India Expands e-Visa to 166 Countries, 72-Hour Approvals Boost Global Travel

• India has expanded its e-Tourist Visa program to 166 countries, adding nine new nations including Kenya, Algeria, and Fiji, effective January 25, 2026.
• The fully online application process allows travelers to receive an electronic travel authorization within 72 hours, eliminating physical visits and long waits.
• The standard e-Tourist Visa permits double entry and stays up to 30 days, while e-Business and e-Medical Visas offer up to 90 days validity.
• This expansion facilitates spontaneous travel, business meetings, medical consultations, and participation in conferences, especially for regions with limited consular access.
• The move supports India's goal of attracting 15 million international visitors by 2026 and incorporates AI-powered security measures for fraud detection.

Why It Matters: India's expanded e-Visa system with 72-hour approvals simplifies international travel, boosting tourism and business.