The Indian government has taken a significant step towards promoting tourism and fostering economic ties by introducing visa-on-arrival for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This new policy, effective immediately, will streamline the travel process for eligible nationals visiting India for tourism, business, conferences, or medical purposes.
The visa-on-arrival facility is currently available at six major Indian airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Importantly, only those Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-Visa or a regular paper visa for India are eligible to receive the on-arrival visa.
The visa will be valid for 60 days, granting travelers the opportunity to visit India for up to two times during that period, as informed by the Indian visa portal.
While there are certain specific rules for UAE nationals, several regulations remain consistent across all three nationalities:
1.
Pakistan Origin Restriction:
This facility is not available to individuals, or those whose parents or grandparents (paternal or maternal) were born in Pakistan, or are permanent residents of Pakistan. Such individuals must obtain an appropriate visa from a concerned Indian Mission/Post to visit India.2.
Diplomatic/Official Passport Ineligibility:
Holders of Diplomatic or Official passports are not eligible for the Visa-on-Arrival scheme.3.
Non-Extendable and Non-Convertible:
The Visa-on-Arrival is neither extendable nor convertible into any other visa type.4.
Application Form Requirement:
Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals are required to fill out an application form (Annexure I) to avail the visa-on-arrival.5.
Form Submission:
The Indian government advises travelers to download, print, fill out the form and present it to the ‘Visa Officer’ at the visa counter upon arrival. Alternatively, the form can be filled out upon arrival.6.
Airline Form Availability:
The physical form format will also be available from airlines onboard the flight.Specific Points for UAE Nationals:
1.
First-Time Visitors:
UAE nationals visiting India for the first time are advised to apply for an e-Visa or a regular/paper visa.2.
Pakistan Origin UAE Nationals:
UAE nationals of Pakistani origin are not eligible for the Visa-on-Arrival Scheme.The Indian visa portal emphasizes that all other terms and conditions applicable for granting Visa-on-Arrival to Japanese and South Korean nationals will also apply to UAE nationals.
This new visa policy is expected to further enhance India’s appeal as a tourist destination, attract foreign investment, and foster stronger diplomatic ties with Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.
