The Enhanced e-Tourist Visa (eTV)
May 29, 2015
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Travel to India just got easier thanks to further enhancements of the visa-on-arrival facility first introduced by the Government of India in December 2014. Currently available to travelers from more than 75 countries participating in the program, these 30-day visas are ideal for recreational stopovers, sightseeing, visits for short term medical treatment, business travel or simply to meet up with friends and relatives.
Electronic Travel Authorization
Whilst the program offers a visa on arrival at nine defined ports of entry across India, travelers need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival in the country. First introduced as “Tourist Visa on Arrival (TvoA)”, the program has already undergone a name change and is now known as the “e-Tourist Visa (eTV)”.
The program has been renamed to avoid confusion among travelers and to place stress on the electronic pre-authorization requirement prior to arrival of foreigners at any of the designated ports of entry which accept the eTV.
How will this change benefit foreign travelers?
The broad spectrum of this program will ease the ability of larger numbers of foreign nationals wishing to visit India for short periods of time, whether for business or pleasure.
An added benefit of the change is the reduction in the administrative burden for most employers and tourists who would previously have been required to apply for relevant business and tourist visas at Indian Missions abroad prior to travel.
Until now, most visitors needed to submit applications at visa processing centers and then wait several weeks before learning whether their visas were approved.
Tourist numbers rise dramatically
During the January to March 2015 quarter, a total of 75,859 tourists arrived by ETA enabled eTV, compared to just 5,841 for the same period in 2014, representing a growth rate of 1198.7%.
Tourism in India overall climbed by an impressive 1220% in March 2015 from March 2014 figures. These numbers are only set to increase with the addition of more countries to the program.
Government measures boost tourist numbers
The Indian government has vigorously promoted the program through “Incredible India” campaigns across the globe. It has also actively increased participation in major international tourism and travel fairs and encouraged the development and promotion of niche tourism.
Additionally, its decision to lift the cooling off period between two consecutive visits on tourist visas has created an increased pool of trained manpower in the hospitality and tourism sectors, resulting in the delivery of higher quality service standards for visitors to the country.
Most importantly, the government has introduced easier and more streamlined immigration procedures.
How does the eTV work?
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Travelers from all eligible countries may apply for an ETA online a minimum of 4 days in advance of their arrival date.
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ETA for a 30 day period is granted within 72 hours, post completion of the eTV application form and online payment.
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eTV endorsement will be stamped in a visitor’s passport only upon arrival at the designated port of entry into India.
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Travelers must have at least six months validity on their passports, a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds to sustain themselves for the duration of their stay in India.
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Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries must carry Yellow Fever Vaccination cards or risk being quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in the country.
Restrictions
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An eTV is valid for 30 days (single entry) from date of arrival in India.
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This facility can be used for two separate visits per calendar year, per traveler.
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Once granted, an eTV cannot be converted or extended.
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eTV is not available to diplomatic or official passport holders and travelers of Pakistani origin or for those who hold Pakistani passports.
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Designated ports of arrival are: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderbad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Trivandrum
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Travelers are free to exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.
What the future looks like
India is set to gradually expand its eTV program to a total of 150 countries over the fiscal year.
Announcements of new countries joining the program are being made in phases. The first expansion from 11 to 43 countries was announced in December 2014, with the most recent announcement in late April 2015 detailing a new total of 76 eligible countries to the scheme.
