DRNew Delhi: The e-tourist visa, introduced in September 2014 with 46 countries, is now applicable for 166 countries, according to a statement from the Tourism Ministry, Government of India. The government recently made a series of amendments in the e-visa regime including an increase in the duration of stay in India of e-tourist and e-business visas to up to one year with multiple entry, subject to the stay stipulations. This was earlier limited to 60 days with double entry.
The existing restriction of allowing foreigners for a maximum of three times has also been removed. Someone with e-tourist visa can now stay continuously for 90 days per visit in case of nationals of all countries who are eligible for e-visa except nationals of US, UK, Canada and Japan, who can stay for 180 days.
Those with e-business visas can have a continuous stay during each visit not exceeding 180 days in case of nationals of all countries who are eligible for e-visa. No registration (with FRRO/FRO concerned) will be required if the stay is for a period less than 180 days. E-visa is valid for entry through two more airports – Bhubaneswar and Port Blair, raising the total number of such airports to 28.
