India has recently rolled out an exciting new feature for international travelers—visa-on-arrival for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move, announced by the Ministry of Tourism, is set to make travel much smoother for tourists, business professionals, medical visitors, and those attending conferences.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed this update in a Lok Sabha session. Now, travelers from these three countries can get a visa upon arrival at six of India’s major airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The visa-on-arrival is valid for 60 days and even allows for double entry, giving visitors more flexibility during their stay.
This initiative is part of India’s broader plan to boost tourism and simplify the travel experience for international visitors. Alongside the new visa-on-arrival facility, the Ministry of Tourism has also extended its e-visa program to include Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for citizens of 167 countries. This e-visa allows entry through 30 international airports and six major seaports in India, making it easier than ever for foreigners to explore the country.
(FAQs):
Q1: Which airports in India offer the visa-on-arrival facility?
A1: The visa-on-arrival is available at six Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Q2: How long is the visa-on-arrival valid, and how many entries does it allow?
A2: The visa-on-arrival is valid for 60 days and permits double entry.
Q3: What should I do if I have more questions about the visa-on-arrival?
A3: If you need more information, MakeMyTrip offers instant support and will respond to your call within 15 seconds, no matter where you are in the world.
The Ministry of Tourism is continually working to enhance the overall experience for tourists. They conduct need-based surveys, research, and feasibility studies to shape policies and assess current programs. This approach helps them identify areas for improvement and ensures that tourism policies meet their goals.
In terms of safety, 15 state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations have rolled out tourist police forces, which add an extra layer of security and assistance for travelers. Additionally, the Ministry has set up a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline. The toll-free number is 1800111363, or you can dial short code 1363. This helpline offers guidance in 12 languages, including 10 international ones, to assist both domestic and international tourists.
Another major initiative is the Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched in 2014-15, which aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India. The scheme provides financial aid to states, UT administrations, and central agencies for tourism projects. Since its start, 76 projects have been sanctioned with total funding of INR 5,287 crore, out of which INR 4,944 crore has been released. The newly revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) now focuses on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric approach.
Additionally, the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) has been introduced to support the development of pilgrimage destinations. Under PRASHAD, INR 1,621.14 crore have been sanctioned, with INR 1,024.18 crore already released.
These efforts underscore India’s dedication to improving the travel experience and fostering sustainable tourism, positioning the country as an increasingly appealing destination for global travelers.
