India Offers Visa-on-Arrival for Tourists from Japan, South Korea, and UAE

India now offers visa-on-arrival at six major airports for tourists from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, enhancing travel convenience and boosting tourism.

Streamlined Travel for Japan, South Korea, and UAE Nationals

In a significant boost for international travel, India has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for nationals from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Announced by the Ministry of Tourism, this new provision aims to make travel easier for tourists, business professionals, medical visitors, and conference attendees from these three countries.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed in a Lok Sabha update that travelers from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can now obtain a visa-upon-arrival at six designated Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The visa-on-arrival is valid for up to 60 days and allows for double entry, offering visitors greater flexibility during their stay in India.
Enhancing India's Tourism Strategy

This visa-on-arrival initiative is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a global tourist destination. In addition to this new facility, the Ministry of Tourism has expanded the e-visa program, which now includes Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for citizens of 167 countries. The e-visa permits entry through 30 international airports and six major seaports, making it easier for foreign travelers to explore India.

To further improve the tourism experience, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ongoing surveys, research, and feasibility studies to inform policy development and assess the effectiveness of existing programs. This data-driven approach helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring that tourism policies meet their objectives.

Comprehensive Support for Tourists

For the safety and support of tourists, 15 state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations have deployed tourist police, enhancing security for visitors. Additionally, the Ministry has established a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, available toll-free at 1800111363 or via short code 1363. This service offers guidance in 12 languages, including 10 international ones, catering to both domestic and foreign tourists.

Developing Tourism Infrastructure

The Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched in 2014-15, continues to play a crucial role in developing tourism infrastructure across India. The scheme provides financial assistance to states, UT administrations, and central agencies for tourism projects. Since its inception, 76 projects have been sanctioned with a total funding of INR 5,287 crore, of which INR 4,944 crore has been released. The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) now focuses on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric approach.

India's introduction of visa-on-arrival for nationals from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, along with the expansion of its e-visa program and other initiatives, underscores its commitment to making the country a top global travel destination. With these developments, India is set to welcome more international visitors, offering them an enriching and convenient travel experience.