New Delhi: The electronic visa facility or e-visa initiative is in its final stage of development and is expected to be introduced this year, a tourism ministry official said Wednesday.
Speaking at the "Think Tourism-Think India: Thought Leadership Meet", organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), tourism secretary Parvez Dewan said the move would catapult India among the top four countries with visa-friendly policies.
"The external affairs ministry, the National Security Advisor and all the related agencies have unanimously supported the introduction of electronic travel authorisation (ETAs)," said Dewan.
"Though the decision has been taken, the orders have not been issued as the implementation does take time. While the software for the system is in place, there is a need to train the manpower," he added.
"India will have one of the friendliest visa regimes once the electronic visa facility is introduced."
