A recent update on the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs notifies that the Government of India, with effect from January 1, 2010 has extended “Tourist Visa-on-Arrival” for citizens of five countries. The countries that benefit from this facility are (1) Finland; (2) Japan; (3) Luxembourg; (4) New Zealand and (5) Singapore. This facility will be available initially for a period one year.

The notification clarifies that this facility has been extended to foreign tourists who plan their tours on a very short notice. Tourists from the said countries can also procure their visas from the Indian Missions / Posts in the normal course. The visa issued under this scheme will be valid for a maximum of 30 days and for a single entry. This visa shall be granted by Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata International Airports. The grant of “Tourist Visa-on-Arrival” will be regulated by guidelines as prescribed in the Visa Manual. More information on this can be found on the Ministry of Home Affairs website by clicking here.