Key Takeaways
• India resumed Afghan visa issuance in late April 2025 after nearly four years of suspension.
• All Afghan visa applications must be submitted online via indianvisaonline.gov.in; Indian Embassy in Kabul remains closed.
• Available visas include student, business, medical, entry, UN diplomatic, and cultural/sports categories.
India Resumes Issuing Visas to Afghan Nationals After Four-Year Suspension
In a move that marks a major shift in regional policy, India 🇮🇳 has resumed issuing visas to Afghan nationals after nearly four years of suspension. This change, which took effect in the last week of April 2025, allows Afghan citizens to once again apply for a range of Indian visas through a new online portal. The decision comes after years of uncertainty for thousands of Afghan students, businesspeople, and families who were left stranded following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Who is affected? Afghan nationals seeking to travel to India 🇮🇳 for education, business, medical treatment, family visits, or cultural exchanges are the primary beneficiaries. What has changed? India 🇮🇳 has launched a dedicated online visa portal for Afghan applicants, reopening several visa categories that had been closed since 2021. Where is this happening? The policy applies to all Afghan nationals, but the Indian Embassy in Kabul remains closed. When did this happen? The new system went live in late April 2025. Why now? The move is seen as a response to humanitarian needs and growing calls for renewed economic and educational ties. How can Afghans apply? All applications must be submitted online through the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Let’s break down what this means for Afghan nationals, the application process, and the broader impact on India-Afghanistan relations.
Visa Services Resume: What’s New for Afghan Nationals?
After a long pause, Afghan citizens can now apply for Indian visas online. The new system is designed to make the process easier and more secure, especially given the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan.
Key points:
– Online Applications Only: All visa requests must be submitted through the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
– Dedicated Section: There is a special section for Afghan nationals, making it clear which forms and documents are needed.
– No Embassy Visits: Since the Indian Embassy in Kabul is still closed, all steps are handled online.
Available Visa Categories:
– Student Visas: For Afghan students who want to study in India 🇮🇳, including those with scholarships or enrolled in Indian universities.
– Business and Investment Visas: For Afghan businesspeople and investors looking to work with Indian companies or start projects.
– Medical and Medical Attendant Visas: For patients seeking treatment in India 🇮🇳 and their caregivers.
– Entry Visas: For property owners, dependent parents, and parents of minor students.
– UN Diplomatic Visas: For Afghan nationals working with the United Nations.
– Cultural and Sports Visas: For those participating in cultural or sports events.
This broad range of visa types shows India’s willingness to reconnect with Afghan society in many areas, from education and health to business and culture.
Why Did India Suspend Visas for Afghan Nationals?
To understand the importance of this change, it helps to look back at recent history. Before August 2021, India 🇮🇳 was a popular destination for Afghan students, patients, and businesspeople. Thousands of visas were issued every year, and many Afghans had strong ties to India 🇮🇳.
But when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, India 🇮🇳 suspended all visa services for Afghan nationals. The Indian Embassy in Kabul closed, and existing visas were revoked. Only a small number of “e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous” visas were given out, mostly to Afghan Hindus and Sikhs facing urgent threats.
For almost four years, most Afghans could not travel to India 🇮🇳 for any reason. This left hundreds of students unable to finish their studies, businesspeople unable to attend meetings, and patients unable to get medical care.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for Afghan Nationals
The new online system is designed to be simple, but it’s important to follow each step carefully. Here’s how Afghan nationals can apply for Indian visas:
- Access the Official Portal: Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Select “New Visa for Afghan Nationals”: There is a dedicated section for Afghan applicants.
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Recent Photograph: A front-facing photo with a white background.
- Passport Bio Page: The main page of your Afghan passport showing your details.
- National ID (Tazkira): This should show your name, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date.
- Optional: Proof of residence or employment in Afghanistan, if available.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in all required personal and travel details.
- Upload Documents: Attach all required files in the format requested.
- Submit Application: Review your information and submit the application online.
- Wait for Processing: You will be notified of the outcome through the portal or by email.
Important: Since the Indian Embassy in Kabul is closed, all communication will be online. Make sure your email address is correct and check your messages regularly.
Who Benefits Most from the New Policy?
Afghan Students
Many Afghan students had their education interrupted when visas were suspended. Some lost scholarships, while others were forced to leave India 🇮🇳 before finishing their degrees. With the new policy, these students can reapply for visas and return to their studies. This is especially important for those enrolled in Indian universities or who had already started their courses.
Businesspeople and Investors
Trade between India 🇮🇳 and Afghanistan has always been important. Afghan traders, investors, and skilled workers can now travel to India 🇮🇳 again. This could help restart business projects, joint ventures, and technology partnerships that were put on hold. The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has welcomed the move, saying it will help both countries’ economies.
Medical Patients
India 🇮🇳 is known for its advanced medical care, and many Afghans travel there for treatment. During the suspension, patients with serious illnesses could not get the help they needed. Now, with medical and medical attendant visas available again, Afghan patients can access hospitals and clinics in India 🇮🇳.
Families and Property Owners
Some Afghans own property in India 🇮🇳 or have family members studying or working there. Entry visas are now available for these groups, making it possible for families to reunite and for property owners to manage their affairs.
What Documents Are Needed?
To apply for an Indian visa, Afghan nationals must provide:
- A recent front-facing photograph with a white background
- The bio page of their Afghan passport
- Their national ID (Tazkira) showing personal details, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date
Optional documents, such as proof of residence or employment in Afghanistan, can also be submitted if available. These documents help Indian officials verify the applicant’s identity and reason for travel.
No Embassy Reopening—What Does This Mean?
While visa services have resumed, the Indian Embassy in Kabul remains closed. There is no official word on when or if the embassy will reopen. This means all visa processing and communication will continue to be handled online.
Why is the embassy still closed? Security concerns remain high in Afghanistan, and India 🇮🇳 has not officially recognized the Taliban government. By keeping the embassy closed but reopening visa services, India 🇮🇳 is taking a careful approach—helping Afghan nationals without making a full diplomatic commitment.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
Indian Government
Although there has been no formal public announcement, senior Indian officials have confirmed the resumption of visa services and the launch of the new portal. The move is seen as a practical step to address urgent needs while keeping security risks in mind.
Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment
Mir Zaman Popal, the acting deputy of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, welcomed the decision. He said it would help restore trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Afghan Analysts
Political and economic experts in Afghanistan see the resumption of visas as a first step toward rebuilding broader ties with India 🇮🇳. They hope it will lead to more cooperation in areas like education, business, and humanitarian aid.
Taliban Administration
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has spoken with Indian officials, asking for easier visa access, especially for Afghan businesspeople. The Taliban administration views the move as positive but continues to push for more engagement.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
For Students: Afghan students can now return to India 🇮🇳 to continue their education. This is a lifeline for those whose studies were cut short.
For Business and Trade: Afghan traders and investors can travel to India 🇮🇳, which could help restart trade and joint projects.
For Medical and Humanitarian Needs: Afghan patients can once again seek treatment in Indian hospitals, which is critical given the healthcare crisis in Afghanistan.
For Families and Property Owners: Families separated by the visa suspension can reunite, and property owners can manage their assets in India 🇮🇳.
Background: India-Afghanistan Ties Before and After 2021
Before the Taliban’s return to power, India 🇮🇳 was a major partner for Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghan students studied in Indian universities, and many patients traveled for medical care. Business ties were strong, with regular trade and investment.
After August 2021, everything changed. India 🇮🇳 suspended all visas, closed its embassy, and stopped most official contact. Only a few emergency visas were given out, mainly to religious minorities facing threats.
Now, with the resumption of visa services, there is hope for a gradual rebuilding of these important connections.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Changes
The resumption of visas is a positive sign, but it does not mean everything is back to normal. India 🇮🇳 is likely to watch the situation closely and may change its policies based on security and political developments.
Possible future steps:
– Broader Engagement: The visa move could lead to more diplomatic and economic cooperation, but there is no timeline for reopening the embassy.
– Policy Adjustments: The Indian government may change visa rules if the security situation changes.
– Advocacy from Stakeholders: Afghan business and education leaders are likely to push for even easier travel and trade.
Summary Table: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Resumption | Last week of April 2025 |
| Application Platform | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Visa Categories | Student, Business, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry, UN Diplomat, Cultural/Sports |
| Required Documents | Photo (white background), Passport bio page, National ID (Tazkira) |
| Embassy Status | Indian Embassy in Kabul remains closed |
| Key Stakeholders | Indian government, Afghan Chamber of Commerce, Taliban administration, Afghan students |
| Policy Implications | Restores educational, business, medical, and family travel for Afghans |
| Future Outlook | Possible further engagement, no embassy reopening yet, policy subject to review |
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- Visa Application Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Indian Embassy (Washington, D.C.): For questions, visit the official embassy website or contact them directly.
- Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment: For business support and advice.
For the most up-to-date information, applicants should regularly check the official visa portal and embassy websites.
Practical Takeaways for Afghan Nationals
- Start your application online: All steps are handled through the official portal.
- Gather your documents: Make sure you have a recent photo, your passport bio page, and your Tazkira ready.
- Check your email: All updates will be sent online, so keep an eye on your inbox.
- Be patient: Processing times may vary as the system adjusts to new demand.
Broader Impact: What Does This Mean for India and Afghanistan?
The reopening of visa services is more than just a technical change—it’s a sign that India 🇮🇳 is willing to reconnect with the Afghan people, even if official diplomatic ties remain limited. This could help thousands of Afghans rebuild their lives, finish their education, or get the medical care they need.
At the same time, India 🇮🇳 is moving carefully, balancing humanitarian needs with security concerns. The embassy in Kabul remains closed, and there is no official recognition of the Taliban government. Still, the resumption of visas is a hopeful step for both countries.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this development is expected to restore many of the educational, business, and humanitarian links that were lost after 2021. Experts believe it could also pave the way for further engagement, depending on how the situation in Afghanistan evolves.
Final Thoughts
India’s decision to resume issuing visas to Afghan nationals is a welcome relief for many who have waited years for this opportunity. While challenges remain, especially with the embassy still closed, the new online system offers a clear path forward for students, businesspeople, patients, and families.
For Afghan nationals, the message is clear: India 🇮🇳 is open again, and the door to education, business, and family reunification is once more within reach. For the latest updates and to start your application, visit the official Indian visa portal.
This policy change is likely to have a lasting impact on both countries, helping to rebuild trust and cooperation after years of uncertainty.
Learn Today
Visa Suspension → Temporary halt of visa issuance to Afghan nationals due to political and security concerns since 2021.
Indian Visa Portal → Official government website for submitting visa applications online to India, launched for Afghan applicants.
Tazkira → Afghan national identity document showing personal details, essential for visa verification.
Entry Visa → Visa allowing property owners and family visits, including dependent parents and minor students’ parents.
UN Diplomatic Visa → Special visa category for Afghan nationals working with the United Nations.
This Article in a Nutshell
India reopened visa services for Afghan nationals in April 2025, allowing online applications for student, business, medical, and cultural visas. This move reunites families and restores educational and economic ties despite the embassy closure, signaling cautious but hopeful India-Afghanistan engagement after years of suspension.
— By VisaVerge.com
