India relaxes two-month gap rule

India gave travellers a New Year present by rescinding an earlier ruling that required visitors to stay out of the country for a minimum of two months between trips.

Holders of a short-term tourist visa, valid for multiple entries within a six-month period, are now exempt from the two-month gap requirement. The ruling still applies for those who hold long-term tourist visas that are valid for multiple visits over one year or more.

The two-month gap rule was introduced last November after the arrest in the US of terror suspect, David Headley, who was holding a multiple-entry visa and was charged in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The two-month gap rule caused a hue and cry in the UK with questions raised in the House of Commons, but the rule was applied equally around the world including Thailand.

However, faced with the prospect that it could damage tourism, particularly lucrative repeat visits, the Indian government has made concessions for travellers who hold short-term visas to allow them to visit neighbouring countries and return to India, as part of a regional tour itinerary.

According to Asian Tribune, Indian Union Home minister, Shri P Chidambaram, announced at a press conference over the New Year that visa rules had been relaxed for tourists who use India as a base to go to neighbouring countries allowing them to make up to three entries within 60 days, based on “sufficient information provided on the itinerary”.

TTR Weekly contacted the India Visa Application Centre run and managed by VFS (Thailand) to clarify the latest requirements and rules for multiple visas.  VFS announced on its website that foreign nationals who hold five or 10-year tourist visas (long-term) that allow stays of 180 days/90 days and multiple entries, will need to stay out of the country for two months between visits.

However, if they do need to revisit the country within two months, they will have to seek special permission from the embassy’ s consulate.

The short-tourist visa allows visitors to re-enter India three times. However if they need to re-enter for a fourth visit using the same multiple visa, they would need to have an interview with the Indian embassy in Bangkok to gain a stamp endorsing the fourth trip.

The above  information was reconfirmed in a telephone interview with VFS staff, 7 January, to ensure details are current and valid.

Thais pay Bt2,217 for a tourist visa. They must file their applications at the India Visa Application Centre,15th floor, Glas Haus Building, Sukhumvit 25. Working hours are from 0830 to 1500 including lunch time.

The visa process takes two working days.

Also, as of 1 January India has introduced, on an experimental basis, a tourist visa-on-arrival for a period of one year. It is eligible to citizens of five countries: Finland; Japan; Luxembourg; New Zealand; and Singapore, with a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry granted by the Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports.

For more information on India visa, visit www.ivac-th.com