Denmark Joins Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia, France, and More Than Thirty-Five Countries in Europe as India Launches Groundbreaking e‑Tourist Visa Expansion to Revolutionize Travel and Tourism. The reason behind this expansion is India’s strategic move to simplify travel access by offering e‑Tourist Visas to citizens from 221 countries, including major European nations like Denmark, United Kingdom, and Germany. This initiative will not only streamline visa processing, allowing travelers to apply online, but also help boost tourism and business by attracting more international visitors as part of India’s broader Visit India 2030 goal of reaching 30 million annual foreign arrivals.

India has taken a bold step towards becoming a global tourism powerhouse with the introduction of the expanded e‑Tourist Visa (eTV), which now includes a record-breaking 221 countries. As part of this historic initiative, India has widened its digital reach, making it easier than ever for international visitors to explore its vibrant landscapes, rich heritage, and thriving business environment. By adding 166 new countries to the list of eligible eVisa applicants, the Indian government has opened new doors for travelers worldwide, aiming to double its pre-pandemic tourism arrivals under the Visit India 2030 initiative.

Among the newly added countries are Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, marking a monumental shift in India’s digital tourism infrastructure. These countries, alongside more than thirty other European nations, are now able to seamlessly apply for e‑Visas, bypassing the traditionally cumbersome consular process and enhancing the travel experience for millions of tourists, business travelers, and conference delegates.

What Does This Mean for Europe’s Tourism?

India’s expanded e‑Tourist Visa scheme is set to revolutionize international tourism, especially in Europe. By eliminating the need for physical visa applications and reducing approval times from weeks to just 48 hours, India has transformed travel access into a seamless, tech-savvy experience for travelers from all over the world. This development is aimed at creating an efficient, cost-effective solution for tourists and business travelers alike.

For European nations, this marks a shift towards easier connectivity, boosting tourism by encouraging short-term leisure travel and providing businessmen, executives, and conference delegates with quicker access to India. Through the new system, European business travel to India for conferences, trade exhibitions, and incentive programs will be significantly streamlined.

New e‑Tourist Visa Features: A Game-Changer for Global Travel

India’s e‑Tourist Visa programme, initially rolled out in 2014, has already been a success story, simplifying the visa application process for millions. But the January 2026 expansion has brought with it even greater opportunities for international travelers:

• 100% Online Application: Travelers can apply, pay, and receive approval without leaving their home country.
• Faster Processing: Instead of waiting weeks for consular processing, approvals can be completed in 48–72 hours.
• Expanded Access: The expansion now includes 221 countries—with a heavy focus on business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism, prioritizing high-value visitors.
• Increased Stay Duration: The eTV allows for 30-day stays, with the possibility of extending up to 90 days for business-related purposes.
• Easier Travel for Business Professionals: eVisa approvals eliminate the need for consular submissions, which is a significant advantage for business travelers attending meetings or conferences.

The scheme covers short stays and business trips with the added benefit of real-time passport verification with INTERPOL, providing extra layers of security and peace of mind for both travelers and the government.

Which Countries Are Now Eligible for India’s e‑Tourist Visa?

The expanded list of European countries eligible for India’s e‑Tourist Visa now includes Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and many others. Here’s the complete list of European countries now benefiting from the scheme:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

This eVisa expansion is part of a broader push by the Indian government to ensure that tourism flows seamlessly and to build an infrastructure that is accessible, efficient, and business-friendly for travelers from around the world.

The Rise of MICE and Business Travel to India

India has long been a leading destination for business events and international conferences. With this new eVisa expansion, the country is expecting a sharp rise in MICE tourism. The move aims to bolster its position as an international business hub while also facilitating the influx of global leaders and entrepreneurs attending trade fairs, industry meet-ups, and other professional events.

The short-term business visas will simplify the logistics for corporate travelers, delegates, and conference attendees, helping India position itself as the go-to destination for global events. The government expects to see significant growth in sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and sustainability innovation with easier access to these sectors through visa facilitation.

New Pathways to Strengthen Ties Between India and Europe

The eTourist Visa expansion is not just about improving travel convenience; it’s also a strategic move to build stronger diplomatic and economic ties between India and Europe. With 35+ European countries now eligible, India can leverage this to enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the regions.

By providing easier access to business travelers and tourists, India opens the door for stronger intercontinental cooperation. The increase in European tourists to India also presents a unique opportunity for India to boost its hospitality sector and cultural heritage tourism.

Challenges and Key Considerations

While the expanded e‑Visa programme is groundbreaking, there are some important restrictions travelers must be aware of:

• Land Borders: Travelers arriving at land borders (e.g., from Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh) are still required to obtain regular visa stickers. The e‑Visa facility is only valid at designated airports and seaports.
• Geographic Limitations: The e‑Visa is valid only at 28 designated international airports and 5 seaports across India. These include key gateways like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Travelers must enter India through one of these locations for the eVisa to be valid.

Industry groups are actively lobbying for land-border acceptance, especially ahead of major events like the 2027 South Asian Games, which India will host.

India’s Vision for 2030: A Bright Future for Tourism

The e‑Tourist Visa expansion is an essential element of India’s ambitious tourism vision for 2030. With the goal of 30 million foreign arrivals per year, India is positioning itself to double its pre-pandemic tourism numbers by 2030.

India aims to become a top travel destination by embracing technology and streamlined visa processes. The e‑Visa programme will provide a competitive edge to the Indian tourism industry, especially as it recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

As the country continues to open its doors to the world, it seeks to position itself not only as a tourist destination but also as a hub for business innovation, culture, and sustainability. The move will contribute significantly to the economic growth and employment generation in sectors such as hospitality, aviation, and service industries.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Explore India

With the launch of this new e‑Tourist Visa, India is redefining the way the world travels to its shores. The convenience, efficiency, and tech-savvy approach to visa applications signal a new era of travel. For Europe, in particular, this expansion opens up a world of possibilities—whether it’s for business, tourism, or cultural exchange.

With the introduction of the e‑Tourist Visa, Denmark, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia, France, and other European nations can now enjoy seamless access to one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating destinations. India is ready to welcome the world to explore its stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and thriving business opportunities—all with a visa that’s just a few clicks away.

Denmark Joins Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia, France, and More Than Thirty-Five Countries in Europe as India Launches Groundbreaking e‑Tourist Visa Expansion to Revolutionize Travel and Tourism. This expansion simplifies travel by allowing citizens from 221 countries, including major European nations, to apply for e‑Visas online, aiming to boost inbound tourism and enhance business connectivity as part of India’s Visit India 2030 goal.

As India welcomes more tourists, businesses, and conference delegates, it’s clear that the country is on track to become one of the top global destinations in the coming years. India’s new e‑Visa programme is the gateway to a dynamic, welcoming, and digitally connected India, opening the door to millions of travelers and businesses ready to explore the country’s remarkable offerings.