When the COVID-19 pandemic had taken over the entire world in 2020, India had suspended all e-tourist visas for foreign countries. Now, as the situation has improved, the Centre has resumed the e-tourist visa facility for 156 countries. The e-tourist visa, which was suspended in March 2020 in view of the pandemic, is valid for five years. Nationals of these 156 countries will also be eligible to apply for fresh e-tourist visas now.
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The Move Is Aimed At Boosting International Tourism In India
The Ministry of Home Affairs released an order stating that India will restart the electronic tourist visa (e-TV) facility for 156 countries from March 27. The move is aimed at giving a boost to the tourism sector, especially international tourism in India, which had suffered mammoth losses during the pandemic. The Centre will also resume issuance of Regular (Paper) Tourist visas for foreign nationals. Foreign nationals of the United States and Japan can also apply for fresh long duration visas of 10 years.
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Foreign Nationals Cannot Enter India Via Land Borders And Riverine Routes
Entry to India for foreign nationals with these tourist visas will be permitted only via appointed Sea Immigration Check Posts (IPs) or Airport ICPs by flights. They cannot enter India through land borders and riverine routes. Afghan nationals will continue to be governed by separate instructions given by the Home Ministry concerning e-Emergency X-Misc visa. On that note, here are a few simple steps with which we can help the travel sector of India revive after the pandemic induced losses: