Destination News

India saw a steep rise in number of foreign travellers a month after the government allowed tourist visa on arrival (TVoA) scheme enabled by electronic travel authorization (ETA). Last November, the government launched the scheme for visitors from 43 countries. Prior to it, only the normal TVoA scheme was in operation for 12 countries. According to the data released by tourism ministry on Monday, 14,083 TVoAs were issued in December, against 2,700 in December 2013, a growth of 421.6%.

"During January-December 2014, a total number of 39,046 TVoAs were issued as compared to 20,294 TVoAs during the corresponding period of 2013 registering a growth of 92.4%," said a statement by the ministry. "This high growth is due to introduction of ETA enabled TVoA for 43 countries in November 2014."

Under the scheme, tourists from these countries can apply for visa online by going to www.onlinevisa.gov.in and once approved, the applicant receives an email authorizing their travel to India. On arrival in India, the visitor has to present the authorization to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the visa.

The scopes of activities for travellers include sightseeing, visiting family and friends, rejuvenation, casual business visits and short-duration medical tours. The visitor can enter India within 30 days of receiving approval (ETA, or electronic travel authorization) and can stay in the country for up to 30 days. However, the tourist visa on arrival enabled with ETA cannot be used more than twice a year.

The top 10 countries that availed of the scheme in December 2014 were the US (24.26%), Russian Federation (15.06%), South Korea (11.01%), Ukraine (8.16%), Australia (7.98%), New Zealand (5.08%), Japan (4.3%), Singapore (4.27%), Germany (4.05%) and the Philippines (3.1%).

Meanwhile, New Delhi received the highest percentage of total TVoA requests, followed by Mumbai, Goa, Chennai and Bangalore.