India – the land of diverse culture, mystical history, and majestic landscapes – has always been an attractive destination for international travelers. However, one of the main concerns for tourists before every trip is visa procedures. The good news for some nationalities is that the Government of India currently applies a Visa Free Regime for citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, depending on the purpose and duration of stay.
The article below will help you understand the details of visa exemptions, important notes, and how to prepare valid documents for entry into India.
1. Visa exemption for Maldivian citizens
Maldivian citizens are allowed to enter India without a visa if the purpose of the trip is tourism, business, or medical treatment. The maximum visa-free stay is 90 days.
Important points to note:
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A valid passport or travel document is mandatory.
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The 90-day limit includes previous stays in India within the past 6 months.
Example: if you have stayed in India for 30 days in the past 6 months, you will only have 60 days of visa-free stay available for your next entry.
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If staying for more than 90 days, Maldivian citizens must apply for a regular visa.
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Seamen are not eligible for this visa exemption when completing "Sign-On" procedures.
This demonstrates that India facilitates tourism and medical visits for Maldivian citizens, while still maintaining reasonable control over the length of stay.
2. Visa exemption for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens
Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens enjoy the most special privileges from the Government of India. According to regulations, when entering India by land or by direct flight from Nepal or Bhutan, citizens of these two countries do not need a passport or visa.
Instead, they only need to present a valid government-issued document with a photo and verifiable information, including:
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Full name
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Date of birth
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Nationality
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Issuing authority
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Validity period
Important notes:
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If Nepalese or Bhutanese citizens travel from another country to India, they must have a valid passport.
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If entering from China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens must have both a passport and an Indian visa.
This regulation ensures clarity in immigration management while maintaining the traditional and friendly diplomatic relations between India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
3. Quick summary of visa exemption rules
|
Nationality |
Visa-free conditions |
Maximum duration |
Special notes |
|
Maldives |
Tourism, business, medical treatment |
90 days (cumulative within 6 months) |
Not applicable for seamen; stays beyond 90 days require a regular visa |
|
Nepal & Bhutan |
Direct entry from Nepal/Bhutan |
No specific limit |
From a third country → passport required; From China, Macau, HK, Pakistan → passport & visa required |
4. Why should you understand visa exemption information?
Understanding visa exemption rules helps travelers:
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Save time and money: avoid unnecessary visa applications.
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Prepare valid documents: prevent being denied entry.
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Plan your stay properly: especially important for Maldivian citizens calculating their total days within 6 months.
In addition, for nationalities not eligible for visa exemption, the Indian e-Visa is a fast, convenient option recommended by the Government of India.
Conclusion
India always warmly welcomes international travelers, especially citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, through favorable visa exemption policies. However, to ensure a smooth trip, you should clearly understand the specific rules regarding the duration of stay and the required documents.
If you are not among the visa-exempt nationalities or if you plan to stay longer, opt for the Indian e-Visa (for eligible countries) to make the entry process quick and safe.
👉 Apply for an Indian e-Visa today at: India-immi.org
