In a significant move aimed at boosting tourism, India has announced a visa-on-arrival facility for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This facility, which became effective recently, is designed to simplify travel for tourists, business visitors, conference attendees, and those seeking medical treatment.

Visa-on-Arrival Details:

Streamlined Entry Process

The visa-on-arrival for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE is valid for a period of 60 days, allowing for double entry. This makes it easier for tourists and business travellers to visit multiple times within the stipulated period without undergoing the lengthy visa application process each time.

Available at Major Airports

To facilitate this initiative, the visa-on-arrival facility is available at six designated international airports across India: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These airports are among the busiest in the country, ensuring that tourists have convenient entry points.

Benefits of Visa-on-Arrival:

Boosting Tourism and Business

The introduction of visa-on-arrival is expected to significantly boost tourism and business travel from these countries. With simplified entry procedures, more tourists and business visitors are likely to choose India as their destination.

Enhanced Flexibility

The double entry feature of the visa-on-arrival adds to the flexibility for travelers. Whether it's for a business meeting or a quick medical check-up, visitors can plan their trips more efficiently.

Understanding Visa-on-Arrival:

A visa on arrival is a type of visa issued at the time of a foreign national's arrival in a country. The application for a visa on arrival is usually submitted at the airport along with the necessary documents as directed by the respective immigration authorities.

E-Visa Facility for 167 Countries

Comprehensive Access

In addition to the visa-on-arrival facility, India offers an e-visa service that extends to nationals of 167 countries. This e-visa includes an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and permits entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports. Like the visa-on-arrival, the e-visa is valid for tourism, business, conference, and medical purposes, with a 60-day stay and double entry.

Ease of Application

The e-visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online. This digital approach simplifies the process, making it accessible to a larger number of potential visitors.

Measures for Tourist Safety:

Tourist Police Deployment

To ensure the safety and convenience of tourists, the Indian government has deployed tourist police in 15 states and Union Territories. This initiative aims to provide a secure environment for both domestic and international tourists.

24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline

For additional support, the Ministry of Tourism has established a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline. Available at 1800111363 or short code 1363, this toll-free service offers guidance and information in 12 languages, including 10 international ones. This service is invaluable for tourists seeking assistance during their stay in India.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Promoting Tourism Infrastructure:

Development of Tourist Circuits

Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme focuses on developing tourism infrastructure across India. The scheme provides financial assistance to states, Union Territory administrations, and central agencies to create and enhance tourism circuits.

Significant Investments

"Since its inception, 76 projects have been sanctioned under various thematic circuits with a total funding of Rs 5,287 crore, of which Rs 4,944 crore has already been released," the Ministry of Tourism states. This investment underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the tourism sector.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

New Approach

The Swadesh Darshan scheme has been revamped into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), which emphasises sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. This updated approach aims to cater to the needs of both tourists and destinations, promoting high-value, competitive, and sustainable tourism circuits.

Key Features:

- Focus on Domestic Tourism: Encouraging local tourism to support domestic travel.

- Sustainable Practices: Ensuring tourism development is eco-friendly and sustainable.

- Destination-Centric Development: Tailoring each destination to provide unique and fulfilling experiences.

- Integration with Other Schemes: Aligning with initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India to enhance tourism's impact on job creation and economic growth.

Tourist Circuits: Exploring India's Diversity:

Theme-Based Circuits

India's tourist circuits are designed around specific themes such as religion, culture, ethnicity, and niche interests. These circuits can span across multiple states and Union Territories, offering a diverse range of experiences.

List of 15 Theme-Based Circuits:

1. Buddha Circuit: Pilgrimage destinations in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.

2. Coastal Circuit: Focusing on India’s coastline, including states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

3. Desert Circuit: Highlighting the deserts of Thar, Kutch, Ladakh, and Himachal.

4. Eco Circuit: Promoting eco-friendly tourism in Kerala, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Mizoram, and Jharkhand.

5. Heritage Circuit: Focusing on India's rich heritage sites in Rajasthan, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Puducherry, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.

6. North-East Circuit: Developing tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

7. Himalayan Circuit: Celebrating the Himalayan region in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-East.

8. Sufi Circuit: Exploring the Sufi tradition across India.

9. Krishna Circuit: Dedicated to places associated with Lord Krishna in Haryana and Rajasthan.

10. Ramayana Circuit: Focusing on locations related to Lord Rama, primarily in Uttar Pradesh.

11. Rural Circuit: Improving rural tourism to showcase the true India, including circuits like Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism and Bihar Gandhi Circuit.

12. Spiritual Circuit: Catering to spiritual tourists with destinations in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Puducherry.

13. Tirthankar Circuit: Highlighting Jain shrines across India.

14. Wildlife Circuit: Promoting wildlife tourism in Assam and Madhya Pradesh.

15. Tribal Circuit: Offering insights into tribal cultures in Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, and Telangana.

Awadh360 plus

The introduction of the visa-on-arrival facility for Japan, South Korea, and UAE nationals is a testament to India's commitment to enhancing its tourism sector. Coupled with the robust infrastructure development under schemes like Swadesh Darshan and the e-visa facility, India is poised to become an even more attractive destination for international travellers. With these initiatives, the country aims to provide a seamless, secure, and enriching experience for all visitors.