India Cancels Emergency Visa for Afghans, Launches New Visa Systes
India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the cancellation of the emergency visa system for Afghan citizens, replacing it with a new visa issuance system effective since April 29, 2025. This new system allows Afghan nationals to apply for visas in six specific categories: medical, medical attendant, business, entry, student, and UN diplomatic visas.
Details of the New Visa Module
The previous “e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous Visa,” introduced in 2021 after the Taliban takeover, has been discontinued. The new visa module aims to streamline legal entry processes and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. Afghan nationals currently residing in India on old visas are encouraged to renew under the new system.
Background and Context
The emergency visa was initially introduced in August 2021 to address urgent migration needs following the fall of the former Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power. At that time, India suspended regular visa services and closed its embassy and consulates in Kabul due to security concerns. The emergency visa facilitated the entry of thousands of Afghans, including asylum seekers and students.
Significance of the Move
Experts view India’s resumption and restructuring of visa services as part of efforts to better regulate Afghan travel and expand bilateral relations. Former diplomat Aziz Maarej highlighted that this step will positively impact social relations between the two countries and called for reciprocal visa facilitation by Afghanistan for Indian citizens.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Afghanistan’s deputy minister of economy, emphasized that resuming visa issuance, especially for Afghan businessmen, could enhance political, economic, and trade ties with India.
Diplomatic Engagements
The visa resumption coincides with growing diplomatic contacts between India and the Taliban regime. Notably, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in 2025, discussing security, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.
Visa Application Process
Afghan applicants must apply online through a dedicated portal, submitting a recent photograph, passport bio page, and Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira). Supporting documents like business cards or invitation letters must be in English. Biometric data collection will occur upon arrival in India, and travel is permitted only after the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) status is granted.
This new visa system marks a significant policy shift by India, reflecting a cautious but constructive approach to engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban regime
