India to Extend Visa-On-Arrival Facility to 180 Countries

Earlier this month, the Indian government announced that it would extend the tourist visa-on-arrival facility to boost the country's tourism. Eight "prior reference" countries - Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Somalia - have been excluded from the list. The plan is expected to be implemented in October. By the end of 2014, citizens of 180 countries will be able to get an Indian tourist visa on arrival at nine airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Goa and Trivandrum airports. More airports may be added to the list, such as Goa and Amritsar airports. Take advantage of India's Visa-on-arrival policy and plan your India trip now!

Delhi International Airport

The Indian tourist visa-on-arrival scheme was first introduced in India on January 1, 2010. Last October, the visa-on-arrival facility was reported to be extended to travelers from about 40 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Norway, Ireland, UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Currently, tourists from 11 countries have already had visa-on-arrival access: Cambodia, Finland, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Tourists from other countries still need to get a visa before arriving in India till the plan takes effect. Meanwhile, the tourist visa on arrival would be valid for a single entry for a period of up to 30 days and could not be extended.

According to reports, to get a visa on arrival in India, tourists will need to apply at least 3 days before departure on the designated website set up by the Bureau of Immigration and pay before traveling. They would receive an electronic version of the visa/travel authorization within 2-3 working days. Once in India, they need to undergo a biometric identification to get the visa, which will be a single entry visa that is valid for 30 days from the date of entry and could not be renewed. If travelers need to enter India for two times, it's better to apply a double entry or multiple entry visa in advance than to get a visa on arrival.

News update: India E-Visa Facility (Tourist Visa-on Arrival Enabled with ETA) Now Available for 43 Countries