In 2014, the e-Tourist Visa facility became available for foreign citizens of over 40 eligible countries. The list is set to be further expanded to include 158 countries. This visa is issued for tourism, visiting friends and family, short duration medical treatment and business visits. In a further effort to promote business travel to India the Union Cabinet will soon expand the scope of this visa to include dual intent entries for tourism/business. Conferences will come under the umbrella of business. If the changes in the e-visa are approved, then its validity will be doubled to 60 days and can be applied for up to 4 months before the foreign national's visit.
In further effort to expand the e-Tourist Visa facility the Indian government will soon allow national from 158 different countries to enter India through the seaports of Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Mangalore and Mumbai. This will be in addition to the already designated 16 Indian Airports through which foreign nationals can enter India for a variety of purposes including business which will soon be combinable with a tourist visa.
Another big change is the ability to apply for emergency medical treatment or emergency business visits visas that will be issued within 48 hours of application. The new policy will be further expanded to visas for internships and for film shoots by foreign crews.
Employment visas will also receive a shot in the arm. The minimum annual income will now be expressed in rupees instead of USDs to help insulate it from fluctuating exchange rates.
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