Foreign tourists to be allowed to visit India soon, but with some restrictions – check details here

Home ministry officials also said tourists would be allowed with certain conditions – such as those vaccinated would be allowed to enter borders (Reuters Photo)

COVID-19 India: Officials revealed that with a steady decline in COVID cases in the country, India may soon reopen its doors to welcome foreign tourists for the first time after 1.6 years. To revive the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors in the country, first five lakh foreign tourists will be issued free visas. According to the report of news agency PTI, the Indian economy was badly affected by the Kovid-led lockdown since March 2020.

Top officials of the Union Home Ministry are in talks with the stakeholders to decide the expected date and modalities for the reopening of borders for foreign tourists. A formal announcement is expected within the next 10 days, read the document issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This decision due to the declining COVID-19 cases in the country. On Sunday, India reported 30,773 new cases, while the active cases came down to 3.32 lakh. On Saturday, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage also crossed 80 crore.

Free visas to tourists will be issued till March 31, 2022 or till the issuance of five lakh visas, whichever is earlier. The total financial implication for this would be Rs 100 crore. “The free visa move is expected to encourage short-term tourists visiting India”, the official said, as reported in PTI. “The cost of a one-month e-tourist visa is country specific, but is around USD 25. The one-year multiple entry e-tourist visa fee is around USD 40”, it added, adding that e-tourist visas from March remained suspended. Due to the 2020 covid pandemic.

Home ministry officials also said that tourists will be allowed with certain conditions – such as vaccinated people will be allowed to enter the borders. Another official said the reopening will be done in a phased manner to understand the response and the implications of the move. India is one of the many countries that have started opening up to tourists.