NITI Aayog has proposed a 90-day, multiple-entry Tourist Visa-on-Arrival for select countries
As international tourist arrivals into India trail the 2019 levels, even six years after the Covid-19 pandemic, Government policy think tank Niti Aayog has proposed introducing a 90-day, multiple-entry Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) regime for travellers from selected countries and simplifying licence approvals and renewals for tourism and hospitality businesses to strengthen India’s tourism sector.
The recommendations are part of the report, Unlocking Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Sector, released on Tuesday. The report says India has a diverse tourism offering, but its growth remains constrained by regulatory complexity and procedural requirements.
NITI Aayog has proposed a 90-day, multiple-entry Tourist Visa-on-Arrival for select countries, stating that reducing entry procedures and allowing easier re-entry could help convert travel interest into actual visits and encourage repeat travel.
According to the report, India should gradually transition to a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival framework supported by simplified visa categories, targeted country selection and stronger digital and payment infrastructure.
The report also recommends simplifying regulations governing accommodation units. It notes that multiple licences, mandatory inspections, frequent renewals and other compliance requirements increase costs, delay the start or continuation of operations and create administrative uncertainty for businesses.
According to the organisation, streamlining approvals and making licence grants and renewals easier would reduce compliance burdens, improve the ease of doing business, attract more international visitors, encourage investment and support the growth of India’s tourism and hospitality sector.
