If you’re planning a trip to India, there’s some good news! India has just introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for citizens from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This new policy, announced by the Ministry of Tourism, is designed to make travel smoother for tourists, business professionals, those seeking medical treatment, and even conference-goers.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed this update in the Lok Sabha. Now, travelers from these three nations can get their visas directly upon arrival at six specific Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The visa-on-arrival is valid for up to 60 days and even allows for double entry, offering more flexibility for those visiting.
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This move is part of India’s broader strategy to boost tourism and make it easier for international visitors to explore the country. In addition to the visa-on-arrival, the Ministry of Tourism has also expanded the e-visa program. Now, citizens from 167 countries can take advantage of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which permits entry through 30 international airports and six major seaports across India. This expansion significantly simplifies the process for foreign travelers coming to India.
If you run into any issues or have questions, MakeMyTrip provides quick support. They promise to answer your call within 15 seconds, no matter where you are in the world.
The Ministry of Tourism is continuously working to improve the travel experience in India through various initiatives. They conduct surveys, research, and feasibility studies to inform policy development and evaluate existing programs. This approach ensures that tourism policies are effective and meet the needs of visitors.
To enhance safety, 15 state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations have deployed tourist police, offering additional security and support for travelers. On top of that, the Ministry has set up a 24/7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline. This toll-free service, reachable at 1800111363 or via short code 1363, provides guidance and information in 12 languages, including 10 international ones, making it easier for both domestic and foreign tourists to get the help they need.
Since 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme has been a cornerstone of India’s effort to develop tourism infrastructure across the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states, UT administrations, and central agencies for various tourism projects. So far, 76 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme, with a total funding of INR 5,287 crore, of which INR 4,944 crore has already been released. The updated Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) now aims to create sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, putting tourists at the center of its approach.
Another key initiative is the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). This program focuses on the integrated development of pilgrimage destinations. Under PRASHAD, INR 1,621.14 crore has been sanctioned, and INR 1,024.18 crore has already been released to support these efforts.
These initiatives clearly demonstrate India’s commitment to making the travel experience better and promoting sustainable tourism, solidifying its appeal as a top destination for travelers around the globe.
FAQs
- Which nationalities are eligible for India’s new visa-on-arrival facility?
- Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now eligible for the visa-on-arrival facility in India.
- How long is the visa-on-arrival valid, and how many entries does it allow?
- The visa-on-arrival is valid for up to 60 days and permits double entry, giving travelers more flexibility during their stay in India.
- What should I do if I encounter issues with my travel plans in India?
- You can contact MakeMyTrip for instant support. They have a global helpline that answers calls within 15 seconds, no matter where you are.
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