Visa rules for visitors vary from one nation to another. Visa rules also depend on the country that issues the visitors passport. Tourists wishing to visit India must first confirm whether they need a pre-arranged visa, visa on arrival or are simply exempted from having a visa.
Here is the list of countries that are exempted from having a pre-arranged visa to visit India:
Citizens of countries allowed visa-free entry to India
- Bhutan
- Maldives (Up to 90 days stay)
- Nepal
Note: Citizens of these nations are offered visa-free entry to India only if they do not arrive from mainland China.
Read: Visa-Free India Explained – Impact on Tourism, Economy, and Global Ties
Visa exemption for Persons of Indian Origin Card
Visitors having a Persons of Indian Origin Card are exempted from having a visa to enter India, provided they are not citizens of the following nations:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- China
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Citizens of countries allowed visa on arrival to India
India has plans to grant visa on arrival to 180 countries. As of now, India grants visa on arrival to the citizens of the following nations, provided they are not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin:
- Cambodia
- Finland
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Laos
- Luxembourg
- Myanmar
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Vietnam
Note:
- Visa on arrival is granted for a period of 30 days
- Visa on arrival is valid for single entry only
- Visa on arrival is granted for the purpose of tourism only.
- Only two visits on a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival is permissible in a calendar year.
- There must be a gap of at least two months between each visit.
Also see,
- How to Obtain India Tourist Visa on Arrival or e-Visa
- Know About 50 Most Powerful Passports in the World
- Why Some of the World’s Richest Nations have the Weakest Passports?
- 15 Awesome Destinations That Issue Visa On Arrival to Indians
- New Visa Rules for Indian Passport Holders
- The Smart Indian Passport Is Set To Become A Reality