INDIA – Two Month “Cooling Off” Period For Tourists Removed
The Times of India has reported that the Indian government has removed the two month “cooling off” period formerly required between trips for tourists, nearly a year after the tourism ministry raised concerns.
Two Month “Cooling Off” Period
The two month “cooling off” period was introduced in November 2009 at a time of heightened security concern after the Mumbai terror attacks. It meant that tourists were required to spend at least two months outside India between each trip. The regulation caused concern to the tourism industry from the start, particularly as India is used by many travellers as a “hub” from which to visit neighbouring countries.
Restricted Nationals
The “cooling off” period is still in place for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan, plus anyone of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin and "stateless persons".
Action Items
- Note that the two month gap formerly required between visits to India as a tourist is no longer in place, except in the case of nationals of restricted countries.
