Visa rules eased by government for tourists

The government eased visa regulations requiring foreigners to take a two-month break before re-entering the country, Home Minister P. Chidambaram announced on Thursday.

The relaxation allows foreigners using India as a “hub” to visit neighboring countries and re-enter India up to three times during the 60-day cooling-off period.

Also Read : Putin to Visit India Soon, First Since Ukraine War

Following the David Headley case, the government recently mandated that foreigners with long-term multi-entry tourist visas must leave the country for two months before returning.

Government Tightens Visa Rules: 60-Day Break Mandatory for Tourists

Chidambaram announced at a press conference that the government tightened visa rules for tourists, requiring a 60-day break after leaving India before applying for another tourist visa.

Also Read : Tulip Garden Kashmir: Asia’s largest tulip garden opens for public; know ticket price, timing

Chidambaram said the tightened visa rules would not affect the “overwhelming majority” of tourists visiting India for a few weeks.

Relaxation for Tourists Using India as a Hub: Up to Three Entries Allowed

He explained that only a small number of tourists use India as a hub to visit neighboring countries. In such cases, if their itinerary includes visits to India and other countries within the same trip, Visa Issuing Authorities can relax the 60-day period and permit up to three entries into India.

Chidambaram emphasized that the Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs agreed on the visa policy and maintained a unified stance. He confirmed discussing the matter with External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, stating, “There is no confusion.”

His remarks gained significance after Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor criticized the stricter visa rules, arguing they might make India a “less welcoming” tourist destination. Krishna, however, firmly responded, asserting his leadership in the ministry and making it clear that Tharoor must follow the policies he sets.

“The broad policy parameters are dictated, decided by the Minister in-charge of External Affairs of this country and everyone will have to fall on the same page,” he had said after a meeting with Tharoor.