Tajikistan withdraws on arrival visa for Indian nationals

Eurasia News

Dushanbe, Tajikistan:  Tajikistan has withdrawn on arrival visa issuance policy for Indian nationals, reports Eurasian news.

While restricting visas for Indian nationals, Tajikistan has withdrawn facility of on arrival visa issuance and online visa issuance policy for Indian nationals.

It may be mentioned that nationals of India could obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 45 days. All visitors (travelers) from India were required to register with Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) within 3 working days (except tourist visa) of arriving in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan also offers online visa applications and visa issuance for countries it has soft visa regime.

According to new visa policy for Indian nationals, all applicants must apply in person at the nearest Embassy of Tajikistan in India.

Ministry of Internal Affairs is of the view that a change in visa regime is a normal procedure that can take place according to requirements. However, on arrival visa will remain intact for Indian nationals holding diplomatic and service passports up to 30 days.

Meanwhile, sources claim that change in visa is due rising threat of spread of Daesh (Islamic State) in Southern India from where Jihadi are coming to fight in neighbouring Afghanistan.

“Ongoing war inside Afghanistan is already creating problems for Tajikistan bordering areas therefore authorities are vigilant to issue visas to Indian nationals for the time being”, commented one travel agent with the condition of anonymity when asked reasons for change of visa regime for Indian nationals.