Are Pakistani Allowed in India?

The question “Are Pakistani allowed in India?” matters to many people who are interested in traveling, studying, working, or family visit. Today, the rules for Pakistani nationals to enter India have changed due to recent security concerns. This article provides you with a clear and straightforward explanation on the new rules, in order to better understand what is allowed and what is restricted.

Current Travel Rules for Pakistani Nationals

India has ceased to grant visas to Pakistani nationals. This means the citizens of Pakistan cannot apply for any new Indian visa as of now. The Indian government also canceled all already issued visas of Pakistani nationals. These rules apply to nearly all types of visas.

Medical visas are one of a few exceptions for a short while only. These visas can be valid until April 29, 2025 only. Pakistan nationals who had come to India on medical visas had to exit the country before this date.

Who Must Leave India?

All Pakistani nationals who are presently inside India are required to leave India before their visa expires. Since most visas are now cancelled, the expiry date has been altered. People need to check the updated date and ensure that they leave on time to avoid legal issues.

Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) some Pakistani nationals like journalists, athletes, judges and government dignitaries could in the past travel without a regular visa. However, India has cancelled such permissions as well. Pakistani nationals present inside India on an SVES permission have to leave India within the duration allotted, typically 48 hours.

Diplomatic and Travel Restrictions

India has similarly downsized the diplomatic staff. Defence, naval and air advisors stationed in New Delhi by Pakistan were required to leave India within a week. India will also recall its advisors in its High Commission in Islamabad. These steps indicate that there is still an extremely limited amount of travel and movement between the two countries.

India also closed the Attari land checkpoint which was the only land route which was open for travel and trade. Anyone who crossed into India via this checkpoint will have to cross back to Pakistan through the same route by May 1, 2025.

Final Summary

So, are Pakistani allowed in India today? At this time, travel from Pakistan to India is almost completely restricted. India has suspended fresh visas and annulled old visas and made more stringent rules for entering it. Anyone who needs to travel should wait to find new updates from the government of India. The situation might change, thus it is important to be informed for safe and smooth travel.