Extension of E-Visa to Boost Tourism

The Government of India has launched e-Tourist Visa on 27.11.2014 with a view to facilitate foreign tourist visiting India. Initially, the scheme was introduced for 43 countries. However, the scheme has since been extended to 150 countries. The visa service under the scheme is being rendered in time bound manner and decision is communicated to applicant via e-mail within 72 hours of making online application.

The e-Tourist Visa has simplified the procedure for seeking India visa for international tourists. The e-Tourist Visa enables the prospective visitor to apply for an Indian Visa from his/her home country online without visiting the Indian Mission and also pay the visa fee online.

As a result, the year 2015 witnessed a growth rate of 4.5% in terms of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India. During 2015, FTAs were 8.03 million as compared to 7.68 million in 2014. FTAs during the period January-March 2016 were 25.08 lakh with a growth of 10.0% as compared to the FTAs of 22.81 lakh in January-March 2015. The foreign exchange earnings during January - December 2015 was Rs.135193 crore as compared to Rs.123320 crore during 2014 thereby registering the growth of 9.6%.

The e-Tourist Visa has been extended to 150 countries w.e.f. 26 February 2016. During January-December 2015 a total of 4,45,300 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 39,046 during January-December 2014 registering a growth of 1040.4%. During the month of January-March 2016, a total of 3,21,049 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 75,859 during the month of January-March 2015 registering a growth of 323.2%.

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