Five New Countries Added to India e-Visa List — Full Details Explained

Good news for travellers: India has quietly added five new countries to its e-Visa programme. This change makes travel easier for citizens from parts of the Gulf and Africa. In this article I will explain clearly what changed, who benefits, how to apply on India Visa Online, the key India Visa Requirements, and practical tips so you won’t be left with doubts. I’ll keep the language simple and friendly — like a chat with someone who’s planning their first trip.

What exactly happened?

On January 14, India updated its e-Visa platform to include five New Countries: San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, and Seychelles. That means people from these countries can now apply for an Indian e-Visa online instead of going to an embassy or doing lots of paper work. The update is already live and appears on the official e-Visa portal.

Why this matters: adding these New Countries makes travel simpler and faster. For example, people from Saudi Arabia in the Gulf can now get an e-Visa instead of waiting for a traditional visa. Likewise, travellers from Senegal and Seychelles will find visiting India easier because the online process removes extra steps.

Who benefits and how?

If you are a passport holder of any of the New Countries, you can apply for an e-Visa from home. The e-Visa is electronic — you do the whole process online, receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email, and show it when you land in India. No embassy visit and no confusing paper trail. Use the official India Visa Online site to start your application — it is the safe and correct place to apply.

There are different e-Visa types: tourist, business, medical, and a few others. Choose the one that matches your purpose. Picking the wrong type can cause delays or entry refusal, so be clear about why you are going to India.

Step-by-step: How to apply on India Visa Online

1. Open the official India Visa Online portal. Double-check the web address so you don’t end up on a third-party site. 
2. Pick the correct e-Visa category (tourist, business, medical, etc.). 
3. Fill the form exactly as your passport shows your name, date of birth, and passport number. Small typos cause big problems. 
4. Upload required files: the passport biodata page, a recent passport-style photo, and any extra papers your visa type needs. Check the India Visa Requirements for specifics. 
5. Pay the fee online and save a screenshot of the payment confirmation. 
6. Wait for the ETA by email. When approved, print or save the ETA and carry it with your passport when you travel. 

Following these steps carefully makes the process smooth. For any tricky point, refer to the official India Visa Online instructions and FAQs.

What are the India Visa Requirements you must know?

While some details change by visa type, these basics usually apply:

• Passport valid for at least six months from arrival date. 
• At least two blank pages in the passport for entry/exit stamps. 
• A recent passport-style photo in the correct format. 
• Proof of onward or return travel may be asked for at immigration. 
• Additional documents for business or medical visas (invitation letter, hospital booking, etc.). 

Always check the India Visa Requirements for your visa category before you apply. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays or rejection. If you are unsure about a document, look for answers on the official portal or contact your nearest Indian mission.

rocessing time, fees, and validity — what to expect

Processing times vary. Many e-Visas are decided in a few days, but some applications take longer if extra checks are needed. Fees depend on your nationality and the visa type, so check the exact fee on India Visa Online before paying. Tourist e-Visas commonly allow stays of up to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the category and nationality.

Practical tips and common mistakes

A few friendly tips that save a lot of stress:

• Apply with a stable internet connection—don’t start on a shaky Wi-Fi that might cut out. 
• Match names and numbers exactly to your passport. Even small spelling differences can cause trouble. 
• Keep copies of your ETA email and the confirmation screenshot. 
• If your travel is time-sensitive, book refundable tickets or buy trip insurance until your visa is approved. 
• Renew your passport if it expires within six months of travel. 
• Be cautious of third-party sites that charge high fees — always start at India Visa Online. 

Why India is adding more countries

India has steadily expanded its e-Visa programme over past years to welcome more tourists, business travellers, and medical visitors. These changes help tourism, trade, and medical travel grow faster and with fewer hassles. The move to include these New Countries fits into the larger plan of digital and friendly borders — while still keeping checks needed for security. The e-Visa scheme has grown since 2014 and continues to add more nationalities and categories.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is the e-Visa the same as a stamp in my passport?
A: No — the e-Visa is electronic. Carry the ETA email and your passport when you arrive.

Q: Can I extend an e-Visa inside India?
A: Extensions are limited and handled by FRRO/FRRO offices case-by-case. For long stays, choose a different visa type.

Q: When should people from the New Countries apply?
A: Apply as soon as travel plans are fixed. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Final words — simple and practical

The addition of these New Countries to India’s e-Visa roster is good news. It removes steps, makes travel easier, and opens doors for more visits between India and the Gulf/Africa. If you are from one of the New Countries, start your application on India Visa Online and double-check the India Visa Requirements for your visa type. Follow the steps above and you’ll likely find the process quick and simple.