ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: India on Thursday tightened visa procedures for Pakistani nationals in the wake of additional security measures it has taken after the Mumbai terror attacks.

The processing time for visa applications has been increased to 30 days.

Previously the procedure for ordinary visa application was completed in seven to 15 days.

Emergency medical cases would be exempted from the increased processing time.

A statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad said: “On account of additional security measures following the terrorist attacks on Mumbai, the High Commission of India would like to inform all visa applicants that the processing time for issuing visas would now be a minimum of 30 days, except for medical emergency cases.”

The Indian government has also introduced a new visa form that is available on the High Commission’s website and only the new form would be accepted from December 15.