New Delhi
23 December 2009
Following the terror suspect David Coleman Headley episode, a review by New
Delhi of its regulations pertaining to the entry of foreign nationals, particularly from the
United States and certain other countries, has met with criticism from the affected
countries. As per the new visa rules, American and British nationals, with five or 10-year
tourist visas, will no longer be allowed to enter India within two months of their last
departure from India if their last visit was longer than 90 days or if they have stayed
longer than 180 days during the past year.
The new guidelines will affect those who wish to enter India on a tourist visa within two
months of their last departure from India. Already, the US Embassy here has asked its
citizens travelling to or departing from India to review travel plans in light of these
changing procedures. Visiting British Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and
Skills Peter Mandelson told reporters here that he discussed the issue with Minister of
Home Affairs P Chidambaram. "I can understand the motive for the new visa
arrangements but we have to be careful not to make, create general restrictions," he
said, adding that, "I think, for many tourists, a two month gap is too big."
According to a report in the British media, the new rules, which also apply to holders of
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards and all foreigners, have prompted the US and the UK
to lodge diplomatic protests. The rules will affect Britons living in India on long-term
tourist visas, who are currently allowed to stay for a maximum of 180 days at a stretch,
and generally fly out for a couple of days at the end of the period in order to renew their
visas. This will no longer be an option.
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