The government clarified that tourists entering India via land routes will not be issued visas. This means that citizens from India’s neighbouring countries, which share land borders with India will not be able to able to visit the country on a tourist visa
Starting October 15, the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for granting tourist visas to foreigners will come into effect. The government clarified that tourists entering India via land routes will not be issued visas. This means that citizens from India’s neighbouring countries, which share land borders with India will not be able to able to visit the country on a tourist visa. The guidelines also mentioned that visas will be of single-entry type having a maximum validity of 30 days for now.
Travel and tourism stakeholders believe that India being a popular long-haul destination in the global tourism market, this move of the 30-day visa might not be popular with foreign tourist who are eagerly waiting to visit the country. However, looking at the Covid-19 situation, the government is being cautious about the gradual reopening of the country for inbound tourism.
Stakeholders have also been deliberating on whether foreigners visiting India on Vande Bharat flights under the air bubble agreement will be grated tourist visas from October 15 under the chartered flights category or they will have to wait till November 15, when citizens arriving on regular flights are allowed
The MHA will begin granting fresh tourist visas to foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, whereas travellers coming by regular scheduled flights will be allowed entry in India from November 15.
Reports indicate that government is preparing a list of countries with high number of Covid-19 cases and where the infection rates remain a case of concern. Stakeholders have also been deliberating on whether foreigners visiting India on Vande Bharat flights under the air bubble agreement will be grated tourist visas from October 15 under the chartered flights category or they will have to wait till November 15, when citizens arriving on regular flights are allowed.
Incidentally, the travel industry has been demanding clarity on resumption of scheduled international flights, which can help them plan before the upcoming inbound tourist season.
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