India liberalises visa regime, adds two new categories

The Ministry said that with effect from April 1, e-visa has been sub-divided into three categories -- e-tourist visa, e-business visa and e-medical visa.

The e-visa facility has been extended to the nationals of 161 countries for entry through 24 airports and three Indian ports.

"The window for application under e-visa scheme has been increased from 30 days to 120 days," tweeted HMO.

Duration of stay on e-visa has been increased from 30 days to 60 days with double entry on e-tourist and e-business visa and triple entry on e-medical visa.

The HMO said that separate immigration counters and facilitation desks have been created to assist medical tourists at six major Indian airports.

A new category of visa titled Intern (I) Visa has been rolled out  for foreigners intending to pursue intership in India, said the HMO.

Those interested to shoot films in India can now avail a Film (F) Visa. Under this new category, visitors can get a visa with maximum duration of one year and multiple entry facility, the Ministry said.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu said in a series of tweets:

" #VisaReforms aims to promote India as a filming destination through film visas."

"Film Facilitation Office to act as a single window system, ensuring required permissions would be given in time bound manner."

"Visa Liberalisation & FFO to facilitate foreign film makers to showcase beauty of India to the world in a hassle free manner!"

The new rules, effective from April 1, are expected to draw more travellers to India.