India has changed its e-visa rules: multiple-entry visas for tourists in 2026

In 2026, India updated its visa policy for foreign tourists, expanding the options for multiple entries with a 30-day e-visa. These changes make it easier to plan combined itineraries across South Asian countries. Learn more about the new terms and conditions for the Indian e-visa, length of stay, and available visa categories

India has updated the terms of its 30-day tourist e-visa—travelers can now enter the country an unlimited number of times during the visa’s validity period. Previously, the number of entries was limited to two. Travelobiz reports on the changes.

We’ll explain exactly what has changed, how this affects travel planning in South Asia, and what other visa options are available to foreign tourists in the article below.

Planning a trip to India or other countries in South Asia?

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Multiple entries instead of two: what exactly has changed?

Starting June 12, 2026, Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) issued under the 30-day tourist e-visa category (e-T1 V) will include a “Multiple Entry” designation. Prior to this update, holders of such visas were entitled to only two entries during the visa’s validity period.

The maximum length of stay in India remains unchanged—30 days from the date of first arrival. The change applies exclusively to the number of permitted border crossings.

After receiving your ETA, be sure to check the key details of your authorization:

• visa category;
• the date by which you must make your first entry;
• the permitted length of stay;
• type of entry (single-entry / multiple-entry).

The fastest countries to obtain citizenship in 2026 — listed here.

Four months for the first entry: a change effective as of December 2025

Another relaxation took effect earlier—on December 18, 2025. The deadline for the first entry into India after an electronic visa is issued has been extended from 30 to 120 days. Thus, travelers have four months to begin their trip after their ETA is approved.

It’s important to understand: this timeframe refers specifically to the date of the first border crossing, not the length of stay. The permitted length of stay in the country remains 30 days.

About the world’s best cities to move to in 2026—read more at the link.

Traveling in South Asia has become more convenient

This update is particularly useful for those planning multi-country itineraries in the region. You can now freely leave and re-enter India—for example, visit Delhi, fly to Nepal or Sri Lanka, and return to India before your flight back home.

Popular destinations that travelers combine with India include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, and other countries in the region. The new policy applies to foreign travelers, specifically citizens of the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Bangladesh.

Overall, this move is part of a broader trend—countries competing for international tourists are gradually lifting visa restrictions that previously made travel planning more difficult.

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India’s 1-Year and 5-Year Tourist E-Visas

For those planning multiple visits to India over an extended period, e-visas with longer validity periods are available:

1. 1-year tourist e-visa — multiple-entry;
2. 5-year tourist e-visa — multiple-entry.

In both cases, the total duration of stay in India is limited to 180 days per calendar year.

How much will it cost to live in the best EU countries in 2026? — read here.

What purposes is the tourist e-visa suitable for?

A tourist e-visa allows entry into India for various purposes: sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, short yoga programs, certain types of volunteer work, as well as informal short-term courses lasting up to six months that do not lead to a degree or official qualification.

However, it is important to note that this visa cannot be extended and cannot be converted into another type of visa. The final decision on admission to the country is made by immigration officials directly at the port of entry.

One requirement that travelers often overlook is the Indian e-Arrival Card. It must be completed online within 72 hours of arrival in the country.

Get travel insurance on the Visit World portal!

Traveling to India or other countries in South Asia requires proper preparation, and an insurance policy is an important part of that. On the Visit World portal, you can purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, lost luggage, and other risks during your stay abroad.

Purchase your policy online in advance and travel with reliable protection!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the easiest countries to obtain a residence permit in 2026.

Photo: Magnific

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