Indian government that had previously launched Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme for citizens of 5 countries visiting India for tourism purposes has revealed that 3,516 foreigners availed during the period between January-July. The scheme was made available to countries such as Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore.
The total number of VoAs issued during July was 365 with country wise breakup as: Finland (45), Japan (104), New Zealand (88), Singapore (124) and Luxemburg (4). During the seven month period of January–July, the maximum number of VoAs were issued at Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi (1663), followed by Chattrapathi Shivaji International airport in Mumbai (689), Chennai International airport (635) and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International airport in Kolkata (164). The visas that have a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility has been a runaway hit in India.
Minister for Tourism, India Kumari Selja said that the introduction of the scheme has sent a positive signal about India's intention to welcome foreign tourists. "Eighteen countries have been granted the facility of long-term visa by India. These measures are expected to give a fillip and much required impetus to the tourism industry in the country," she added.
