India eases visa regime to lure tourists

INDIA: India unveiled a long-term tourist visa with multi-entry facility to nationals of 18 pre-selected countries, officials said.

The relaxation followed persistent demands from India's hospitality industry for the government to ease regulations for leasure-seekers from abroad.

"The long-term visa will offer a five-year validity, but with the pre-condition that continuous stay in India on each visit will not exceed 90 days," a tourism ministry official said.

Visitors from France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam would benefit, he said.

"The decision has been taken to promote India as a favourite tourist destination," the government added in a statement.

NEW DELHI, Friday, AFP