Saudi Arabia And Bahrain Join Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, And More Countries In Promoting Travel And Tourism As India Unveils Two E-Visa Options: What You Need To Know Now

Published on December 18, 2025

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain joins Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, and more countries in boosting travel and tourism as India launches two new e-Visa policies aimed at simplifying visa procedures for foreign professionals and tourists. This move comes as part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its business environment and increase foreign investments, particularly in critical sectors like manufacturing and tourism. By streamlining the visa application process and making it more accessible, India is not only easing the entry of skilled professionals but also attracting more visitors from the Middle East, which in turn is expected to drive economic growth and strengthen global ties.

India has recently unveiled two transformative e-Visa policies aimed at enhancing its tourism sector and making it easier for foreign professionals to contribute to critical industries. The new initiatives, launched under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aim to address operational bottlenecks faced by manufacturers and streamline the visa process for travelers and foreign professionals. These policy changes are expected to have wide-reaching implications for both business operations and tourism in India, with particular emphasis on countries in the Middle East and beyond.

India’s e-Visa Overhaul: A Game-Changer for Travel and Tourism

The new e-Visa framework is a key move to simplify visa procedures, catering to both business professionals and tourists alike. The announcement introduces two major visa subcategories: the e-Business Visa and the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4). These policies target professionals who engage in critical tasks such as machinery installation, commissioning, training, and plant design, as well as those involved in tourism activities across India.

The shift towards a digital, simplified process is designed to boost India’s ease-of-doing-business environment, which has been a long-standing goal of the government. With an easy-to-use online platform, companies can now generate sponsorship letters digitally for inviting foreign professionals under the newly established visa categories. This streamlined process addresses previous delays in obtaining visas, particularly for foreign engineers and technical experts, many of whom play a crucial role in various sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

A New Dawn for Middle Eastern Travelers: Expanding Horizons for GCC Countries

One of the standout features of India’s new e-Visa policies is the accessibility it offers to nationals from a wide range of countries, including those in the Middle East. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait will benefit from the newly simplified visa system. These nations, which have long been key players in global business and tourism, are expected to experience smoother and quicker entry processes.

The e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) is particularly relevant to these countries, as it allows skilled workers and business professionals to enter India for key roles like equipment installation and plant commissioning, without the need for a traditional employment visa. The introduction of a digital sponsorship letter module on the National Single Window System (NSWS) means that companies can now apply for these visas with fewer hurdles and greater speed, which is vital for maintaining the flow of business operations across borders.

Middle Eastern Countries Eligible for India’s e-Business Visa

The inclusion of these countries reflects India’s growing recognition of the importance of Middle Eastern markets and their potential to boost the country’s tourism and business sectors. Whether it’s leisure tourism or specialized work in critical sectors, the simplified visa process helps bridge the gap between India and these countries, enhancing both cultural exchange and economic partnerships.

The Economic Impact: Enhancing Manufacturing and Tourism

The implications of this policy extend far beyond just easing travel. India is positioning itself as an ideal destination for foreign experts in the manufacturing sector. The e-B-4 visa, which permits professionals to engage in vital production activities such as quality inspections, plant design, and vendor development, has the potential to significantly enhance India’s industrial capacity.

Moreover, the tourism sector will also see a boost, particularly in relation to Middle Eastern travelers who have long been attracted to India’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. With countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain now able to access India’s new e-Visa system with ease, it’s expected that there will be a sharp increase in visitors from these regions. Additionally, India’s tourism infrastructure is being rapidly upgraded, and the government’s push to simplify the visa process aligns with its broader goals of becoming a leading global travel hub.

The long-term economic benefits for India are significant, as smoother visa processing will likely lead to increased foreign investments and higher tourism numbers. The introduction of the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) is especially important as it facilitates the entry of professionals crucial for setting up and maintaining high-tech equipment, which in turn supports the country’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.

The Simplification Process: A Streamlined Approach

A major component of the new system is the digital module available on the National Single Window System (NSWS). This new tool allows Indian companies to generate sponsorship letters online, significantly reducing the time spent on paperwork. Before the introduction of this system, delays in processing visa applications had become a significant bottleneck for manufacturers, particularly those who relied on foreign technicians for specialized tasks like machinery installation and equipment maintenance.

The digital module launched by the DPIIT also eliminates the need for multiple layers of approval, making it easier for businesses to navigate the visa process. The move is a part of India’s larger strategy to improve its business environment and attract more foreign expertise, which is crucial for scaling up production and improving technological capabilities in various sectors.

Expansion of India’s e-Visa System to Other Nations

While the Middle East is a primary focus for the new visa policies, India has also extended the benefits of its e-Visa framework to countries worldwide. Nationals from over 150 countries can now apply for business visas under the e-B4 category, significantly reducing the complexity of visa processing. The e-Visa initiative not only improves travel for business professionals but also paves the way for more leisure travelers who are interested in exploring India’s rich cultural and natural offerings.

India’s ongoing efforts to simplify its visa procedures are consistent with its broader goal to improve ease-of-doing-business rankings and provide a better experience for foreign nationals looking to visit or work in the country. The digitalization of the visa process is part of India’s push to modernize its bureaucratic processes and make the country more attractive for international investments and tourism.

The launch of India’s dual e-Visa system marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to streamline its immigration policies and boost both the business and tourism sectors. With Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE now benefitting from simplified visa processing, India is poised to become an even more important hub for global trade and tourism. The digital tools introduced under the new framework not only reduce the complexity of visa applications but also encourage the influx of foreign expertise and tourism dollars, fostering a climate of growth and opportunity for India.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain join Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, and more countries in boosting travel and tourism as India launches two new e-Visa policies to simplify visa procedures. This move is designed to enhance India’s business environment and attract more foreign professionals and tourists, particularly from the Middle East.

As India continues to strengthen its ties with the Middle East and other regions, these changes are expected to foster deeper cultural, economic, and professional connections, benefiting both India and its international partners. With smoother visa procedures and enhanced business opportunities, India is setting the stage for a new era of global collaboration and tourism growth.