Visa-on-Arrival Facility Expanded to Enhance Tourism.
In a recent update to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced that the Visa-on-Arrival facility will now be available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE. This facility, applicable for tourism, business, conference, and medical purposes, allows a stay of up to 60 days with double entry. The Visa-on-Arrival can be utilized at six designated airports across India, simplifying travel for visitors from these countries.
In addition to the Visa-on-Arrival, the Ministry has broadened the e-Visa facility, which now includes Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for nationals of 167 countries. The e-Visa permits entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, significantly increasing the ease of access for international travelers to India.
The Ministry of Tourism actively conducts tourism surveys, research, and feasibility studies to inform policy development and evaluate existing programs. These studies help identify areas for improvement, ensuring tourism policies meet their objectives.
To enhance tourist safety and provide immediate assistance, 15 State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations have deployed tourist police. Additionally, the Ministry has established a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, toll-free at 1800111363 or short code 1363. This service offers guidance and information in 12 languages, including 10 international languages.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched in 2014-15, aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India. Financial assistance is provided to States, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies. Since its inception, 76 projects under various thematic circuits have been sanctioned with a revised total amount of ₹5287.90 crore, of which ₹4944.47 crore have been released. The scheme has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to promote sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric approach.
The Ministry also introduced the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) as a Central Sector Scheme. This initiative focuses on the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. Under the PRASHAD scheme, ₹1621.14 crore have been sanctioned, with ₹1024.18 crore already released.