After a Hiatus of 2 Years, India Restores Regular Visas to All, e-Visas to 156 Countries | Key Points

New Delhi: After a hiatus of two years, India has restored all currently valid five-year e-tourist visa given to citizens of 156 countries and regular paper visa to nationals of all countries with immediate effect. Officials said all currently valid old long-duration (10 years) regular tourist visa given to nationals of the US and Japan had been restored. Fresh long-duration (10 years) tourist visa would also be issued to the US and Japanese nationals.Also Read - These 3 Cities In India Have Highest Number Of Billionaires

For the unversed, valid e-tourist visas issued for five years was suspended since March 2020. In October 2020, India had restored all existing visas (except all types of e-Visas, tourist, and medical visas) enabling foreigners to come to India for business, conferences, employment, education, research and medical purposes, after availing regular visas from missions and embassies abroad. Also Read - Here’s How to Register For Vaccine Drive For Kids in 12-14 Years Age Group | Step-by-step Guide Here

Speaking to PTI, an official said that the government has decided to restore these visas for the nationals of 156 countries. Nationals of these 156 countries will also be eligible for issuance of fresh e-tourist visa as per the Visa Manual, 2019. “Currently valid regular (paper) tourist visa with validity of five years, issued to foreign nationals of all countries, which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored”, he stated further. Also Read - F1: McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo Fit To Race In Bahrain After Negative Covid-19 Test