The Hindu : Front Page : Long-term multi-entry visa norms changed

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Friday, Dec 25, 2009
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Long-term multi-entry visa norms changed

Special Correspondent

Foreign visitors will be allowed two or three entries under certain conditions
Tourists wanting to re-enter before a two-month gap must provide documentation

NEW DELHI: The Centre has slightly amended the new guidelines on long-term multi-entry visas, which mandate a two-month gap between visits by making an exception for visitors who enter India, then go to other countries and return to India to take the flight back home. The new guidelines were issued after it transpired that Lashkar operative David Headley made several reconnaissance trips to India on a long-term multi-entry tourist visa.

It has now been decided that foreigners holding tourist visas, who after initial entry into India plan to visit another country and re-enter India before finally exiting, may be permitted two or three entries — as the case may be — by the Indian missions, subject to their submission of a detailed itinerary and ticket bookings, said an official news release. The Immigration authorities have also been authorised to allow tourists to make two or three entries based on production of an itinerary and documentation (ticket bookings) substantiating the need for tourism-related travel, added the release.

U.S. issues advisory

PTI reports from Washington:

In view of the recent changes in visa regulations, the United States has asked its citizens to review their travel plans to India as new rules might affect their plans.

“The Department of State wishes to alert U.S. citizens with Indian tourist visas about the new regulations that may affect planned travel. Travellers are urged to review travel plans in the light of these new regulations,” the U.S. State Department said in its latest travel alert on India.

“This supplements its previous travel alerts on October 29 and December 9 and expires on January 21, 2010,” the statement said.

Stamp on passports

The State Department has said foreign tourists departing India with visitor (T) visas will now receive a stamp in their passports at the port of departure that indicates that the bearer will not be allowed to re-enter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay or validity of the visa.

Tourists who wish to return to India before the two-month period must visit an Indian embassy, High Commission, or Consulate abroad to present their case for re-entry, and must provide documentation in support of the request, it said.

If approved, the traveller will receive a letter authorising re-entry to present at an Indian port of entry.

Only one request for re-entry may be made during a two-month interval.

“Tourists who have been granted permission to return to India may also be required to register with the nearest Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of their return, regardless of the length of their stay,” the statement said.

Noting that the procedures and requirements for registration could be complex, the State Department said: “Travellers are advised to follow directions as stipulated on their visas regarding registration procedures irrespective of the visa category.

“The State Department said till now these changes have mostly affected tourist (T) visa holders, but the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have also received reports pertaining to other visa types and about inconsistent implementation of the new rules, which have not been widely publicised and are subject to change.”

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