Sapa-AFP New Delhi
TOURISTS travelling to India from 43 countries including the US will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas after New Delhi announced a long-awaited easing of border controls yesterday.
Tourists from countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany and Japan will now be able to apply online and then receive the green light within four days, before getting their visa at an airport on arrival.
Most foreigners currently have to wait several weeks before learning whether they will be allowed to enter India after submitting their applications at visa processing centres, a major deterrent for potential visitors.
“This scheme… is a dream come true for the entire tourism industry of India and is bound to positively impact the economy,” tourism minister Mahesh Sharma said.
Britain, India’s former colonial master, is not included on the new list.
Tourists will now be able to pick up their visas from nine Indian airports. Visitors can apply twice a year for 30-day visas which cannot be extended. Tourists must also have a return ticket.
India came 65 out of 140 countries in a World Economic Forum ranking on travel and tourism competitiveness conducted last year.