Sunday, August 11, 2024 India’s tourism industry is set to get a boost with the introduction of a new visa-on-arrival facility for South Korean citizens. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced this update in the Lok Sabha on August 5. This facility allows South Korean travelers to visit India for tourism, business, conferences, or medical purposes, with a stay of up to 60 days and the option for double entry.
Travelers can use the visa-on-arrival at six designated airports across India, streamlining their journey and enhancing convenience. In addition to this, the Ministry has expanded the e-visa facility, now offering Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to nationals of 167 countries. This e-visa permits entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, significantly simplifying the process for international travelers visiting India.
The Ministry of Tourism conducts regular tourism surveys, research, and feasibility studies to shape policy development and assess the effectiveness of existing programs. The data collected from these studies helps pinpoint areas for improvement and ensures that tourism policies align with their intended objectives. To enhance tourist safety and provide immediate assistance, 15 State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations have deployed tourist police.
The Ministry has also established a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, accessible toll-free at 1800111363 or s.