As India prepares to open its borders for international travellers from 15 October, the government has special offerings to woo tourists.
India will commence issuing Tourist Visas from 15 October, and the first 500,000 visas will be free.
High Commission of India in Canberra said in a statement, “In view of improved Covid-19 situation in India, Government has decided to commence issuing Tourist Visas. The first 500,000 visas would be issued free of charge.”
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India’s Ministry of Home Affairs had said earlier last week that foreign tourists travelling to India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so with effect from 15 November, a month after those arriving by chartered flights.
ACCORDING TO MHA, all COVID-19 protocols and norms notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will be adhered to by foreign tourists, carriers bringing them into India and other stakeholders at landing stations.
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The announcement comes one and a half years after India completely suspended tourist visas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All such desirous foreign nationals would be required to obtain fresh e-Tourist/Regular Tourist Visa from Bureau of Immigration or Mission/Consulate. Please note that E-tourist visas are issued directly by Bureau of Immigration and regular tourist visas are issued by mission or consulate,” reads Indian High Commission’s statement.
“The first 500,000 tourist visas would be issued on ‘Gratis’ basis and admissible only once per tourist,” it adds.
