NEW DELHI, APRIL 25: Escalating diplomatic tensions have led to a sweeping visa clampdown as the Government of India announced the suspension of nearly all visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective April 27, 2025. The decision was taken under Section 3(1) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and follows a similar revocation of the SAARC visa facility issued on April 24.
All existing valid visas, except for Medical, Diplomatic, Official, and Long Term Visas (LTVs), stand cancelled with immediate effect. The government has also directed that no new visas will be issued to Pakistani nationals in any category, barring the few exceptions.
Medical visas that have already been granted will remain valid until April 29, after which holders must exit the country. Diplomatic and Official visas, as well as LTVs (typically granted for cases like marriage, family reunification, or minority community protection), are not affected by the order.
A comprehensive status table released by the Ministry of Home Affairs outlined 16 visa categories, of which 13 have been fully revoked, including Business, Journalist, Transit, Student, Conference, Tourist, and Pilgrim visas. The Bureau of Immigration and Ministry of External Affairs have been directed to publicize and enforce the order promptly.
The move is being viewed as part of a series of strategic and diplomatic recalibrations, although no official statement has been made linking the suspension to recent cross-border developments. It may have a significant impact on people-to-people contact and cultural, academic, and religious exchanges between the two nations.
Visa Categories Revoked:
- Effective April 26: SAARC Visa
- Effective April 27: Visa on Arrival, Business, Film, Journalist, Transit, Conference, Mountaineering, Student, Visitor, Group Tourist, Pilgrim, Group Pilgrim visas
- Effective April 29: Medical Visa
Valid Visa Categories:
- Diplomatic & Official Visas: Still valid, issuance allowed as per MEA decision
- Long Term Visas (LTV): Remain valid, unaffected by the suspension
Ministry officials have urged affected Pakistani nationals currently in India under revoked visa categories to adhere to the exit deadlines strictly. Authorities are expected to increase scrutiny at immigration checkpoints to ensure compliance.
This marks one of the most comprehensive visa suspension orders targeting Pakistani citizens in recent years.
