As India prepares to open its borders to foreign tourists, the central government has decided to ‘reciprocally’ with applicants under the new visa conditions. The visa facility for Indian tourists will depend on the policy of the applicant’s home country.
A top official of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the news agency ANI That in order to address all the issues arising out of such a situation, a meeting was organized last week, which was attended by representatives of all concerned agencies, which was presided over by the Union Home Secretary.
“In the meeting, it was decided to provide reciprocal treatment to the tourists visiting India. Many countries have opened for tourists from abroad, but imposed many restrictions for Indian travelers. Diplomats of the respective countries to resolve the issues. Issues have been taken up with him,” the official said.
What does this mean for international tourists
Any incoming international tourists may be required to show their COVID-19 vaccination certificate or undergo a quarantine period or face rejection, depending on whether they are Indians arriving in their home country. How do you treat tourists?
Therefore, the authorities concerned will have to scrutinize each application based on the latest rules, rather than a standard that was in force 18 months ago when tourist visas were withdrawn for the first time in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Separately, the government has also held discussions with Tour Operators Association, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Aviation and other stakeholders to work out the roadmap.
The final decision on the matter will be taken in the next meeting to be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, which is due next week. Significant breakthroughs or ongoing diplomatic negotiations during this period may also be included in the meeting.
However, to boost tourism, the government had already announced to provide free visas to the first five lakh foreign tourists arriving on Indian shores before March 31, 2022.
Kenya, Sri Lanka, UAE, Mauritius, Egypt, Russia, Iceland, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Italy and many other countries have opened their borders for Indian tourists but have been given quarantine periods, thorough vaccinations, mandatory RT-PCR reports or With conditions like covid testing. Upon arrival.
Before the suspension of tourist visas, around 7-8 lakh tourists used to visit India every month.
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