Photocatalysis has emerged as a valuable approach for microbial disinfection. The development of visible lightactive (VLA) photocatalysts to tackle water contamination is imperative, taking into consideration that visible light makes up a substantial fraction of the solar spectrum. Consequently, several novel photocatalytic materials and systems have recently emerged as promising candidates for the disinfection of water. The current review summarizes the latest advances in the synthesis of VLA photocatalysts using a variety of synthetic methods, including conventional photocatalyst modification with doping agents, heterostructure or composite formation, pi-conjugated architecture coupling and exploration of multi-component oxides. The microbial disinfection efficiencies, recyclability characteristics and disinfection mechanisms of diverse classes of photocatalysts are also reviewed in detail. Finally, the emerging challenges and new perspectives are discussed as an insight into future developments in this field.