The new restrictions imposed by India on long-term tourist visas has evoked confusion among visitors and foreign diplomats alike, prompting several countries, including the United States and Britain, to protest against the new rules.
Indian government tightened its rules on long term tourist visas without warning last month, saying that the rules are meant to prevent the misuse of such visas by terrorists. The new restrictions have created confusion among travelers and diplomats on tourist visas, as the Indian government is yet to announce the details of the new rules.
The new laws came after Indian government came under pressure from the opposition, following the arrest of David Headley, a Pakistani American, in the United States on charges of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Headley is believed to have traveled to India several times last year to identify targets for the Mumbai attacks, which left more than 170 people dead.
The new restrictions imposed on 4th November bars tourist visas holders from returning to the country within two months of leaving. Previously, holders of long-term tourist visas were required to leave the country every 180 days. To comply with that law, many simply flew to a neighboring country like Nepal for a brief visit before returning.
The U.S. embassy in Delhi said in a statement posted on its website on Wednesday that the "new visa and registration regulations are being implemented inconsistently".
"Travelers have reported being denied re-entry after exiting India for business or family emergencies, or for tourist travel to nearby countries, even if their initial visit to India was for only a few days," the statement said.
It added that the U.S. mission has received confirmation that foreign passports are now stamped on exit to indicate that the bearer cannot re-enter India within two months of exit "unless special permission is obtained from an Indian embassy, consulate, or high commission abroad, regardless of the validity of visa or length of stay in India."
Meanwhile, British embassy in Delhi said that it was aware of the change in visa rules, adding that British officials have discussed the issue with Indian authorities. Pointing out that some 700,000 British nationals visited India on long-term and short-term visas in 2008, the Embassy said that the new restrictions are bound to affect future travel plans of British tourists.
"There is no real clarity over the details of the proposals or how they might be implemented. We understand that the Indian government is reconsidering its plans," said a spokeswoman at the British High Commission in Delhi.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.