In a step that can boost arrival of foreign tourists to country, India is all set to provide visa-on-arrival facility for the citizens of 180 countries except a handful of eight to 10 countries including its arch rival and nuclear foe, Pakistan.
New Delhi, Feb 3: India is all set to provide visa-on-arrival facility for the citizens of 180 countries except a handful of eight to 10 countries including its arch rival and nuclear foe, Pakistan.
“After resisting the idea for years, Indian intelligence agencies have given their consent to visa-on-arrival facility for all countries except a handful like Pakistan,” Indian newspaper Indian Express reported on Sunday.
The newspaper reported that visa on arrival facility may cover up to 180 countries. “India is looking to implement similar mode like that in Australia and it will require tourists to make an application before their departure. There will, however, be no need to visit any Indian mission”.
About the visa on arrival facility, the newspaper quoted sources as saying that all that a tourist has to do is submit an application online and, within two to three days, a travel authorisation will be mailed back. “That slip of paper would be enough to enter India. This improvisation was important to avoid clutter at the airport as well as facilitate easier back-end verification.”
The foreigners have to currently wait several weeks before learning whether they will be allowed to enter the country after submitting their applications at visa-processing centres, a major deterrent for potential visitors.
The paper reported that final call on the meeting will be taken in a crucial Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will be attended by security top brass.
“As of now, some eight to 10 countries including Pakistan may not be covered by this. Barring Pakistan, specific visa categories for certain countries, like conference visas for China, could be excluded,” sources said.
India is currently providing visa on arrival facility for citizens of 11 countries.
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