On Wednesday, The government restored all valid five-year e-tourist visas discontinued since March 2020 because of the Covid pandemic to nationals of 156 countries with immediate effect, news agency ANI reported. Citizens of these countries will also be eligible for fresh e-visas for tourists as per existing rules.
The Indian government also said it would similarly restore valid regular (paper) long-duration (10 years) tourist visas for the US and Japanese nationals and allow the issue of new tickets to citizens of both countries.
The home ministry said.
"The Indian government took the step keeping in view the improvement in the Covid-19 circumstance in the country and considering the need to relaxation of visa and travel restrictions,"
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Read More: India to Restart International Flights From March 27 After Two-Year
Foreign nationals on e-tourist and tourist visas can enter India only via air immigration check posts or designated sea, including those under the 'air bubble' or 'Vande Bharat Mission' scheme, by flights, as permitted by the civil aviation ministry department.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored valid e-tourist visa issued for five years, which was suspended since March 2020, to nationals of 156 countries: Officials
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022
After deliberation with stakeholders &keeping in view the decline in the #COVID19 caseload,we have decided to resume international travel from Mar 27 onwards.Air Bubble arrangements will also stand revoked thereafter.With this step,I’m confident the sector will reach new heights!
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) March 8, 2022
In no case will foreign nationals holding e-tourist or tourist visas be permitted to enter via riverine or land borders, the home ministry said.
However, the instructions will not apply to Afghanistan nationals who will continue to be governed by different instructions issued by the home ministry regarding an e-emergency x-misc visa grant.
Last week the government said regularly scheduled international passenger flights - outside of 'air bubble' deals - would resume from March 27.
The civil aviation ministry said these flights would continue to be subject to rules set up by the health ministry for international travel as applicable.
