Visa-on-arrival scheme to change as 'e-Tourist Visa' from April 15

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to change the name of 'Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorization' (TVoA-ETA) scheme to 'e-Tourist Visa' (eTV) with effect from April 15.

The Government is seeking to extend the scheme to more countries and airports in a phased and planned manner.

The Indian Government had launched TVoA-ETA in November 2014 to 44 countries at nine airports to open doors for short duration international travellers. 1,10,000 visas have been issued by the Government since the initiation of this scheme.

It was observed that the name TVoA-ETA had been creating confusion among tourists, who presumed that the visa would be granted on arrival. However, in the present system the pre-authorisation of visa to foreigners is being granted prior to travel.

MHA had also received requests of name change from some Indian embassies.