Visa on arrival to be extended to 180 countries

In a major step aimed at boosting tourism, the government on Wednesday decided in principle to give visa on arrival facility and the Electronic Travel Authorisation(ETA) to travellers from 180 countries starting October 2014.

In a major step aimed at boosting tourism, the government on Wednesday decided in principle to give visa on arrival facility and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travellers from 180 countries starting October 2014.

“It is a historic day. Barring the 8 prior reference countries, which includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria and Srilanka, we have decided in principal to give visa on arrival and e-visa to all the 180 countries. But before that, we have to get the additional manpower and infrastructure for carrying it out,” planning minister Rajiv Shukla said.

A high level meeting was called by the Planning Commission to given final shape to the proposal.