India has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for UAE nationals, announced by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a Lok Sabha session on August 5. This facility is available for tourism, business, conferences, and medical purposes, permitting visitors to stay in India for up to 60 days with the option of double entry. The visa-on-arrival service is accessible at six designated airports across India, simplifying the travel process and enhancing convenience for visitors. Additionally, the Ministry has broadened the e-visa facility, granting Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to nationals from 167 countries. This e-visa allows entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, significantly easing the process for international travelers.
Policy Development and Tourist Safety
The Ministry of Tourism regularly conducts tourism surveys, research, and feasibility studies to shape policy and assess program effectiveness. These studies provide valuable data to identify areas for improvement and ensure that tourism policies meet their intended goals. To improve tourist safety and offer immediate assistance, 15 State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations have deployed tourist police. Additionally, the Ministry has set up a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, available toll-free at 1800111363 or short code 1363, offering guidance in 12 languages, including 10 international ones.
Tourism Infrastructure Development
Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme focuses on developing tourism infrastructure across India, providing financial assistance to States, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies. Since its inception, 76 projects under various thematic circuits have been sanctioned, with a revised total budget of ₹5287.90 crore, of which ₹4944.47 crore has been released. The scheme has now evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), promoting sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric approach. Additionally, the Ministry introduced the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) as a Central Sector Scheme, focusing on the integrated development of selected pilgrimage destinations. Under the PRASHAD scheme, ₹1621.14 crore has been sanctioned, with ₹1024.18 crore already released.
Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
In 2023, India recorded 6.19 million foreign tourist arrivals, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 305.4% compared to previous years. The number of domestic tourist visits reached 1,731.01 million, with an annual growth rate of 155.5%. The tourism sector generated INR 134,543 crore (around USD 16.93 billion) in foreign exchange earnings in 2022, showing a 106.8% increase year-on-year. India accounted for 2.08% of global international tourism receipts, ranking 14th worldwide in this category.
Enhanced Convenience for International Travelers
Travel advisors from the UAE can now plan trips to India more efficiently, thanks to the Visa on Arrival policy. This initiative, along with the expanded e-visa facility, further enhances the convenience for international tourists visiting the country.
