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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Indian authorities have implemented biometrics requirements for foreign nationals applying for visas or permits at Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs) and Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in Delhi and Mumbai.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals submitting in-country applications at FROs and FRROs in Delhi, Mumbai or Pune, where the requirement was introduced in March, will be required to submit fingerprints and eye scans as part of the visa application process. The biometrics machines will help authorities preserve passport and visa numbers and other data provided by applicants.
Background: Authorities implemented the biometrics requirement in Pune in March. They have since implemented the requirement in Delhi and Mumbai, but have not yet done so in other locations, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Gurgaon. BAL will monitor the implementation of the biometric collection program and provide updates as it becomes required in new locations.
BAL Analysis: The collection of biometrics at the registration offices in Delhi, Mumbai or Pune will add an additional step to application processes. Those affected should be sure to allow extra time when submitting applications.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? India has introduced new visa categories for foreign nationals interning or shooting films in India.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, qualifying foreign nationals may apply for Intern (I) Visas and Film (F) Visas. Intern visas are available to eligible foreign nationals who have recently completed studies and plan to intern at Indian companies, nongovernmental organizations or educational institutions. Film visas are available to eligible foreign nationals shooting films or television shows in India. Both visas will be valid for no more than one year.
Background: The introduction of the two new visa categories coincided with India’s move toward a more liberalized e-visa regime that is also meant to boost business opportunities and investment in India.
Intern Visas are reserved for foreign nationals who have just completed university or graduate school. Internships must be for one year or less, and interns working for companies must be paid at least 780,000 rupees (about US$11,970) per year. There are no pay requirements for interns working at NGOs or educational institutions.
Film Visas will be available to foreign nationals whose applications are approved by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Project-specific visas will be issued only after the ministry has given its approval. Additional information is available on the ministry’s website.
BAL Analysis: The new visa categories open two new routes for foreign nationals looking to work and live in India. The categories are relatively narrow, however, and those interested should contact BAL to determine whether they would be eligible and for additional details on completing an application.
What is the change? India has retooled its e-visa program, introducing visa subcategories for tourists, business travelers and medical visits. Officials have also increased the window of time when travelers can apply for an e-visa and have extended the maximum length of stay to 60 days.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, foreign nationals from any of the more than 160 countries covered by the e-visa program may apply for e-tourist, e-business or e-medical visas, depending on the purpose of their visit. Authorities expanded the application window to 120 days and extended the permissible duration of stay to 60 days, with double entry permitted on e-tourist and e-business visas and triple entry permitted on e-medical visas.
Background: Officials have discussed the possibility of introducing e-visa subcategories for months.
The changes described above will build on India’s existing e-visa program, which is now available to nationals of more than 160 countries traveling to any of 24 Indian airports or three seaports. Travelers who use the e-visa program must apply and pay a fee online and receive their electronic visa online before traveling to India.
The changes are meant to boost tourism and business travel as well as increase investment in India.
BAL Analysis: While the introduction of specific visa subcategories, along with the longer application periods and length of stay provisions, may make the e-visa program a more attractive option, travelers must be sure that their specific activities are permitted on the visa on which they are traveling. BAL continues to review the recently announced changes, which took effect Saturday. Those with any questions about their travel to India should contact their BAL attorney about what their best options are before traveling or applying for a visa.
What is the change? United Arab Emirates authorities have announced that Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas that are valid for at least six months will soon be permitted to enter the UAE without first obtaining a UAE entry visa.
What does the change mean? Once the program is implemented, eligible Indian nationals will be able to travel to the UAE for business or tourism purposes and obtain a visa on arrival that is good for up to 14 days and renewable once in country.
Background: Under the new program, eligible Indian nationals will be allowed to remain in the UAE for up to 14 days on a visa on arrival. Those who intend to stay longer than 14 days may obtain an extension for a charge.
BAL Analysis: The change will simplify the visa process for eligible Indian nationals traveling for business or as tourists to the UAE. Because the agreement has not been fully implemented, however, eligible Indian nationals should check with BAL before traveling to the UAE in anticipation of receiving a visa on arrival.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the United Arab Emirates. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? Indian authorities have instituted a biometrics requirement for foreign nationals applying for visas or permits in the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Pune – and may expand similar requirements to other FROs and Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in the future.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, foreign nationals submitting in-country applications at the FRO in Pune will be required to submit fingerprints and eye scans as part of the application process. The biometrics machines will also help authorities preserve passport and visa numbers and other data provided by applicants.
Next steps: Authorities intend to expand the biometrics requirement to other FROs and FRROs, but it may be some time before biometrics are taken at busier offices, such as those in Delhi and Mumbai.
BAL Analysis: The collection of biometrics at the FRO in Pune will add an additional step to application processes. Those affected should be sure to allow extra time when submitting applications.
What is the change? Peru has published a decree that will allow Indian nationals traveling for business or tourism to enter the country without a Peruvian visa, provided they hold permanent residence or a valid visa for Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States or a Schengen Area country.
What does the change mean? Beginning March 26, qualifying Indian nationals will have an easier time traveling to Peru for business or tourism. Travelers must hold a valid passport and permanent residence or a visa valid for at least six months for one of the countries listed above. They will be able to enter Peru one or more times and will be permitted to remain for up to 180 calendar days in a one-year period.
Background: The decree was published Monday in Peru’s official gazette, “El Peruano.” Officials hope the change will strengthen business and tourism ties between the two countries. The eased regulations will take effect March 26. Those traveling before then must adhere to regular visa requirements. Peru adopted a similar program for Chinese travelers in September.
BAL Analysis: The program, in some instances, make travel to Peru easier for Indian nationals visiting on business or for tourism. Those intending to conduct work activities in Peru, however, must obtain work authorization.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Peru. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? Hong Kong’s embassy in India has stopped issuing visas, a change that will significantly delay travel procedures for Indian nationals planning stays of more than 14 days in Hong Kong.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Indian nationals applying for visas to Hong Kong must submit applications directly to the Hong Kong immigration department. This process is expected to take about four weeks compared with the four business days it took to obtain visas when applying at an embassy or consulate in India.
Background: In January, Hong Kong began requiring Indian nationals to pre-register online before traveling to Hong Kong for stays of 14 days or less. Authorities have now also announced that Hong Kong visas will not be issued in India. This means that for stays of more than 14 days Indian nationals must apply for the appropriate visa directly through the Hong Kong immigration department. Indian nationals whose visas have been approved can travel to Hong Kong after completing the pre-registration requirements and pick up their visas after arriving in Hong Kong. Additional details are available on the “Visit/Transit” page of the Hong Kong immigration department’s website.
BAL Analysis: Hong Kong visas will no longer be issued in India. Indian nationals planning travel to Hong Kong should be sure to leave enough time in their schedules to apply for a visa directly through the Hong Kong immigration department.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? The United Kingdom has said that it will allow Indian nationals applying for standard visitor visas in India to postdate their visas by up to three months as part of a campaign to encourage people to apply for visas during the low-volume months of January and February.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Indian nationals applying for visit visas in India will be able to obtain postdated visas by providing their intended dates of travel during the application process. Visas will be dated one day before their planned date of departure. U.K. officials also stress that applicants are likely to experience quicker turnaround times now than they would during higher volume parts of the year.
Background: The U.K. announced its “Beat the Peak” campaign earlier this month at the Destination Britain India event in Pune. The British high commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith, said in a statement that by making it easier for visitors to apply for visas early, the U.K. hoped that “even more Indians will choose to come to visit the UK to see our world class heritage sites, enjoy our beautiful countryside and experience the vibrancy of our cities.” Additional information is available on the UK’s VFS Global India website.
BAL Analysis: The option of postdating visas broadens the appeal of applying for visas in January and February and could save applicants significant time in the application process.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com.
What is the change? Indian nationals traveling to Hong Kong on a visa waiver are reminded that new rules requiring preregistration take effect Jan. 23.
What does the change mean? Indian nationals planning upcoming travel to Hong Kong without a visa and relying on visa-exempt status must preregister online before travel. Indian nationals who are enrolled as frequent visitors using the e-Channel service are exempt as long as their e-Channel permission is valid.
Next steps: Travelers must go online to the Hong Kong Immigration Department website’s Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals page, fill out personal information and print out a notification slip that they must show upon boarding their flight and upon arrival to a Hong Kong immigration officer. The registration is valid for six months and may be used for multiple entries.
Background: The preregistration applies to each visitor who is traveling as visa-exempt. If family members are traveling together, each member must fill out a separate preregistration form online and print out a notification slip. Travelers who are transiting by air and not leaving the airport transit area are exempt.
BAL Analysis: Indian nationals planning travel to Hong Kong as visa-free visitors should register online. Travelers are reminded that if they are planning to stay longer than 14 days or conduct non-visitor activities, they are required to obtain a visa at a consulate.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman& Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? As of Dec. 17, VFS Global in India stopped accepting applications for Spanish visas.
What does the change mean? Those applying for Spanish visas in India must apply directly with the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate in Mumbai.
Background: VFS Global announced the change in October, but the implementation was postponed and VFS was allowed to continue accepting visa applications until Dec. 17. All applicants in India must now apply either at the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi or the Spanish Consulate in Mumbai, depending on the applicable jurisdiction as indicated on the applicant’s original appointment letter.
BAL Analysis: The diversion of all Spanish visa applications to the embassy and consulate may cause a backlog due to the holiday season. Applicants should anticipate delays.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.