SAARC Visa for Indians
To promote regional cooperation and easier traveling in South Asia, a travel initiative has been launched under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) in 1992. Under this scheme, some Indian citizens, such as diplomats, businesspersons, journalists, and officials, can travel to certain SAARC countries without requiring a special visa. The main aim of the scheme is to strengthen cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties among SAARC nations.
What is a SAARC Visa?
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, is a special visa sticker that is launched under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Through this scheme, Indians can travel SAARC member countries without having a regular visa. This scheme is mainly for diplomats, officials, businesspersons, journalists, and sportspersons. There is a total of eight SAARC member countries, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain SAARC visa in India, you must fulfil the criteria given below:
- Applicant must have a valid passport.
- Must be a national of a SAARC member country.
- Must belong to an approved category under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
- Must hold a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker/Certificate.
- Applicant must meet Indian immigration and security requirements.
Categories Eligible for SAARC Visa
There is a total of 24 categories that are covered under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Given below are some of the categories:
- Government leaders, parliament members, and judges
- Diplomats and government officials on duty
- Businesspeople attending SAARC business events
- Artists and cultural performers in SAARC programs
- SAARC Secretariat staff and SAARC organisation members
- Government-approved journalists
- Sports players in SAARC events
- Teachers, researchers, and university staff
- Doctors and medical professionals attending conferences
Note: For complete details and updated information, please check out the official SAARC website.
India’s Bilateral Visa Arrangements with SAARC Neighbours
India has different visa rules for its SAARC neighbours based on bilateral agreements. These are as follows:
- Nepal: Allows visa-free entry under an open border arrangement. Indian citizens only require a valid identity proof issued by the government.
- Bhutan: Entry is allowed through a simple permit system instead of a visa. The permit can be easily obtained at designated entry points.
- Sri Lanka: Requires a visa, but travelers can easily apply through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system online before arrival.
- Maldives: Provides a 30-day visa on arrival to Indian citizens free of cost for tourism purposes.
- Bangladesh: Requires a visa prior to travel, although it also offers an e-visa facility for eligible applicants under bilateral arrangements.
- Pakistan: Follows a highly strict visa rules with limited categories and additional restrictions based on purpose and approval requirements.
- Afghanistan: Allows a visa for entry, with an e-visa system in place but limited access due to ongoing security.
Documents Required to Obtain SAARC Visa
Here is the list of documents that an applicant requires to get a SAARC visa:
- A valid Passport copy (with at least 1 year validity)
- Duly filled SAARC Visa form
- Copy of National Identity
- Four passport-size photos
- filled SAARC Visa form
- SAARC Trade Portal registration
- Copies of previous SAARC visas (if any)
- Invitation letters from two SAARC countries
- Travel plan/itinerary
- Short company and personal profile
- Form C
- NTN certificate and latest tax return copy
- Any other supporting documents
India-Specific Rules Under the SAARC Visa Scheme
India has different visa and travel rules for SAARC member countries based on bilateral relations, security policies, and travel agreements. These rules are as follows:
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India.
- Pakistani nationals earlier had limited Business Visa facilities under special categories but in 2025, India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, and all existing SVES visas issued to them have been cancelled. Pakistani nationals under SVES were directed to leave India within the specified time limit after cancellation.
- Sri Lankan nationals were eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa facility.
- Indian citizens can travel to Nepal and Bhutan without a visa.
- Other SAARC countries provide Business Visa facilities to Indian nationals.
FAQs on SAARC Visa for Indians
- Which countries come under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)?
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) include eight countries named as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- What is the validity of SAARC visa stickers?
SAARC visa stickers are issued to eligible individuals by their own countries. It is usually valid for up to one year.
- Are general business travellers included under the SAARC scheme?
No, ordinary tourists or general business travelers are not covered under the scheme.
- Why are Pakistani nationals removed from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)?
Pakistan’s access to the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was revoked after security concerns and rising diplomatic tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision was taken by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
- Is there any age criteria to apply for the SAARC scheme?
There is no specific age limit to apply for the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. However, minors must have their own valid travel documents and may need parental consent depending on the travel rules of the destination country.
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