1,404 visas on arrival issued in Sept: Tourism Ministry

Japanese tourists availed nearly half of the 1,404 visas on arrival (VoAs) issued in September this year, the Tourism Ministry said.

A total 1,404 VoAs were issued to tourists from 11 countries in September as compared to 991 issued during the same period last year, registering a growth of 41.7 per cent.

While Japan topped the list with 541 tourists followed by New Zealand (256), Philippines (236), Indonesia (175) and Singapore (135), the Tourism Ministry said.

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Only two and four tourists availed the scheme from Laos and Luxembourg respectively, it added.

The government has launched the VoA scheme for 11 countries -- Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar -- to attract more foreign tourists.

During the period between January-September this year, a total number of 10,816 VoAs were issued as compared to 8,505 VoAs during the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 27.2 per cent.

Besides Delhi, international airports at Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai are equipped with the VoA facility.

Sourced: business