India will now get more accessible for international tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved the Visa on Arrival (VoA) for three more European countries of France, Germany and Russia. So far, India offered visa on arrival facility to 11 countries.
Confirming the development to the Times of India, MEA sources said the decision would help the government in meeting its objective to double international tourist arrivals in the next three-four years. With the inclusion of France and Russia, it will be the first time that the policy will cover P5 countries.
“After the MEA’s nod, the proposal has been sent to the Union home ministry as the final tourist visa on arrival clearing authority is its Bureau of Immigration. But that is a mere formality,” said a source, adding that there was a consensus among all the ministries in extending the policy to these three countries. The visa on arrival facility is also soon likely to be extended for nationals from six more countries, including Spain and Malta.
India currently issues VoA to 11 countries like Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines , Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Finland, Luxembourg and New Zealand.