All Afghan nationals must travel to India only on e-Visa: MHA

New Delhi : Amid difficult situation and security concerns in Afghanistan, the MHA has decided that all Afghan nationals will be allowed to visit the nation only on e-Visa.

Keeping in view some reports that certain passports of Afghan nationals have been misplaced, previously issued visas to all Afghan nationals, who are presently not in India, stand invalidated with immediate effect, informed an official release by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Afghan nationals who are wishing to travel to India must apply for e-Visa through the official website.

On August 17, India had announced that people in Afghanistan can apply for emergency e-Visa who wants to travel to the nation under the prevailing situation after Taliban took over Afghanistan.

All Afghans, irrespective of their religion, can apply for the 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' online and the applications will be processed in New Delhi.

The announcement for emergency visa came two days after Taliban took over.

"The MHA reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India," a Home Ministry spokesperson then said in a statement.

India mentioned that since Indian missions have closed in Afghanistan, the only way and e-Visa can be applied is through online portal.

Initially, the visa will remain valid for six months.