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The Centre has renamed the online visa scheme for travellers as ‘e-Tourist Visa’ (eTV). The scheme was earlier called ‘Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (TVoA-ETA).
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Tuesday that the extension of the scheme to more countries and airports will be in a phased manner, in order to avoid any confusion.
The name of the scheme was creating confusion among tourists as they presumed that visa is being granted on arrival. However, the pre-authorisation of visa to foreigners is being given prior to travel.
TVoA-ETA was launched on November 27, 2014 to 44 countries at nine airports — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Goa — to facilitate short duration international travellers. Since the launch of the scheme, 1.1 lakh visas have been issued by Government under this scheme, the statement added.
A foreign tourist has to apply online, upload a photo and passport and pay a fee online. In 72 hours, the applicant would receive an ETA by e-mail.
The 30-day permit would include sightseeing, visiting friends and family, recreation, short duration medical treatment, and a casual business visit.
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