Thailand And Vietnam Joins China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Uzbekistan And More Countries In Asia As India Launches New E-Visa Type To Accelerate Tourism: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 9, 2025

Thailand and Vietnam join China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Uzbekistan, and more countries in Asia as India launches the E-Production Investment e-Visa to accelerate tourism. This new e-visa, introduced on December 8, 2025, offers a streamlined, multi-entry system for nationals from over 160 countries, allowing them to stay for up to six months. The initiative aims to simplify visa processes for foreign nationals coming to India for tourism-related activities such as installation, quality checks, and training for tourism vendors, thereby boosting India’s tourism sector and fostering stronger international collaboration.

India is making a significant move to enhance its tourism industry with the launch of a new e-visa type designed specifically to accelerate tourism across the country. The introduction of the E-Production Investment e-Visa aims to facilitate smoother travel for foreign nationals coming to India for a variety of tourism-related purposes, while also promoting the country’s vibrant tourism sector.

The Indian government officially launched this new e-visa type on December 8, 2025. This visa offers multiple entries for up to six months, making it a flexible option for individuals traveling to India. The visa’s primary goal is to support a broad range of tourism activities including installation, commissioning, quality checks, and training for tourism-related vendors. With the e-visa system’s ease of use, it is now easier than ever for international visitors to take part in various operational activities that support tourism.

Key Features of the E-Production Investment E-Visa

The E-Production Investment e-Visa is part of India’s ongoing effort to streamline visa processing and make the country more accessible to tourists from across the world. This visa enables foreign nationals to perform critical tasks for tourism-related vendors in India, including:

• Installation and commissioning
• Quality checks and maintenance
• Production and IT ramp-up for tourism businesses
• Vendor training and supply chain development
• Plant design for tourism-related establishments

This visa is available in multiple entries and allows visitors to stay in India for up to six months. The e-visa system offers significant convenience for both the Indian government and travelers, with processing times ranging from three to seven business days for most eligible nationals. Notably, Chinese nationals may experience a slightly longer processing time due to additional requirements.

The Push for Enhanced Tourism in India

India has long been a popular tourist destination, boasting a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes that attract millions of international visitors every year. The introduction of this new e-visa aims to ease the visa application process, making it simpler and faster for visitors to come to India, contribute to the tourism sector, and engage with local businesses.

One of the most notable advantages of this visa is its support for just-in-time operations, particularly for foreign experts and vendors who are vital for the tourism industry. The e-visa will allow foreign employees of vendors to contribute to various activities such as site inspections, product installations, and other key processes that are essential for tourism businesses in India.

By making the visa process smoother and more efficient, India is aiming to boost both international tourism and local tourism-related operations, which have faced challenges in the past due to lengthy visa processing times.

Who Can Apply for the E-Production Investment E-Visa?

The E-Production Investment e-Visa is designed for nationals of over 160 countries who are eligible for India’s e-Visa scheme. However, the visa is not available to nationals from certain countries that require regular visas, such as those from Pakistan or those with restrictions due to national security concerns.

The e-visa system aims to benefit tourists who are entering India for the specific activities mentioned earlier and provides a fast and easy application process through the official online portal.

The Eligibility Criteria for the E-Production Investment e-Visa:

1. Nationalities eligible for India’s e-Visa scheme are invited to apply, which includes travelers from many countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.
2. Pakistani-origin individuals or nationals from countries with specific entry restrictions like Afghanistan, North Korea, or Syria are not eligible for the e-visa.
3. Processing times for the e-visa are typically between three to seven business days, although Chinese nationals may experience a longer wait due to additional checks.

Asian Countries Eligible for the E-Production Investment E-Visa

The new e-visa system is available for nationals of numerous countries in Asia, which includes some of India’s major tourism partners. Below is the list of eligible Asian countries where travelers can apply for this new visa type:

• Armenia
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan (visa-exempt, but e-Visa applies for certain entries)
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• South Korea
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon (subject to security checks)
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Maldives (visa on arrival aligns with e-Visa)
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nepal (visa-exempt, but e-Visa for specific purposes)
• Oman
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam

These countries are eligible for the e-visa under the conditions set by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Nationals from these countries can apply directly through India’s official e-Visa portal and benefit from the fast processing times.

Benefits of the E-Production Investment E-Visa for Thailand and Vietnam

Thailand and Vietnam are significant players in the Southeast Asian tourism market, and this new e-visa type provides a streamlined path for their nationals to visit India for tourism-related work. Thailand, known for its popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the stunning Thai islands, will benefit from the easier entry process for Thai nationals looking to contribute to India’s tourism activities. Similarly, Vietnam, with its booming tourism industry, can now foster closer ties with India by sending more of its citizens to work in the growing tourism sector.

Both countries have strong cultural and business ties with India, and this visa will enhance collaboration between the two countries in tourism and related sectors. The introduction of this e-visa is expected to pave the way for further tourism growth and collaboration, facilitating more cultural exchanges and tourist activity.

Impact of the E-Visa on India’s Tourism Growth

The new E-Production Investment e-Visa is part of India’s broader strategy to modernize and diversify its tourism sector. India is home to iconic cultural sites, spiritual destinations, and modern urban landscapes, making it a desirable travel destination for millions of tourists every year. The launch of the e-visa aligns with India’s goals to enhance its international standing in the global tourism market.

The ease of obtaining an e-visa for a six-month stay, coupled with the multiple-entry feature, is expected to lead to a rise in tourism. It will attract not just tourists who come for leisure but also professionals and experts who play key roles in tourism-related operations. The simplified entry process will encourage foreign investments in India’s tourism infrastructure, with increased participation from vendors and experts who are essential for projects and operations.

India’s strategic move to introduce a dedicated e-visa for tourism professionals supports the government’s efforts to diversify tourism products and services. This visa is expected to accelerate the growth of India’s tourism industry, providing tourists from across Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, with easier access to India.

How to Apply for the E-Production Investment E-Visa

To apply for the E-Production Investment e-Visa, applicants need to follow these steps:

1. Visit India’s official e-Visa portal.
2. Select the E-Production Investment e-Visa option from the dropdown menu.
3. Fill out the online application form and submit the required documents.
4. Wait for the processing of the visa (3-7 business days, longer for Chinese nationals).
5. Receive approval via email, with the e-Visa sent electronically.

Applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying and can check their status online. For nationals of restricted countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan, regular visas will still be required.

Thailand and Vietnam join China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Uzbekistan, and more countries in Asia as India launches the E-Production Investment e-Visa to accelerate tourism. This new e-visa, designed for nationals from over 160 countries, facilitates smoother travel for tourism-related tasks and supports the growth of India’s vibrant tourism sector.

India’s launch of the E-Production Investment e-Visa marks a key milestone in the country’s efforts to boost its tourism industry. By easing the visa process for nationals of more than 160 countries, including those in Southeast Asia like Thailand and Vietnam, India is set to enhance its position as a tourist hub in Asia. This new e-visa will not only benefit tourists and vendors but will also strengthen the overall tourism infrastructure, allowing India to remain a major player in the international tourism market. As India continues to grow as a tourism destination, initiatives like this will play a critical role in the country’s tourism recovery and growth.