Visa Accessibility for Travelers from Over 160 Countries

India’s e-Visa is available to nationals of over 160 countries and territories. This wide accessibility allows travelers from all corners of the globe to visit India with ease, without the need for traditional embassy applications. Some of the eligible countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, and several others from Europe, Asia, and beyond.

However, the e-Visa program is not open to everyone. Nationals from certain countries, including Pakistan and its diaspora, and individuals holding diplomatic or official passports, are not eligible for the e-Visa. These travelers must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.

Below is a partial list of eligible countries for India’s e-Visa system in 2025:

Travelers from these countries can apply for an e-Visa through India’s official portal. However, travelers should always verify the most up-to-date eligibility requirements on the website before submitting their applications.

What You Need to Know for Applying for India’s E-Visa

To apply for an e-Visa, applicants need to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• A passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Sufficient funds to support their stay in India.
• Travelers must apply through the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa).

Looking Ahead: India’s Visa Policies in 2025 and Beyond

With the ongoing expansion of its e-Visa offerings and the introduction of new entry points and features, India is positioning itself as a more accessible destination for international travelers. The latest changes, including the extended application window and new categories, reflect the country’s commitment to attracting global visitors and enhancing its tourism sector.

These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on India’s tourism industry, making it easier for visitors from across the globe to experience the country’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, the US, Thailand, and other nations now face fewer travel obstacles as India’s e-Visa system expands, offering an extended application window of up to 120 days. This change enhances convenience for international travelers by allowing earlier trip planning and streamlined entry procedures.

Whether you’re planning a short holiday, a business trip, or a medical journey, India’s e-Visa system is paving the way for more seamless and convenient travel experiences.