India Visa Fee & Cost Updates
India has increased the 5-year e-Tourist Visa fee to $200 while waiving the 30-day e-Tourist visa fee for Thai citizens through December 31, 2026. Financial updates include the integration of foreign bank data into the Annual Information Statement and the introduction of Zelle transfers. Additionally, the government maintained the $250,000 Liberalised Remittance Scheme limit for overseas spending despite urging citizens to reduce non-essential travel.
Free India e-Tourist visas for Thai citizens now available through Dec. 31
India has waived the 30 day e-Tourist visa fee for Thai travelers and digital nomads through Dec. 31. Applicants must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization.
India raises 5-year e-Tourist Visa fees to $200 for standard travelers
India has increased the government fee for its 5-year multiple-entry e-Tourist Visa. The cost hike directly impacts remote workers, expats, and frequent travelers who rely on long-validity visitor visas for regular access to the country.
India pulls 3 years of foreign bank data into AIS for resident tax filers
India's tax department now automatically populates the Annual Information Statement (AIS) with data on foreign bank accounts and assets. This change makes it nearly impossible for expats and non-residents to omit global income, significantly increasing the risk of audits for non-compliance.
India to receive Zelle money transfers and ZelleUSD stablecoin by Dec. 31
Expats and digital nomads in India can now use Zelle for direct, bank-to-bank international transfers from U.S. accounts. This expansion simplifies financial management by allowing users to send money to Indian bank accounts without third-party apps or high wire fees.
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.