NEW DELHI — India has resumed issuing visas to Afghan nationals, marking the end of a four-year suspension that followed the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Indian media reported on Saturday, citing government sources.
According to The Hindu, a new online visa platform was launched in late April, allowing Afghan citizens to apply digitally for various categories of visas, including those for business, medical treatment, cultural events, and academic purposes.
The initiative marks a significant step toward reopening India’s doors to Afghan visitors, after New Delhi shuttered its embassy and consulates in Afghanistan in 2021 and froze all visa services amid growing security concerns.
“Afghan nationals who wish to travel to India can now apply online,” India’s Embassy in Washington said in a public notice. Applicants are required to upload a copy of their Afghan passport and national identity card (Tazkira). Proof of residence and employment in Afghanistan may also be submitted, though these documents are optional, the embassy noted.
The online portal — indianvisaonline.gov.in — now features a dedicated section for Afghan applicants. According to the Indian government, eligible visa categories include student, business, medical, attendant, entry, and United Nations diplomatic visas.
Applicants are instructed to upload a recent front-facing photograph with a white background, along with the bio page of their passport and their national ID. Information such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date must be clearly visible.
The entry visa also extends to Afghan artists, cultural figures, academics, and professionals attending short-term cultural events or programs organized by recognized institutions. Additionally, children from previous marriages of Afghan nationals who are now married to Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible for entry visas.
Afghans who own property in India, as well as parents of minor children enrolled in Indian schools, may also apply under the entry category, the portal states.
India’s decision comes amid rising calls to facilitate travel and humanitarian access for Afghans, especially in light of ongoing economic hardship and political instability under Taliban rule. The resumption of visa services is seen by some observers as a cautious diplomatic signal that New Delhi is looking to re-engage with the Afghan populace, despite not officially recognizing the Taliban-led administration.
