South Asia
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Inside Sri Lanka's Digital Nomad Visa Program
Sri Lanka has officially introduced a renewable one-year residence permit for remote workers earning at least $2,000 per month from foreign sources. The program allows applicants to bring dependents and does not require any capital investment or local employment.
Nepal Tightens Visa Rules for Iranian Nationals
Effective March 13, 2026, Iranian nationals are no longer eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nepal and must apply at an embassy beforehand. This policy change aims to manage entry requirements amid ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East.
Maldives Prepares to Launch Dedicated Visas for Remote Workers
The Maldives government is planning to launch new visa categories specifically for remote workers and content creators. These initiatives aim to encourage longer stays and provide a formal legal framework for digital nomads working from the islands.
Sri Lanka Grants Emergency Extensions for Stranded Travelers
The Department of Immigration and Emigration is offering 14-day visa extensions to foreign nationals unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis for those whose travel plans are disrupted by flight cancellations or regional instability.
India Transitions to Mandatory e-Arrival Cards
All foreign travelers and OCI cardholders must submit a digital e-Arrival Card prior to entry, as paper forms will be phased out by March 31, 2026. Travelers will need to present a QR code confirmation to airlines during check-in and at immigration checkpoints.
Maldives Waives Extension Fees for Travelers Stranded by Airspace Closures
Maldives Immigration is granting complimentary one-month visa extensions to travelers unable to depart due to Middle East airspace closures. This emergency measure assists those affected by flight cancellations at major regional transit hubs.
Navigating Pakistan’s Shift to Mandatory e-Visas
Pakistan is abolishing its visa-on-arrival and prior-to-arrival authorization systems, requiring all travelers to obtain visas through embassies or diplomatic missions. This change introduces stricter screening processes and longer lead times for expats and nomads planning to enter the country.
Nepal Suspends Visa-on-Arrival for Iranian Travelers
Effective March 13, 2026, Nepal has halted visa-on-arrival services for ordinary Iranian passport holders citing national security concerns. Affected travelers and remote workers must now secure a visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad prior to arrival.
Technical Delays Impacting Sri Lanka Visa Processing
The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued an advisory regarding a system failure affecting visa processing. Expats and travelers may experience delays in applications or renewals and should monitor official channels for manual processing instructions.
Sri Lanka Updates Visa Rules for Stranded Travelers
Foreign nationals unable to depart Sri Lanka due to Middle East flight cancellations can now access a free 14-day visa extension. This emergency measure aims to assist travelers and digital nomads affected by regional airspace closures and travel disruptions.
Sri Lanka Updates Visa Access for Pakistani Citizens
Sri Lanka has announced the end of its visa ban for Pakistani travelers, effective February 2026. Pakistani citizens will be able to apply for tourist and business visas for short-term stays under revised entry guidelines.
Bangladesh Restores Full Visa Services for Indian Nationals
Bangladesh has restored all visa and consular services at its missions in India, ending previous restrictions that limited applications to business and employment categories. This change facilitates easier cross-border travel for Indian professionals, consultants, and remote workers looking to enter Bangladesh.
Navigating Nepal’s Mandatory Guide Requirements for Trekkers
Nepal has tightened regulations for foreign trekkers, requiring specific permits and mandatory local guides for several high-altitude routes. This change impacts solo digital nomads and long-term expats who previously trekked independently in rural mountainous areas.
India Updates Travel Guidance for Iran and Israel
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a safety advisory for citizens and travelers regarding transit through or residence in Iran and Israel. Expats and travelers currently in these regions are urged to register with their respective embassies and maintain high vigilance regarding local security updates.
Sri Lanka Rolls Out Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa
The Sri Lankan government has announced a new visa category specifically designed for digital nomads in the tech and creative sectors. The initiative aims to simplify residency requirements and provide a formal legal framework for long-term remote workers.
Sri Lanka opens for year long remote work
Sri Lanka has officially introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa and extended the validity of standard tourist visas to encourage long-term stays. Remote workers can now access streamlined residency options provided they meet minimum income requirements and professional criteria.