The Embassy of India in Brasília has updated its public advisory to confirm that the five-year e-tourist visa is now fully operational for nationals of 156 countries, reversing the last pandemic-era suspension. Although the restoration was approved earlier this year, the 9 July 2026 update clarifies that fresh applications are open immediately and that travellers may also obtain regular five-year paper visas where preferred. Key points include unrestricted multiple entries by air or sea but continued prohibition on entering India on a tourist e-visa via land or riverine borders—a policy of note for overlanders coming from Nepal, Bhutan or Myanmar. Afghanistan nationals remain excluded and must apply for the separate e-Emergency X-Misc visa. For tourism boards and conference organisers the clarification removes lingering uncertainty, allowing forward sales of long-duration package tours and incentive trips. Airlines are expected to ramp up marketing in source markets such as Brazil, Japan and Germany, highlighting the five-year validity as a cost-saving for repeat visitors. The update also confirms continuation of India’s ‘Gratis Visa’ scheme that waives the fee for the first 500,000 foreign tourists—useful for DMCs courting price-sensitive segments. Health protocols now defer entirely to Ministry of Health guidance; no additional Covid-19 forms are required, but travellers arriving from Ebola-affected regions must complete the new Air Suvidha 2.0 declaration. Travel risk advisors should still flag that land-border entry on an e-tourist visa remains off-limits until separate notifications authorise the checkpoints. Businesses moving equipment by road from neighbouring countries must therefore secure appropriate business or conference visas instead.
