India: New Limitations on Issuance and Use of Tourist Visas
India: New Limitations on Issuance and Use of Tourist Visas
Holders of Indian tourist visas are now required to wait at least two months from their last departure from India before re-entering the country for tourism. Exceptions may be available under certain circumstances.
With certain exceptions, foreign nationals holding Indian tourist visas will now be required to wait at least two months from their last departure from India before re-entering the country for tourism purposes, according to new guidelines from the Indian government that seek to curb misuse of tourist visas. The rule is effective immediately and generally prohibits foreign nationals from requesting a new tourist visa at an Indian consular post abroad within two months of the expiry of their last tourist visa, and multiple-entry tourist visa holders from re-entering India within a period of two months from their last departure.
Indian authorities have clarified, however, that tourists may be allowed to re-enter India within two months of their last departure in certain situations, such as a death or serious illness in the family, the non-availability of connecting flights out of India, or other exigent circumstances that can be proven through documentation. All requests for authorization to re-enter India on a tourist visa within two months of the tourist’s prior departure are decided on the merits of each case and subject to the discretion of the Indian authorities.
Multiple-entry tourist visa holders who plan to re-enter India within two months of their most recent departure from India may be allowed to do so provided that they: (1) submit a detailed itinerary and supporting documentation (e.g., ticket bookings) proving the genuine touristic nature of their travel at the time of their request, and (2) register with the relevant Foreigner (Regional) Registration Office within 14 days of re-entry.
Applications for new tourist visas submitted within two months of the expiry of the applicant’s last tourist visa will be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs and subject to heightened scrutiny.
The Indian government has issued an FAQ document that provides further information and clarification regarding the use of tourist visas, available here.
The content herein is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global Immigration Services or send an email toindiaqueries_newpolicy@fragomen.com.
Source: Fragomen