South Asia
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
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.
Maldives Rolls Out Digital Visa Extensions
Starting in April 2026 (with the change referenced and covered in early April reports), tourists can apply for visa extensions entirely online via the IMUGA (Maldives Immigration Unified Gateway) portal by submitting a photo of their current visa and payment. Applications are processed within 48 hours, replacing a more cumbersome in-person process requiring multiple documents. This is intended to help travelers whose departures are delayed. Tourists normally receive a 30-day visa on arrival and can extend via this system.
India Updates Global Visa Rules and Fees
Major immigration updates include increased UK visa fees for visitors and skilled workers, new H-1B filing forms for the US, and the launch of the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System. These changes will impact Indian expats and nomads through higher relocation costs and digitized border processing across Europe.
Maldives Updates Online Visa Extensions and Emergency Relief
Starting April 2026, tourist visa extensions in the Maldives will move to the IMUGA portal with a 48-hour processing time. Additionally, free emergency extensions are now available for travelers stranded by flight disruptions related to the Middle East crisis.
India EB-2 Priority Dates Advance in Latest Visa Bulletin
The U.S. State Department has updated the visa bulletin, showing a six-week advancement for India's EB-2 employment-based green card category to July 15, 2014. This update provides a clearer timeline for Indian professionals and remote workers currently in the U.S. or planning long-term residency.
Understanding Recent Visa Adjustments for Indian Professionals
Major destinations including the US, UK, EU, and New Zealand have implemented tighter visa rules, including higher fees and new biometric requirements. These changes affect Indian professionals, students, and remote workers through updated filing forms and restructured work visa categories.
Inside Sri Lanka's Digital Nomad Visa Program
Sri Lanka has officially introduced a renewable one-year residence permit for remote workers earning at least $2,000 per month from foreign sources. The program allows applicants to bring dependents and does not require any capital investment or local employment.
Nepal Tightens Visa Rules for Iranian Nationals
Effective March 13, 2026, Iranian nationals are no longer eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nepal and must apply at an embassy beforehand. This policy change aims to manage entry requirements amid ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East.
Maldives Prepares to Launch Dedicated Visas for Remote Workers
The Maldives government is planning to launch new visa categories specifically for remote workers and content creators. These initiatives aim to encourage longer stays and provide a formal legal framework for digital nomads working from the islands.
Sri Lanka Grants Emergency Extensions for Stranded Travelers
The Department of Immigration and Emigration is offering 14-day visa extensions to foreign nationals unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis for those whose travel plans are disrupted by flight cancellations or regional instability.