India eases passport and visa rules for select foreigners, including Pakistan nationals

Certain Pakistani nationals: Those who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, intending to settle permanently, may be exempt from passport renewal requirements if they cannot renew their documents because they do not possess a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by Pakistan.

Religious minorities from three countries: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, after fleeing religious persecution or fear of persecution.

Sri Lankan Tamils: Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took refuge in India on or before January 9, 2015.

Tibetan nationals: Certain Tibetans who entered India using permits issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu between 1959 and May 30, 2003, or through special entry permits at designated immigration posts along the India-Nepal border.

People of Indian origin: Certain individuals who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship and returned to India on or before December 31, 2009, using passports issued by those countries, which have since expired and cannot be renewed.

Have entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intention of settling permanently.

Be unable to renew their Pakistani travel documents because they do not possess a CNIC.

Have left behind family members who are Indian citizens when they travelled to Pakistan.

Not have married while in Pakistan or acquired immovable property there.

Have no adverse reports from police or security agencies.

Undertake not to return to Pakistan.

Citizens of the three countries can use specified identification documents listed in the government's Visa Manual instead of standard passports when travelling directly between them.

The exemption applies to direct travel by land or air.

Standard passport and visa requirements will continue to apply when travel involves certain third countries.