US asks its citizens to review India travel

In view of the recent changes in visa regulations, the US has asked its citizens to review their travel plans to India as new rules might affect their plans.

"The department of state wishes to alert US citizens with Indian tourist visas about new regulations that may affect planned travel.

Travellers are urged to review travel plans in light of these new regulations," US state department said in its latest travel alert on India. This supplements its previous travel alerts on October 29 and December 9 and expires on January 21, 2010, the statement said.

The state department said foreign tourists departing India with visitor (T) visas will now receive a stamp in their passports at the port of departure that indicates that the bearer will not be allowed to re-enter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay or validity of the visa.

Tourists who wish to return to India before the two month period has passed must visit an Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate abroad to present their case for re-entry, and must provide documentation in support of the request, it said.