The Government of India has decided to start granting fresh group Tourist Visas to foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021. Individual Foreign tourists travelling to India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so with effect from November 15. All COVID-19 protocols and norms notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare must be adhered to by the foreign tourists.
As per the announcement from Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in July 2021, the first 500,000 Tourist Visas will be issued free of charge. The benefit of free of charge visa will be available only once per tourist during the issuance of the first 500,000 tourist visas. The scheme will be applicable till 31st March 2022 or till 500,000 visas have been issued whichever is earlier. Therefore, it is encouraged to avail this offer to visit India.
The following points must be kept in mind while applying for the e-Visa (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/);
(i) Foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purposes will be allowed to enter into India on e-Tourist Visa/Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism only) from 15 October 2021;
(ii) All individual foreign nationals intending to travel to India for tourism purposes through Vande Bharat Mission, Air Bubble Scheme or by any scheduled/non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation would be permitted to enter India from 15 November 2021.
(iii) The above mentioned foreign nationals would be required to obtain a fresh e-Tourist/Regular Tourist Visa from the Embassy. Existing valid e-Tourist Visa/Regular Tourist Visa continue to remain suspended and cannot be used.
(iv) Such foreign nationals will be granted fresh single entry e-Tourist/Regular Tourist visa for 30 days based on fresh application.
(v) Such foreign nationals shall be permitted to enter India by sea routes or by flights. However, such foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter through land Integrated Check Posts.
With this, the restrictions placed on visa and international travel stand further eased given the present overall COVID-19 situation.
For more information and regular updates on travel and visa restrictions kindly visit the Embassy website - https://www.embassyofindiabamako.gov.in/ and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website - https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ for updated COVID-19 protocols.
