Liberalised Visa regime implemented for the past two years witnessed sharp increase of visit of foreigners to India. As per the statistics in 2017 and 2018, more than 35 lakh foreigners visited India, including tourists, business purposes. Before launching of e-Visa and instant visa, in 2015, as per the statistics, around 4.5 lakh foreigners visited India. As many as 26 airports and five sea ports, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has implemented e-Visa system.
"The Electronic Visa Facility now covers practically all the countries of the world. Foreign nationals of 166 countries can now enjoy this facility at 26 airports and 05 seaports. The foreigner does not have to interact with any Indian official till his arrival at the immigration counter. The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) generally decides within 24-48 hours whether or not to grant an e-visa to a foreigner. The popularity of e-visa is sky rocketing. The number of foreigners who visited India on e-visa has gone up from 4.47 lakhs in 2015 to 17.00 lakhs in 2017. The figure for 2018 is 18.78 lakhs upto 30th October, 2018," said Home Ministry in a statement on Wednesday, detailing the sharp increase of visitors.
Currently e-Visa is permitted in five categories like tourist, business, medical, conference and medical attendant. "The local FRRO has been empowered now to extend duration of electronic visas beyond 60 days upto 90 days.
Moreover, these e-visas can now be availed three times in one year against twice in a year earlier. For foreigners who are already in India and who require any consular/visa services like extension of visa, conversion of visa, exit permission or any of the total 27 visa-related services, an online e-FRRO facility has now been launched throughout the country. The foreigners do not have to physically visit the offices of FRROs/FROs. They can apply as well as receive consular/visa services online after making online payment," said Home Ministry.