An exciting new development for travelers from across the world is that India has made it possible for citizens of South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to get a visa upon arrival. The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a new provision that would simplify travel for conference participants, business travelers, and medical visits.
Visa-On-Arrival Now Available in India: 10 Key Points To Know
- Visa-On-Arrival for Three Countries: India now offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of South Korea, Japan, and the UAE.
- Eligible Airports: The visa-on-arrival is available at six Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
- Visa Details: The visa-on-arrival allows double entry and is valid for up to 60 days.
- Tourism Boost: This initiative is part of India’s larger strategy to increase tourism and simplify the travel process for foreigners.
- E-Visa Expansion: The Ministry of Tourism has also extended the e-visa service to 167 countries, allowing entry through 30 international airports and six seaports.
- Support for Tourists: Fifteen state governments and the Union Territory administration have implemented tourism police for better security and assistance.
- 24-Hour Helpline: A 24-hour Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline is available at 1800111363 or 1363, offering support in 12 languages.
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme: The Swadesh Darshan initiative aims to develop tourism infrastructure and has approved 76 projects worth INR 5,287 crore since 2014-15.
- PRASHAD Scheme: The PRASHAD scheme focuses on developing pilgrimage sites, with INR 1,024.18 crore already disbursed out of INR 1,621.14 crore sanctioned.
- Sustainable Tourism: The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) emphasizes responsible and sustainable tourism development.
Travelers from these three countries may now receive a visa-upon-arrival at six specified Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, as revealed by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Lok Sabha update. The visa-on-arrival offers travelers more freedom since it permits double entrance and is valid for up to 60 days.
This program is a component of India’s larger plan to increase tourism and streamline the foreign tourist experience. The Ministry of Tourism has extended the e-visa service to include Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for citizens of 167 countries, in addition to the visa-on-arrival option. This e-visa greatly facilitates foreign visitors’ access to India by granting entrance via 30 international airports and six major seaports.
Through a number of initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism is still committed to enhancing the traveler experience. It carries out feasibility studies, research, and need-based surveys to assist in developing policies and evaluating current initiatives. This information guarantees that tourist strategies achieve their goals and helps pinpoint areas that need development.
Fifteen state governments and the administration of the Union Territory (UT) have implemented tourism police to improve security and assistance for tourists. A 24-hour Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline has also been created by the Ministry; it may be reached toll-free at 1800111363 or by using the short code 1363. This service caters to both local and foreign travelers by providing advice and information in 12 languages, including 10 international ones.
Also Read: Benefits of Multiple-Entry Visas for International Travel
The goal of the 2014–15 Swadesh Darshan initiative is to expand India’s tourist infrastructure. It offers financial support for tourist initiatives to central agencies, UT administrations, and states. The initiative has approved 76 projects totaling INR 5,287 crore since its launch, of which INR 4,944 crore has been disbursed. With a tourist-centric approach, the redesigned Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) now prioritizes developing destinations for responsible and sustainable tourism.
In order to include the development of pilgrimage places, the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) has also been developed. INR 1,024.18 crore of the INR 1,621.14 crore that have been sanctioned under PRASHAD have already been distributed.
With the help of these programs, India is becoming a more sought-after travel destination among tourists from across the world for its dedication to improving the travel experience and fostering sustainable tourism.
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