Centre relaxes passport and visa rules for select foreign nationals in India
The Centre has relaxed passport and visa requirements for several categories of foreign nationals living in India, including certain Pakistani citizens, minority refugees, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans, under an order notified by the Home Ministry.
The Union Home Ministry has notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, relaxing passport and visa requirements for several categories of foreign nationals living in India, including certain Pakistani citizens, religious minority refugees, registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans. The order also eases travel and identification requirements for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling directly between the three countries.
What changed
The Centre has relaxed passport and visa requirements for several categories of foreign nationals living in India, including certain Pakistani citizens, religious minorities from neighbouring countries, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans. The changes were notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
The order also simplifies identification and travel requirements for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens moving directly between the three countries. The exemptions apply only to the specified categories and conditions set out in the order; they are not a general relaxation of passport and visa rules for all foreign nationals in India.
Who is covered
Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before 31 December 2009, intending to settle permanently, will be exempt from the usual passport renewal requirements if they are unable to renew their travel documents because they do not possess a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by Pakistan. The exemption is subject to conditions, including that applicants must not have married or acquired immovable property in Pakistan, and must have no adverse police or security agency reports.
The order extends similar relief to people of Indian origin who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship and returned to India on or before 31 December 2009, using passports issued by those countries, where their passports have expired and cannot be renewed. The Economic Times also reported that the exemption covers certain male members of the Muslim community who were originally Indian citizens, went to Pakistan after Partition between 15 August 1947 and 31 December 1965, and returned to India on or before 31 December 2009, settled in Kerala, subject to conditions including not having married or acquired immovable property in Pakistan. Members of these categories must obtain an appropriate visa to continue residing in India.
The order also provides relief to members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India on or before 31 December 2024, after fleeing religious persecution or the fear of persecution. The exemption covers those who entered without valid travel documents as well as those whose passports or other documents have expired, but they must secure the appropriate visa to continue their stay.
Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took refuge in India on or before 9 January 2015 are also exempt. The provisions further cover certain Tibetans who entered on permits issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu between 1959 and 30 May 2003, or on special entry permits issued later at designated posts along the Indo-Nepal border; they must register with the competent authorities and obtain a registration certificate.
Travel rules for neighbours and other exemptions
Separately, Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling directly between the three countries by land or air may use identification documents specified in the government's Visa Manual instead of standard passports. The exemption does not cover Indian citizens travelling to or returning from countries other than Nepal and Bhutan through the Indo-Nepal or Indo-Bhutan borders, who must carry valid passports and use designated immigration checkpoints. Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens entering or leaving India after travelling through or transiting via China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan must also carry valid passports and visas.
The order additionally exempts Indian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel travelling on official duty from passport and visa requirements, extending to family members accompanying them on government transport. Foreign crew members aboard military vessels visiting India for repairs are also exempt from passport requirements if they have been issued Military Ship Repair Permits by immigration authorities and carry valid military identification.
Editorial disclosure
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Frequently asked questions
Which Pakistani citizens are covered by the relaxed rules?
Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before 31 December 2009 intending to settle permanently, and who cannot renew their travel documents because they do not hold a Pakistani Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), are exempt from usual passport renewal requirements, subject to conditions including no marriage or property in Pakistan and no adverse police or security reports.
Which minority refugees are covered?
Members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India on or before 31 December 2024 after fleeing religious persecution or the fear of it are exempted, including those who arrived without valid documents or whose documents have expired. They must still obtain an appropriate visa to continue staying in India.
What changed for travel between India, Nepal and Bhutan?
Citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan travelling directly between the three countries by land or air may use identification documents specified in the Visa Manual instead of standard passports. The exemption does not apply to travel involving third countries, including transit through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan.