The free visa move comes as Covid cases decline in the country. On Sunday, 30,773 new cases were reported. Active cases had come down to 3.32 lakh. India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage had also crossed 80 crore on Saturday
The first five lakh foreign tourists who apply for visas would get them free of cost. In what can be considered as a move to revive the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors that have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic since March 2020. The free visa move comes as Covid cases decline in the country. On Sunday, 30,773 new cases were reported. Active cases had come down to 3.32 lakh. India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage had also crossed 80 crore on Saturday.
The formal announcement opening doors to foreign tourists to visit India is expected in the next 10 days, according to an official from the Home Ministry quoted by the TOI. Foreign tourists will be allowed to come to India, for the first time, in one-and-a-half years. The free visa to the tourists will be issued till March 31, 2022 or the issuance of five lakh visa, whichever is earlier. The total financial implication for this would be INR 100 crore. The free visa move is expected to incentivise short-term tourists visiting India.
The e-tourist visa has been suspended since March 2020. Home Ministry officials said deliberations were going on whether foreign tourists will be allowed with certain conditions like only vaccinated travellers for now and not allow travellers from the countries where Covid-19 cases remain a concern
Reports indicate that Union Home Ministry officials have started talks with connected stakeholders on the expected date for allowing foreign tourists.
The cost for a month-long e-tourist visa is country-specific but is around USD 25. A year-long multiple entry e-tourists visa charge is around USD 40. The e-tourist visa has been suspended since March 2020. Home Ministry officials said deliberations were going on whether foreign tourists will be allowed with certain conditions like only vaccinated travellers for now and not allow travellers from the countries where COVID-19 cases remain a concern.
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