Personal-finance portal BankBazaar quietly updated its Indian Tourist e-Visa guide on 25 September to reflect the government’s latest inclusion of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Mauritania, bringing total eligible nationalities to 166. Though not an official gazette, the guide mirrors data available on the Ministry of Home Affairs portal and is widely referenced by travel agents. The update confirms that recent geopolitical tensions have not derailed India’s broader visa-liberalisation push. Gulf additions are strategically important: arrivals from Qatar and Kuwait grew 48 % in Q1 FY27, driven by MICE traffic tied to India’s construction and energy projects. Mauritania’s inclusion signals outreach to West African resource partners. For corporates, the broadened list simplifies inbound visits from suppliers and joint-venture partners who previously needed consular visas. The e-Visa now supports 14 sub-categories—including business, conference and medical attendants—allowing stays of up to 180 days on the five-year multiple-entry version. Companies should note that applicants must apply at least four days before travel, and biometric capture still occurs on arrival; first-time travellers should budget extra airport time until rollout of the DigiYatra facial-recognition corridor extends beyond the current six airports.
Source: BankBazaar
