By IANS,
New Delhi : The government Tuesday announced that it has extended its tourist visa-on-arrival facility for visitors from Myanmar and Indonesia to promote tourism.
The visa-on-arrival scheme was introduced from Jan 1, 2010 for five countries — Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg and New Zealand. It was extended for the nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines this January.
“The scheme has been found to be useful by foreign nationals. Up to December 2010, 6,569 nationals availed the facility,” a home ministry official said.
“Now, it has been decided to extend the scheme for the citizens of Myanmar and Indonesia also,” the official said.
The visa-on-arrival is allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports on payment of $60 or equivalent amount in Indian rupees per passenger, including children.
The visa is allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year to a foreigner with a minimum gap of two months between each visit. The visa is non-extendable.
The visitors of these countries can also avail the tourist visa for up to 30 days for medical treatment, for casual business or to visit friends or relatives.
The facility is not applicable to holders of diplomatic or official passports.
It cannot be granted to the foreigners who have permanent residence or occupation in India. Such people can visit India on normal visa, as applicable.