Thứ Tư, 19 tháng 2, 2014

India to cut red tape and issue visas on arrival in a bid to boost tourism


By

Travelmail Reporter




PUBLISHED:


07:24 EST, 18 February 2014




|

UPDATED:


13:25 EST, 18 February 2014



Famed for its complicated bureaucracy, India is no different when it comes to applying for a visa – with holidaymakers often having to wait two weeks or more to receive approval to visit the country.


But now in a bid to boost tourism and business, the government is launching a visa-on-arrival scheme for visitors from 180 countries, including the UK.


The scheme is expected to be rolled out by October, in time for India’s peak tourist season. It will allow holidaymakers to pick up a 30-day visa at the airport upon arrival.


See the sights: It will be easier to visit India from October thanks to a government plan to issue visas on arrival



The current visa process involves submitting an online form, sending your passport to the Indian High Commission along with photos and a pre-paid envelope for your documents to be returned. The visa itself costs £80 and there is a £12.20 handling fee.


The application can be so complicated that some tourists choose to pay companies to fill out their visa form on their behalf, costing around £45.


The new system will still involve a fee – although the amount is still unconfirmed – and tourists will be encouraged to visit an

official website to apply and pay the charge before they fly. The visa will then be available for pick up at one of 26 major airports after three days. 


Winter sun: The colourful coastal state of Goa is a particularly popular destination for British tourists



There are only 11 countries currently eligible for a visa on arrival, including Finland, Singapore and Japan. But with the extension of the scheme, most countries will be included except nationals from Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Somalia.


Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said: ‘This is a very good step. The visa-on-arrival for 180 countries will definitely boost the foreign tourist arrivals in the country.’


Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla confirmed that the government hopes to roll out the new visas by the beginning of October.


Western Oriental’s Indian Subcontinent programme manager Jane Manzoni said: ‘We’ve already had clients inquire about the new visa-on-arrival scheme for India so the evidence points to a real boost for tourism going forward.


‘The impact could be two-fold – the current system with its fairly lengthy process puts people off travelling to India and although there are not-to-be missed highlights including cultural touring in Rajasthan and spa and beach holidays in Kerala, travellers tend to default to places with an instant visa process.


‘And of course India will also become accessible to travellers looking for a last minute holiday getaway and to those who may not have considered travelling to India in the past.’







Comments (10)


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Nick M,


Abingdon,


24 minutes ago


I love all the scare mongers out there! Keep it up. Less Brits over there the better imo, last thing you want when you’re on a beautiful beach in South Goa is a din similar to Blackpool beach.




archie481,


Maidstone,


6 hours ago


And they still take all the handouts from us whilst we struggle. Sort us out 1st Camoron.




RT,


Canada,


8 hours ago


Have any of the negative commenters actually been to India!? I have several times, and while it has gotten more dangerous in recent years, it’s not nearly as “sinister” as Western media makes it out to be. Go in a larger group (with a male you can trust), stay out of secluded areas, and don’t go out too late. This shouldn’t be a problem if visiting a landmark like the Taj Majal. Oh I’m definitely NOT victim blaming, but just giving precautions, which of course are not ideal, but I’ve had to follow them while visiting other places in Asia/ Europe (Turkey, Serbia, Kosovo) too unfortunately icon sad




Fern,


Teesside,


14 hours ago


Ever since I was young I always wanted to go to India. Now I am older and wiser if wouldn’t go there if they paid for 1st class flight a 5 star hotel!




American,


Around the corner, India,


6 hours ago


haha.. I’m living here since 2009 end, its not that bad as it seems in news around the globe. You should visit here once. Country with great history, dont bother dumb work of Indian politicians and corporate world. Look at culture and its people. Amazing!




Hunsa,


Somewhere in London,


14 hours ago


Good positive move but the tourist visa is over priced which would put people off. The exchange rate currently is also good at the moment.




silversam,


London,


16 hours ago


India should sort out law order first




LaChatelaine,


Florence, Italy,


17 hours ago


Wouldn’t go there even if the visa was free.




bobhope,


Brighton, United Kingdom,


17 hours ago


Might be a beautiful country but stuck in the dark ages unfortunately.




EthanEdwards,


North Sea Zone EUSSR, United Kingdom,


23 hours ago


Any women travelling on their own to these places needs to take extra serious care or maybe learn karate fast.



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