India Expands Visa-On-Arrival Policy for Select Countries.
India has broadened its visa-on-arrival program, now extending the facility to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) effective from August 5. This move aims to streamline entry procedures and boost tourism and business engagements.
For UAE nationals to qualify, they must have previously secured an Indian e-visa or another form of visa before applying for the visa-on-arrival. It’s essential to note that this policy does not apply to diplomatic or official passport holders. Additionally, the visa-on-arrival is neither extendable nor convertible.
The granted visa permits stays of up to 60 days and supports multiple entries. Travelers can utilize this for both tourism and business purposes. The service is available at six designated airports across India.
In related developments, the Indian government has updated its electronic business visa policy for Chinese nationals. This specific e-visa allows entry for work and business activities within certain departments, ministries, and specific industries. Currently, all other e-visa categories remain suspended for Chinese nationals, making this the sole e-visa option available. This updated policy offers faster processing compared to the standard business visa.
Furthermore, India has introduced the Fast Track Immigration — Trusted Traveler Program (FTI-TTP). This program caters to Indian nationals and foreign nationals holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, aiming to expedite immigration clearances.
BAL Analysis: Indian authorities are continuously revising travel policies to enhance efficiency and simplify processes. The expansion of the visa-on-arrival program and other initiatives are steps towards facilitating quicker immigration clearances, making India more accessible for tourists and business travelers alike.