The Indian government has from April 1, 2017 eased visa regulations, allowing tourists coming into the country on e-visa to stay for up to two months instead one and double-entry benefits. Furthermore, the window for e-visa application is now extended from the earlier 30 days to 120 days.

 As well, new medical and business categories are added to the e-visa facility, and are given triple- and double-entry benefits respectively.

Arun Anand, managing director, Midtown Travels, said: “The earlier e-visa facility only allowed single entry, which was a bottleneck for tourists keen to combine their visits to India with neighbouring destinations. Though a multiple-entry e-visa would be ideal, at least a double-entry e-visa will allow us to suggest the facility to clients looking to visit neighbouring countries as well.”

At present, e-visas are only available for nationals of 161 countries for entry through 24 airports and three ports – Cochin, Goa and Mangalore. Authorities are looking to extend the e-visa facility at the ports of Mumbai and Chennai to promote cruise tourism.