Tourist visas, E-Visa services restored for foreign travelers

New Delhi, March 16: Close on the heels of announcing to resume regular international flights, the government has restored 5-year e-tourist visa and regular tourist visa services to foreign nationals. “Indian e-visa service has been restored for nationals of 156 eligible countries. All currently valid e-visas with respect to 156 countries stands restored,” said the official visa portal. The move will give a major boost to the tourism sector which has been among the worst-hit by the pandemic. “Finally, the wait is over for your much-awaited trip to India! Switch to your travel mode once again, as e-Tourist Visa/Regular Tourist Visa services to India have been restored for international travelers,” Ministry of Tourism announced on Twitter. The tourism sector hailed the government move and hoped it will create confidence among foreigners that India is safe to travel. “This decision is a big relief for the entire travel and tourism fraternity and we hope that it will create confidence amongst the foreign tourist that India is now safe to travel and they can visit India without any hassles. We also hail restoration of all types of visas which includes 5 years visas for all eligible countries and 10 years long visas for USA and Japan,” said Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Mehra also urged the government to extend the validity of free Tourist Visa till 31st March 2024 without capping of 5 lakh free tourist visas and also allow entry of foreign tourists through land borders of Nepal and Bhutan for the revival of Buddhist Tourism. “This is also required as there are very limited flights to Bhutan,” IATO President pointed out. The travel industry veteran said that while IATO wholly welcomes the announcement made by the government, it also urges the government to restore E-Tourist Visa from the countries such as the UK and Canada as a high number of tourists visit India from these countries. Due to the raging Coronavirus infections across countries, the government had in 2020 suspended all visas granted to foreigners. After considering the evolving situation, foreigners were later on allowed to avail any kind of Indian visa other than Tourist Visa for entry and stay in India. Following consultations with stakeholders, Home Ministry decided to begin granting of fresh Tourist Visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021. UNI