Port Blair, August 15, 2024: In a landmark move aimed at boosting tourism, India has introduced a simplified visa-on-arrival process for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Effective from August 2024, travellers from these countries will now be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at six major Indian airports: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
The new visa-on-arrival facility, which grants a 60-day stay for tourism, business, medical purposes, or official conferences, comes with a fee of ₹2,000. To streamline the process, eligible travellers can download and fill out an application form, which will be available at visa-on-arrival counters, on incoming flights, or upon arrival at the airport. A duly completed disembarkation card is also required. While the visa allows for a double entry, this is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Office.
This development is part of India’s broader effort to make the country more accessible to international tourists. Currently, India offers an e-visa facility with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to nationals of 167 countries, allowing entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports. This facility is particularly relevant to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which have been earmarked as a key focus area for tourism expansion.
In a significant development for the islands, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved an Integrated Check Post (ICP) for foreign nationals holding e-visas. This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the tourism landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a region previously accessible to international travellers only by passing yachts and cruise ships. With the new ICP, these vessels can now dock, providing a direct boost to the local economy.
The expansion of the e-visa system to include five other major seaports—Mumbai, New Mangalore, Cochin, Mormugao, and Chennai—further strengthens India’s commitment to promoting yacht tourism. This interconnected network is designed to streamline entry for e-visa holders, making the Andaman and Nicobar Islands more accessible and attractive to global tourists.
Local authorities and tour operators have welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to significantly elevate the islands on the global tourism map. Abdul Majeed, Vice President of the Andaman Tourism Organisation (FOATO), stated, “The introduction of the e-visa system and the new visa-on-arrival facility are game-changers for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We anticipate a substantial increase in both international and domestic tourism, which will have a positive ripple effect on the local economy.”
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a premier destination for global tourists. With the new visa policies in place, the islands are poised to become a hub for yacht tourism, attracting not only foreign visitors but also Indian yacht enthusiasts, thereby promoting domestic tourism as well.
As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands prepare to welcome a new wave of tourists, the local tourism industry is optimistic about the future. This policy shift is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination on the global tourism circuit.
*(This news article was published in The New Indian Express on Aug. 15, 2024.)*
