Guwahati, September 19 (NKTV): With a decline in the number of Covid cases in India, foreign tourists may be allowed to visit the country soon after a gap of around 18 months.
Officials have informed that the first five lakh foreign tourists will be issued visas free of cost in an attempt to revive the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors. Top Union Home Ministry officials are deliberating with all stakeholders on the expected date and modalities for opening up of the country for foreign tourists.
The free visa to the tourists will be issued till March 31, 2022 or the issuance of five lakh visa, whichever is earlier. The total financial implication for this would be Rs 100 crore. The free visa move is expected to incentivise short-term tourists visiting India.
A formal announcement allowing foreign tourists to visit India may come within the next 10 days, said an official from the Home Ministry.
Home Ministry officials said they are still deliberating whether the entry of foreign tourists will be allowed with certain conditions like limiting it to only vaccinated travellers for now and having a negative list of countries where Covid-19 cases remain a concern. The opening up is also expected to be phase-wise to see the response and implications.
Inputs from PTI
Featured Image: Representative (By Mrinmoy Buragohain)