The fresh issue of regular (papers) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas had been restored for US nationals. It also said that the e-tourist visas under three options (one month, one year and five years), which were suspended since March 2020, would be restored
The Government of India announced the restoration of the old valid long duration (10 years) regular (papers) tourist visas for the US nationals with immediate effect, according to the Consulate General of India in Chicago.
The press release from the consulate stated that the fresh issue of regular (papers) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas had been restored for US nationals. It also said that the e-tourist visas under three options (one month, one year and five years), which were suspended since March 2020, would be restored. And the application for fresh e-tourist visas for eligible nationals can now be made at the Indian e-visa portal. The current scheme of regular tourist visa/e-visa (one month stay only) on a gratis basis will continue.
According to the press release, “Foreign nationals on tourist/e-tourist visas would be permitted to enter India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or ‘air bubble’ scheme or by any flights as allowed by Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.”
“Apart from this we are also writing that e-tourist visa for countries like the UK, Canada and other countries is to be revived.”
— Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO
The release also stated that no foreign nationals, in any case, would be allowed to enter through the land border or riverine routes on a tourist visa/e-tourist visa.
India has, in fact, restored all valid five year e-tourist visa given to citizens of 156 countries and regular paper visa issued to nationals of all countries with immediate effect. The restoration is taking place two years after their suspension due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the development, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said they were writing to the Government to allow entry of tourists through land borders of Nepal and Bhutan. “Apart from this we are also writing that e-tourist visa for countries like the UK, Canada and other countries is to be revived,” said Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO.
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