The Ministry of Tourism of India plans to expand the validity of its Electronic Tourist Visa scheme and increase the number of countries in which it is available, making longer business trips stress-free.

Following the success of the e-Visa scheme, launched in November 2014, proposals are already in process to extend its validity from 30 to 180 days in 2016. Proposals are also in place to make it available in 150 countries worldwide from 113 currently. Applications are generally processed within three working days.

“We are committed to making it easy for travellers who want to come to India, not least through our e-Visa scheme but also the improved air connectivity with India,” says secretary for Ministry of Tourism Shri Vinod Zutshi. “We aim to attract more visitors through the promotion and development of our niche tourism experiences, such as adventure, wellness, golf, spiritual and the ‘Paradise Unexplored’- the North East.”

While governments welcome the e-Visa scheme extensions, long delays at major Indian airports for e-Visa travellers still hamper the scheme success. www.tourism.gov.in