Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is valid for visitors visiting India for the purpose of tourism, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or a casual business travel. Initially when it was launched only 43 countries were included, gradually it went above 73 countries. Recently within past two months there has been a big add on in the list of countries eligible for e-tv. E-visa has been extended to Sri Lanka and China.
After overruling objections raised by its intelligence agencies and ofcourse the opposition parties India finally declared e-visa for Chinese Nationals on May 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Beijing last week approved this friendly gesture without further delay. RAW and IB favoured putting off the announcement until after the PM's visit, allowing India to assess China's willingness to reciprocate the measure. China on Monday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to extend electronic visas to its citizens and indicated Beijing was considering relaxation of visa laws for Indian citizens but stopped short of a reciprocal gesture. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular media briefing "We welcome this move of Mr. Narendra Modi". Hong said, "China is willing to make joint efforts with India under the Chinese laws and regulations so as to facilitate the exchanges of China and Indian people".
This decision was taken because as compared to India the chinese travellers are visiting Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives spending billions of dollars on their stay, sight seeing, shopping which is enhancing their tourism revenues. India is targetting around 100 million Chinese tourists who visited the neighbouring countries last year. The Indian travel industry will get enough time for marketing if the government lays down a roadmap for extending the e-visa to various countries. Prior information will make it convenient for tour operators to plan their marketing strategies. However, destination India is very competitive. "Given its cultural diversity, India as a tourist destination will always remain competitive. The country offers high-end hotel services which come with a price.
Observers said Modi's announcement was a personal gesture to put an end to decades old complaint about cumbersome and delayed visa procedures of the Indian government. Apart from China Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka has extended the e-Tourist Visa scheme for the Sri Lankan citizens also, holding ordinary passport, starting from April 14, 2015.
After overruling objections raised by its intelligence agencies and ofcourse the opposition parties India finally declared e-visa for Chinese Nationals on May 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Beijing last week approved this friendly gesture without further delay. RAW and IB favoured putting off the announcement until after the PM's visit, allowing India to assess China's willingness to reciprocate the measure. China on Monday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to extend electronic visas to its citizens and indicated Beijing was considering relaxation of visa laws for Indian citizens but stopped short of a reciprocal gesture. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular media briefing "We welcome this move of Mr. Narendra Modi". Hong said, "China is willing to make joint efforts with India under the Chinese laws and regulations so as to facilitate the exchanges of China and Indian people".
This decision was taken because as compared to India the chinese travellers are visiting Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives spending billions of dollars on their stay, sight seeing, shopping which is enhancing their tourism revenues. India is targetting around 100 million Chinese tourists who visited the neighbouring countries last year. The Indian travel industry will get enough time for marketing if the government lays down a roadmap for extending the e-visa to various countries. Prior information will make it convenient for tour operators to plan their marketing strategies. However, destination India is very competitive. "Given its cultural diversity, India as a tourist destination will always remain competitive. The country offers high-end hotel services which come with a price.
Observers said Modi's announcement was a personal gesture to put an end to decades old complaint about cumbersome and delayed visa procedures of the Indian government. Apart from China Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka has extended the e-Tourist Visa scheme for the Sri Lankan citizens also, holding ordinary passport, starting from April 14, 2015.
