South Asia
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Foreigners face stricter entry as India expands Rajasthan Protected Area Permit zones
India has reclassified parts of Rajasthan's border districts, including Pokhran and Jaisalmer, as protected areas requiring special authorization for foreign nationals. While mainstream tourist spots like Sam and Kuldhara remain exempt, off-beat desert routes now require a Protected Area Permit.
India enforces strict 180 day registration deadline for long term visas
New immigration rules require foreign nationals to register with the Foreigners Registration Officer before their 180th day in India. The update also introduces stricter reporting mandates for children with foreign or mixed citizenship living in the country.
Pakistan Pak ID app adds Visa Prior to Arrival for 120 nationalities
Eligible travelers from 120 countries can now process their Visa Prior to Arrival applications through the new Pak ID mobile app. While other visa categories still require the web-based system, this update simplifies entry for short-term visitors and digital nomads scouting the country.
India maintains 14 day FRRO registration rule for long stay visas
Foreigners on visas with a 180-day stay limit must now register with the FRRO before their stay period expires to be eligible for extensions. The previous 14-day post-expiry grace period has been abolished, and extensions are now restricted to emergent cases only.
India shifts Overseas Citizen of India rules to digital platform on April 30
India has notified new Citizenship Amendment Rules that transition all Overseas Citizen of India services to a digital platform, including the issuance of electronic OCI cards. The update introduces stricter compliance for minors with dual passports and mandates the physical surrender of cards upon renunciation of status.
Nepal launches online Temporary Import of Vehicle system for tourists on May 6
Nepal has introduced a digital system for foreign vehicle permits and fee payments to reduce delays at land borders. Officials also confirmed that existing open-border arrangements and stay limits for Indian tourists remain unchanged despite recent rumors of new restrictions.
Maldives arrivals drop 6% as jet fuel prices climb 42% through May
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have declined by 6% due to Middle East airspace closures and rising fuel surcharges. Digital nomads and travelers should expect fewer flight options, longer rerouting, and higher airfares when entering or leaving the country.
Maldives and Seychelles start 30 day visa exemption for passport holders
The Maldives and Seychelles have finalized a reciprocal visa-free arrangement for short-term visits. This agreement simplifies travel between the two island nations, allowing nomads and tourists to move between these hubs without prior visa applications.
Renew Maldives tourist visas in 48 hours with IMUGA digital updates
The Maldives 2.0 initiative introduces an automated extension process through the IMUGA portal. Travelers can now benefit from auto-filled application details and a guaranteed 48-hour turnaround for stay extensions.
India restores e-Tourist visa with 5-year multiple-entry option for nomads
India has fully reinstated long-duration paper visas and electronic tourist visas, including the one-year and five-year multiple-entry options. This allows digital nomads and frequent travelers to maintain long-term access to the country with a standard 72-hour processing time.
India urges nomads to cut non-essential travel while LRS limits stay at $250,000
Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to reduce overseas spending to protect foreign exchange reserves. This shift signals potential future restrictions on outbound travel and the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which could impact Indian expats and digital nomads funding lives abroad.
India maintains $250,000 annual LRS limit for overseas card spending
The Indian government confirmed that no immediate restrictions will be placed on international credit card spending or foreign travel. This provides stability for Indian expats and digital nomads who rely on domestic banking to fund their overseas expenses and travel activities.
Sri Lanka waives $50 fee for 30-day ETAs across 40 countries
Parliament approved regulations providing free 30-day ETA visas to nationals from 40 countries to encourage tourism. This change reduces the cost of entry for digital nomads and short-term travelers while maintaining existing application procedures.
India Expands Overseas Citizen (OCI) Eligibility to Sixth-Generation Descendants
India has expanded Overseas Citizen of India eligibility to sixth-generation descendants and eliminated the six-month residency requirement for in-country applications. Travelers must now update passport details digitally or face a $25 penalty to ensure compatibility with new border e-gates.
India Eases OCI In-Country Filing Rules but Tightens Background Verification
India is removing the 6-month stay requirement for in-country OCI applications and expanding eligibility to sixth-generation descendants. However, travelers face a new $25 fine for failing to update passport details within 3 months of renewal.
Maldives to deport expatriate workers with unpaid fees starting May 2
The Maldives government will begin immediate deportations for foreign workers and residents with outstanding visa payments under Operation Kurangi. Expats must settle all arrears by May to avoid enforcement actions and potential removal from the country.
Bangladesh’s 300% Visa Push Cuts Waits for India Trips
Travelers and expats moving between India and Bangladesh will benefit from simplified visa rules and faster approval cycles starting in April. The update aims to improve cross-border mobility for business professionals and long-term residents through streamlined documentation requirements.
India’s May 1, 2022 EB-5 Cutoff Holds, But the Warning Got Sharper
The May 2026 Visa Bulletin (discussed in an April 20, 2026 update) noted advances in various immigrant visa categories but highlighted possible retrogression or unavailability for India EB-5 unreserved due to increased demand. This could affect Indian expats or those pursuing US immigration pathways while based abroad. No India-specific entry, digital nomad, or domestic policy changes in the window.
India's e-Tourist Visa Drops to $10 Through June 30
The off-season 30-day tourist e-Visa rate of $10 (vs. $25 standard) is in effect from April 1–June 30, 2026. As of early April 2026 coverage, this reduced rate has been active for the past week, benefiting travelers applying now (applications can be submitted up to 120 days in advance). This directly lowers costs for short-term visitors and digital nomads/tourists.
India's e-Arrival Card Is Mandatory Now , No Paper Option Left
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in India issued a message reminding U.S. citizens (and by extension other foreigners) to use the new Indian Electronic Arrival Form (introduced October 2025). Travelers must submit it within 72 hours before arrival via the official website or Su-Swagatam app (free). Paper forms will soon no longer be an option; this is presented as an active enforcement reminder in the specified window. A valid visa is still required separately.