India plans to simplify tourist visa requirements

Separately, VisasNews reports that India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0 for international arrivals, with a mandatory digital health declaration before immigration. That matters now, unlike the visa reform proposal.

Visa-on-arrival is being discussed, not implemented

The reported reform package would introduce a tourist visa on arrival for certain nationalities. The proposal is described as phased and targeted. Eligibility could depend on tourism potential, reciprocity for Indian travelers, and cooperation with Indian authorities.

The reported model would allow eligible travelers to obtain entry authorization at selected airports and seaports. The source also refers to a 90-day visa-on-arrival concept.

Operational warning: this is not a basis for travel planning yet. No eligible nationality list, airport list, seaport list, fee schedule, or start date is confirmed in the supplied material. Do not arrive in India assuming visa-on-arrival access unless your nationality is explicitly covered by an official Indian entry rule at the time of travel.

For now, treat the announcement as a policy signal. It may reduce pre-departure paperwork later. It does not remove the need to check visa status before booking flights.

e-Visa portal improvements would matter more for most visitors

The second reported visa measure is improvement of India’s e-Visa portal. The stated objective is a simpler and more reliable online application process.

For most short-stay tourists, this is the more relevant item. India’s e-Visa route is already the practical entry channel for many travelers, while visa-on-arrival would likely be limited if introduced. A better portal could reduce failed submissions, unclear form steps, or avoidable application errors.

No specific portal changes are confirmed in the evidence. There is no confirmed processing window, new document list, or revised application category in the supplied material.

Practical handling:

• Apply under the rules in force on your application date.
• Keep copies of the application confirmation and approval.
• Do not rely on reform announcements when calculating your entry date.
• Recheck requirements close to departure if traveling during a transition period.

Air Suvidha 2.0 is the immediate arrival form to watch

VisasNews reports that India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0, a digital health declaration portal for international passengers arriving in India. The report says the declaration is mandatory for international arrivals and must be submitted before immigration.

The stated purpose is health surveillance at points of entry. The system collects information including recent travel history, possible risk exposure, and symptoms. Traveler-submitted data can be shared with Indian agencies involved in immigration and health surveillance.

The form can be completed up to 24 hours before arrival, according to the report. Passengers should have passport details, flight details, address of stay or contact address, email address, and phone number ready. OTP verification may be required. After submission, the passenger receives an acknowledgement or registration number and should keep the Self Declaration Form digitally or printed.

This is separate from the visa process. A valid visa or e-Visa does not replace an arrival health declaration if the form is required for your flight and entry point.

Pre-departure checklist

• Confirm your visa category under current Indian rules.
• Do not assume visa-on-arrival unless officially eligible.
• If using e-Visa, apply through the active process, not a reform proposal.
• Complete Air Suvidha 2.0 within the stated pre-arrival window if required.
• Carry visa approval, passport, accommodation/contact details, and the Air Suvidha acknowledgement.