India's decision to provide e-visa to 150 countries is yielding results with a total of 4,34,927 foreign tourist using the facility during January-May this year compared to 1,10,657 during the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 293 per cent.
In May this year itself, 179.9 per cent growth in tourist arrival has been reported over the same period last year. Over 43,800 people arrived in India on e-tourist visa in May as compared to 15,659 during the same month last year.
The USA continues to occupy top slots followed by UK and China amongst the countries availing the e-tourist visa facility during May 2016. The facility was commenced from November 2014 for citizens of 113 countries arriving at 16 airports in the country.
The Government HAS extended the scheme for citizens of 37 more countries with effect from 26 February taking the tally to 150 countries.
A senior official from the Union Tourism Ministry said that high growth during January- May, 2016 may be attributed to introduction of e-Tourist Visa for 150 countries as against the earlier coverage of 43 countries.