According to a Government of India update released on 5^th August 2025, India’s e-Visa programme includes additional sub-categories such as e-Transit, e-Mountaineering, e-Film and e-Entry.

These e-Visa programmes are administered by the Government of India through the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. These additional e-Visa subcategories have been rolled out to make purpose-based travel for foreign nationals easier and smoother.

How the eVisa Application Works

1. Eligible nationals can apply online. Travel is only permitted once the Indian eVisa has been approved.
2. Post application submission an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), for travelling to India is issued.
3. On arrival, the biometrics of the foreign nationals are completed.
4. After the biometric completion, the e-Visa is stamped on the traveller's passport.

Additional e-Visa Sub-Categories Introduced in August 2025

The added eVisa categories are introduced by the Government of India, specifically through the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. These categories include. 

• e-Mountaineering Visa
• e-Transit Visa
• e-Film Visa
• e-Entry Visa
• e-Production Investment Visa

e-Mountaineering Visa:

• India is famous for its mountaineering and trekking destinations, and travellers planning a trekking expedition in India need to apply for an e-mountaineering visa.
• The Indian Mountaineering Foundation issues a clearance document to the eligible applicants.

e-Transit Visa:

• The e-Transit Visa is for travellers transiting through India with a confirmed onward ticket. 
• The e-Transit visa is strictly for transit purposes only and does not permit extended stays or tourism.

e-Film Visa: 

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting provides clearance documents to eligible candidates.
• This eVisa allows foreign nationals to visit India for film productions and related activities.

e-Entry Visa: 

• The e-Entry Visa is for travellers who have close family or personal links in India. This includes individuals married to an Indian national, as well as spouses or children of foreign nationals already residing in India on approved visas.
• The e-Entry Visa does not allow business activities. 

e-Production Investment Visa:

• The e-production Investment Visa is available to foreign nationals seeking to visit India for production-related work and manufacturing activities. 
• The entire process is completed online, and processing can take 3-6 working days.

Why Did India Introduce These Additional eVisa Subcategories?

These e-Visa subcategories support purpose-specific travel, with conditions based on the traveller’s reason for entry. Selecting the correct e-Visa subcategory helps avoid issues at the airport and upon entry into India.