South Asia
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
India mandates 72 hour e-Arrival Card filings for all foreign nationals
All foreign nationals, including digital nomads and business travelers, must now complete a digital arrival card at least 72 hours before flying to India. This requirement is mandatory in addition to holding a valid visa or OCI card for entry.
Sri Lanka dengue cases top 70,000 as tourists face exit bans after accidents
German authorities updated safety advice for Sri Lanka, highlighting a significant dengue outbreak that may overwhelm local hospitals. Travelers are cautioned against renting vehicles without local drivers due to the risk of lengthy exit bans following traffic accidents.
US lowers Bangladesh travel advisory to Level 2 as entry rules remain the same
The U.S. Department of State has downgraded its travel advisory for Bangladesh from 'Reconsider Travel' to 'Exercise Increased Caution.' While this eases travel justification for expats and nomads, the embassy still warns against visiting the Chittagong Hill Tracts and border regions due to security risks.
The small print in India's 24 hour Transit Visa rule
Travelers routing through Indian airports must now obtain a formal visa if their itinerary requires switching terminals, even for short layovers. This update affects digital nomads and expats planning multi-leg journeys where baggage re-checks or terminal transfers are necessary.
Sri Lanka scraps the $50 tourist ETA fee for Spanish citizens
Spanish citizens can now obtain a free 30-day double-entry electronic tourist visa for Sri Lanka. Authorities warn that working on a tourist visa or overstaying can result in jail time, a critical reminder for digital nomads using tourist status.
Bangladesh restores Israel travel ban text on all new passports
Bangladesh has reinstated the 'except for Israel' clause on its travel documents, reversing a previous move to modernize passport imagery. While this does not change entry rules for most foreign visitors, it restricts the mobility of dual citizens and residents using Bangladeshi travel documents.
Sri Lanka July arrivals hit 90,122 as nomad rental costs surge 150%
A sharp increase in arrivals from India, the UK, and China has triggered high season conditions in Sri Lanka. Travelers and long-term residents should expect reduced availability and higher prices for short-term rentals and services throughout the month.
India resumes tourist visa processing at 5 centers in Bangladesh
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka is increasing staff and operational capacity at multiple visa application centers. This expansion improves access for expats and foreigners in Bangladesh who require Indian visas for regional travel, medical visits, or visa runs.
Bangladesh consolidates visa rules into 34 categories under Visa Policy 2026
The Bangladeshi government is developing a new visa framework designed to modernize immigration systems and ease entry and exit for foreigners. The policy aims to promote tourism and foreign investment by simplifying the application process for expats and long-term travelers.
flydubai starts direct Nepal flights to Pokhara on Sept. 23
A new international gateway in Pokhara will allow travelers and expats to reach central Nepal directly from Dubai. This route bypasses the mandatory transit through Kathmandu, significantly reducing travel time to the Annapurna region.
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.