Centre rechristens visa scheme to 'e-Tourist Visa'

The government on Tuesday decided to change the name of 'Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorization' scheme to 'e-Tourist Visa' (eTV) from Wednesday, saying the name was confusing for tourists.

The decision to change the name was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, an official statement issued here said, adding that the scheme of issuing visa on arrival would be extended to more countries and airports in a phased manner in order to avoid any confusion.

The government had launched 'Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization' (TVoA-ETA) on November 27, 2014 to 44 countries at nine airports to facilitate short duration international travellers.

"Since the launch of the scheme, 110,000 visas have been issued under it, the statement said.

"It has been observed that the name of the scheme (TVoA-ETA) is creating confusion among tourists. Tourists presumed as if the visa is being granted on arrival, however in present system the pre-authorization of visa to foreigners is being given prior to travel.

"Ministry of Home Affairs had also received the requests of name change from some Indian embassies," it added.

The statement said that a committee of officers from Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and Bureau of Immigration (BoI) was formed for formulation of new name for the scheme.

"A contest was also conducted on mygov.in inviting suggestions on the name of the scheme, it added.