India e-Tourist Visa Update 2026: Full List of 166 Eligible Nationalities

India has made travel easier. The government expanded the e-Tourist Visa to include 166 more nationalities. This change will help both holiday visitors and short-term corporate travellers. The Ministry of Tourism updated the official guidance in early February 2026. In this clear, friendly guide I explain what changed, who can apply, how to apply through the official India Visa Online portal, practical rules, and where to find the full list. By the end you should feel confident about using the e-Tourist Visa.

What exactly changed?

The main change is simple: more countries can now use the e-Tourist Visa. Nationals from 166 additional countries can apply online for permission to enter India for short stays. Before this update, some travellers had to visit an embassy or consulate for short trips. Now, many people can get electronic permission quickly by using the official India Visa Online site. The change reduces paperwork and saves time for travellers and businesses alike.

Who is newly eligible?

The government publishes the full country-by-country list on its e-visa page. To give a few examples often mentioned in news reports, Kenya, Algeria, Fiji, Uruguay, Armenia, and North Macedonia appear among countries highlighted in early coverage. If your nationality is on the official list you can apply for the e-Tourist Visa. For the exact list and any updates, always check the government’s pages and India Visa Information pages rather than relying on social posts.

Why this matters — for tourists and corporate travellers

The expanded e-Tourist Visa makes short trips, family visits, and corporate scouting visits much less stressful. Companies sending employees for meetings or conferences will face fewer visa hurdles. Easier entry usually leads to more visitors, more meeting attendees, and more business for hotels, airlines, and event organisers. For many small businesses and startups, the simpler process means it becomes easier to meet partners and explore opportunities in India.

How to apply — simple steps

If your country appears on the eligible list, follow these steps to apply for the e-Tourist Visa:

Visit the official e-visa website — use the government India Visa Online portal. This is the safe and correct place to apply.
Complete the online application form and upload a clear scan of your passport data page and a recent passport-style photo.
Pay the visa fee online with a card or other accepted payment methods.
Wait for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email. This ETA is the approval for your e-Tourist Visa — print it and keep it with your passport.
Show the ETA and passport at immigration when you arrive. The immigration officer will stamp the visa into your passport.

For any help, use the official India Visa Information pages and the helpline listed on the e-visa site. Avoid unofficial third-party sites that ask for extra fees or personal data.

Types, validity and stay limits

The e-Tourist Visa is offered in a few common options: a 30-day option (single or double entry), a one-year multiple-entry option, and a five-year multiple-entry option. The one-year and five-year versions often allow multiple short trips, but each has rules on how long you can stay in a calendar year — for example, a maximum of 180 days for some categories. Exact rules and exceptions are on the official e-visa FAQs, so check the site before booking travel.

Processing time, fees and common questions

Many people receive their e-Tourist Visa ETA within 72 hours, but processing can sometimes take longer. Fees vary by nationality and by the visa duration chosen. Processing fees are usually non-refundable. If you need the visa fast, do not use promises from private agents — apply early using the official India Visa Online portal to avoid risks.

Practical tips (human, short, useful)

Apply at least one week before travel when you can. The e-Tourist Visa often arrives quickly, but delays do occur.
Carry a printed copy of your ETA and the passport you used to apply.
If you travel for short business activities, check whether an e-Business or e-Conference visa suits your purpose better — the e-Tourist Visa is intended for tourism and short personal visits.
Keep copies of your hotel booking and return ticket; immigration officials may ask for these.
Always use the official India Visa Online portal and consult India Visa Information pages for authoritative guidance.

Quick FAQ — short answers

Can I extend an e-Tourist Visa? Extensions are limited. Short 30-day e-Tourist Visas usually cannot be extended. Longer options have their own rules — check the official pages.
Can I work on an e-Tourist Visa? No — paid work is not allowed on this visa type. For work, get the proper work visa.
Can I attend a conference on an e-Tourist Visa? If you attend as a visitor or tourist, usually yes. If you are paid or engaged in business activity, check if an e-Business or conference visa is required.

Where to find the full list and most reliable updates

The single source of truth is the government e-visa website and the Ministry of Tourism announcement. Those pages list the full 166 nationalities and any special instructions. For the latest e-Tourist Visa rules, do not rely on random blogs; always confirm on official sites and the India Visa Information pages.

Final words — friendly and clear

This expansion of the e-Tourist Visa to 166 nationalities is good news for holidaymakers and for business travellers who need short, quick trips to India. It lowers friction and makes planning simpler. Use the official India Visa Online portal, read the official India Visa Information, and follow the simple steps above. If you want, I can prepare a clean, alphabetical list of the 166 eligible countries for your blog, or write an SEO-friendly title and meta description that use the keyword e-Tourist Visa. Remember: always check the e-Tourist Visa rules before you travel. Happy travels — get your e-Tourist Visa in time!