India Eases Mobile Connection Norms for Foreign Nationals: OTP via Email Now An Option

The Indian government has relaxed rules for foreign nationals seeking mobile connections by making the provision of an OTP on a local number optional. Instead, OTPs can be sent to the foreign national's email. This change aims to resolve challenges foreign visitors face in the existing digital KYC process.

The Indian government has introduced new guidelines for foreign nationals seeking mobile connections during their visit, opting to make the provision of receiving a one-time password (OTP) on a local number optional.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) issued an order on July 31, addressing difficulties faced by foreign nationals in providing an alternate number for OTPs in the digital KYC (D-KYC) process.

The order now allows the email of foreign nationals to serve as the medium for OTPs, easing the process of obtaining mobile connections. The optional provision shall be applicable exclusively to foreign nationals visiting India.

(With inputs from agencies.)