Back to Index

Plan to grant visas on arrival to promote tourism

     New Delhi: Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni has said the Government is considering a proposal to grant visas on arrival to promote tourism. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Soni said, Indian missions abroad, including those in Western cities grant visas expeditiously in keeping with relevant norms. Visas are granted on the same day or the next day of the receipt of application, except in the case of applications which require the prior approval of the Government. At present, 24 Missions / Posts have already started outsourcing the collection of visa application forms. Tourists intending to visit India are provided prompt and courteous services when they visit Indian Missions/ Posts abroad for seeking Indian visas, Soni said. However, at present, Ministry of Home Affairs has not agreed to the proposal regarding Visa-on-Arrival scheme due to the prevailing security scenario.
-Mar 18,  2008