New India visa rules

Formalities 23/12/2009

New rules brought in by the Indian government mean that anyone with a multiple entry visa for India, even those with a five or ten year one, will have to wait two months before re-entering the country if they leave for any amount of time. The move means that tourists will no longer be able to use India as a base for travel to other countries in the region such as Nepal, China or Sri Lanka.

It is believed that the government's decision was motivated by the arrest of suspected US terrorist David Headley, who authorities believe to have participated in the Mumbai attacks in November 2008. Mr. Headley had held a multiple-entry visa and made a total of nine entries into the country.

Also affected will be foreigners living in India and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders. The former, who prefer to reapply for six-month visas rather than go through the rigmarole of securing citizenship, will no longer be able to leave the country without staying abroad for two months.

The British High Commission in Delhi commented: "We have discussed this matter with the government of India. We understand the Indian government is reconsidering its plans. We shall keep a close eye on this as it develops because it has the potential to impact on a large number of British nationals."