Re-entry

I apologize as I'd assume this question has become rather redundant at this point. My post regards this article that says India has relaxed it's two-month gap rule: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/0...onth-gap-rule/

I hold a 6-month multiple entry visa to India on an American passport. I left india last on June 12th, 2011, so judging by the reentry rule, i'd only be able to return on August 12th. However I am hoping to visit my friend in Mumbai before that date. Is it at all possible for me to leave for india before August 12th?

Please let me know - I've frequently read these forums before and you are all so knowledgable! Thank you in advance for your help.

If you read the article it is about the 'side trips to neighbouring countries' rule; if you have returned to your home country / country of residence you can only return to India for a real emergency.

AndyD 8-)#

Instead apply for permission where you got your visa. Nothing ventured..

I just received my visa last week. It clearly states a two month gap is required before reentry.

Drews, no offense, but it appears you didn't read the article. I've been to India a bunch of times and I'm familiar with the more recent stamp on the visa. However, I lost my 10-year visa when I lost my passport, so for my new passport I simply got a 6-month visa. Here is what the article states:

"Holders of a short-term tourist visa, valid for multiple entries within a six-month period, are now exempt from the two-month gap requirement."

I am looking for someone with some actual experience returning to India from a neighboring country before 2 months is up. I left India for China, where I am now, and the two countries are certainly neighbors - I am wondering if I can reenter India, then, before August 12th [before 2 months has passed].

I got my visa in America and I have no means of applying for 'permission' over there currently, as a_f_d suggested....

My thanks extended to anyone who can help me figure this out.

Nepal we have reports of. China is not neighboring in the sense that tourists can't cross a land border to it so I don't know if a flight counts. Anybody see something on this for China.?

The situation has recently been confused further by some missions issuing double/triple entry visas (as opposed to multi) for people who submit an itinerary with their visa app, however the rule is still there that immigration posts may grant admission to persons returning from side trips with an itinerary/ onward tickets. The exact meaning of conditionals like 'may' in Indian usage is not always clear to non-Indians (at least).
China may not have a land crossing with India but it is definitely a neighbouring country (too close a neighbour in some places!).

AndyD 8-)#

Is Sri Lanka a neighboring country ? or Burma ? Maldives

That is a very good question. I haven't seen trip reports on such. Ah, the chaotic Indian visa world. Bangladesh I believe I have seen one. Relying on my memory as my spouse says..