According to the most recent news, Malaysian citizens who are considering a trip to India now have an exciting new possibility thanks to the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur. The effective date of this program is July 1st, and it will run until June 30, 2025.
Travel to India Made Easier for Malaysians: 10 Key Points To Know
- Program Launch: The visa fee waiver program for Malaysian citizens traveling to India starts on July 1, 2023, and runs until June 30, 2025.
- Free 30-Day E-Tourist Visa: Malaysian nationals can apply for a free 30-day e-tourist visa with double entry, with no associated expenses.
- Objective: The initiative aims to boost tourism between Malaysia and India and provide an affordable way for Malaysian tourists to explore India’s cultural heritage.
- Applicable Visa Type: The visa fee waiver applies only to the 30-day e-tourist visa with multiple entries.
- Exclusions: Usual visa costs still apply for other e-visa categories like e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Ayush, and e-Emergency X Miscellaneous visas.
- Guidelines: Existing guidelines and policies for all e-visa categories remain in force, ensuring applicants must follow the rules to obtain their e-tourist visas.
- Regular Paper Visas: Required visa payments remain for regular paper visas applied through the High Commission of India or the outsourced service provider, M/s IVS Global Visa Centre.
- Positive Reaction: Both Indian and Malaysian communities have welcomed the decision, hoping it will encourage more Malaysian tourists to visit India.
- Cost Savings: Previously, Malaysians needed to spend RM465 (US$98) to apply for an e-visa.
- Application Process: Applications for the e-tourist visa can be made online at the Indian visa website, with accepted visas having a 120-day expiration date.
According to sources, Malaysian nationals may now apply for a free 30-day e-tourist visa with double entry, meaning there are no expenses associated with the visa. The objective of this action is to increase tourism between Malaysia and India and provide a convenient and affordable means for Malaysian tourists to discover the rich cultural past of India.
To ensure that potential travelers understand this notification, the High Commission has provided a summary of the important details. First off, the 30-day e-tourist visa with multiple entries is the only one for which the visa expenses are waived. The usual visa costs will still apply to other types of e-visas, such as e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, e-Ayush, and e-Emergency X Miscellaneous. This guarantees that the program primarily targets travelers, enticing them to discover India’s multitude of attractions.
Also Read: India Introduces Free e-Tourist Visas for Thai Visitors
As stated on the official e-visa website, all existing guidelines and policies pertaining to e-tourist visas and other e-visa categories will continue to be in force. This implies that even while the removal of fees is a big advantage, applicants still need to follow the rules in order to get their e-tourist visas.
Furthermore, the required visa payments will still need to be paid by individuals choosing to get regular paper visas from the High Commission of India or via the outsourced service provider, M/s IVS Global Visa Centre. This preserves the regular operating process for those who would like to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way.
The Indian and Malaysian communities have reacted positively to the decision. It is hoped that more Malaysian visitors will be encouraged to visit India by eliminating the financial barrier of visa costs. It is anticipated that increased bilateral relations and cross-cultural interactions between the two countries would result from this visitor inflow.
Before, Malaysians needed to spend RM465 (US$98) to apply for an e-visa. According to the commission, applications may be made online at the Indian visa website, and if accepted, the visa has a 120-day expiration date.
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