India has always been a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. In recent times, the Indian government introduced an electronic tourist visa (eTV) program, which made it easier for foreign tourists to obtain visas. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-tourist visa India suspended its services. This has created confusion and frustration among tourists who were planning to visit India. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the suspension of e-tourist visa India, its impact on the tourism industry, and what you need to do if you have planned a trip to India.
What is an e-tourist visa India?
The e-tourist visa India is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The eTV can be obtained online, eliminating the need for applicants to visit Indian missions or consulates. The e-tourist visa India is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India, with double entry permitted. The e-tourist visa India is available to citizens of over 100 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and most European countries.
Why was the e-tourist visa India suspended?
The e-tourist visa India suspension was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of COVID-19 cases increased globally, the Indian government decided to suspend all tourist visas, including the e-tourist visa, from March 13, 2020. The Indian government took this decision as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in India. The suspension of the e-tourist visa India was initially for a month, but it has been extended multiple times due to the ongoing pandemic.
What is the impact of the e-tourist visa India suspension on the tourism industry?
The e-tourist visa India suspension has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in India. Before the pandemic, India was one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations globally, with over 10 million foreign tourists visiting India in 2019. The suspension of the e-tourist visa India has led to a massive drop in the number of foreign tourists visiting India. This has resulted in a significant economic loss for the tourism industry, which contributes over 9% of India’s GDP. The suspension of the e-tourist visa India has also affected the livelihoods of millions of people who work in the tourism industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and travel agents.
What should you do if you have planned a trip to India?
If you have planned a trip to India, you need to be aware of the current e-tourist visa India suspension. The Indian government has announced that it will resume the e-tourist visa India services in a phased manner. However, the exact date of resumption is still not clear. Therefore, if you have planned a trip to India, you need to keep yourself updated with the latest information regarding the e-tourist visa India suspension. You may also contact your travel agent or the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
Conclusion
The e-tourist visa India suspension has created uncertainty and confusion among tourists who were planning to visit India. The Indian government has taken this decision as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The suspension of the e-tourist visa India has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, which is a crucial contributor to India’s economy. If you have planned a trip to India, you need to be aware of the current e-tourist visa India suspension and keep yourself updated with the latest information.
