India confirmed on 23 June 2026 that all categories of long-duration tourist visas — suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic — have been fully reinstated for all nationalities. Indian embassies worldwide updated their official websites on that date to reflect the change. For Indian passport holders based in Schengen countries, and for European nationals planning to visit India, this marks the end of Covid-era restrictions on leisure travel to India.
What India’s Long-Duration Tourist Visa Restoration Covers
The restoration has three specific components, as confirmed by Indian embassies:
- Reactivation of previously issued ten-year paper visas that still carry remaining validity — these are now usable without any re-stamping process.
- Resumption of fresh long-duration paper visas being issued at Indian consulates worldwide, including those in Schengen countries.
- Availability of one-month, one-year, and five-year e-Tourist visas on India’s online portal for eligible nationalities.
This completes a phased process that began with short-stay e-Tourist visas in late 2024. The June 2026 update adds the longer-duration categories that had remained suspended.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Who Confirmed | Indian Embassies Worldwide |
| Visa Types Restored | 10-year paper visa (existing), fresh long-duration paper visas, 1-month / 1-year / 5-year e-Tourist visas |
| Re-stamping Required | No |
| Air Suvidha Declaration | Still mandatory for all travelers |
India Tourist Visa Process for Schengen-Based Applicants
Indian passport holders residing in Schengen countries who plan to sponsor family visits, or European nationals applying for an India tourist visa from cities such as Berlin, Paris, or Amsterdam, can now select from the full range of durations when applying at their respective Indian consulate or through India’s e-Tourist visa portal.
The five-year multiple-entry e-Tourist visa is now available for eligible nationalities, which gives families and frequent travelers flexibility for repeat visits without reapplying each time. For a step-by-step view of what documents to prepare, use our Document Checklist before starting your application.
One compliance point applies to all inbound travelers regardless of visa type: the Air Suvidha declaration must be completed prior to travel. Additionally, immigration authorities have noted that overstays attract penalties under India’s amended Foreigner Rules, so travelers should check the exact entry and exit dates stamped in their passports.
Indian travelers planning onward Schengen travel in the same trip can review the full Schengen Visa Guide for current requirements, since both ends of the journey now have updated visa frameworks in place.
Source: Indian Embassies Worldwide, Ministry of External Affairs, India
FAQ
Which India tourist visa durations are now available again?
Indian embassies confirmed the reactivation of previously issued ten-year paper visas that still carry validity, resumption of fresh long-duration paper visas at consulates, and availability of one-month, one-year, and five-year e-Tourist visas on the online portal for eligible nationalities.
Do holders of previously issued long-duration visas need re-stamping to enter India?
No. Holders of restored visas may enter India immediately without re-stamping.
Is the 30-day e-Tourist visa still available alongside longer options?
Yes. The one-month e-Tourist visa remains available on the portal alongside the one-year and five-year options.
Are there any entry formalities travelers must still complete?
Yes. All travelers must still complete the Air Suvidha declaration before flying to India.
What penalties apply for overstaying an India tourist visa?
Overstays attract penalties under India’s amended Foreigner Rules. Immigration lawyers have flagged this as a compliance area requiring attention for all incoming travelers.
When did India begin restoring e-Tourist visa categories?
The phased normalisation began with short-stay e-Tourist visas in late 2024. The full restoration, covering all long-duration categories, was confirmed on 23 June 2026.