In an exciting development for international travellers, India has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for nationals from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This new provision, announced by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to streamline travel for tourists, business professionals, medical visitors, and conference attendees.
As confirmed by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Lok Sabha update, travellers from these three nations can now obtain a visa-upon-arrival at six designated Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The visa-on-arrival is valid for up to 60 days and allows for double entry, providing enhanced flexibility for visitors.
This initiative is a crucial part of India’s broader strategy to boost tourism and simplify the travel experience for international visitors. In addition to the visa-on-arrival option, the Ministry of Tourism has extended the e-visa program to include Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for citizens from 167 countries. This e-visa allows entry through 30 international airports and six major seaports across India, making it significantly easier for foreign travelers to explore the country.
The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to enhancing the tourism experience by implementing various measures. It carries out need-based surveys, research, and feasibility studies to guide policy development and evaluate current programs. This data aids in pinpointing areas for improvement and ensures that tourism policies achieve their intended goals.
To ensure tourist safety, 15 state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations have introduced tourist police units to bolster security and provide support for visitors. Additionally, the Ministry has set up a 24/7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, which can be reached toll-free at 1800111363 or via short code 1363. This service offers assistance and information in 12 languages, including 10 international ones, serving both domestic and international tourists.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched in 2014-15, aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India. It provides financial assistance to states, UT administrations, and central agencies for tourism projects. Since its inception, the scheme has sanctioned 76 projects with a total funding of INR 5,287 crore, of which INR 4,944 crore has been released. The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) now focuses on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric approach.
Additionally, the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) has been introduced to integrate the development of pilgrimage destinations. Under PRASHAD, INR 1,621.14 crore have been sanctioned, with INR 1,024.18 crore already released.
These initiatives highlight India’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience and promoting sustainable tourism, making it an increasingly attractive destination for global travellers.