August 17, 2026 09:06 am (IST)
Follow us:
MHA renames tourist visa on arrival scheme as e-Tourist Visa from tomorrow
New Delhi, Apr 14 (IBNS): The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to change the name of the scheme 'Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorization' to 'e-Tourist Visa' (eTV) from Wednesday.
The extension of the scheme to more countries and airports will be in a phased manner, in order to avoid any confusion.
Government of India had launched ‘Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization’ (TVoA-ETA) on Nov 27, 2014 to 44 countries at nine airports to facilitate short duration international travellers.
Since the launch of the scheme, one lakh ten thousand (1,10,000) Visas have been issued by Government under this scheme.
It has been observed that the name of the scheme (TVoA-ETA) is creating confusion among tourists.
Tourists presumed as if the Visa is being granted on arrival, however in present system the pre-authorization of Visa to foreigners is being given prior to travel. Ministry of Home Affairs had also received the requests of name change from some Indian embassies.
A committee of officers from Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and Bureau of Immigration (BoI) was formed for formulation of new name for the scheme. A contest was also conducted on mygov.in inviting suggestions on the name of the scheme.
Keeping in view the application process and purpose of the scheme, the committee had suggested e-Tourist Visa (eTV) as the appropriate new name for the scheme.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Abu Dhabi offers complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian tourists: Check eligibility now
Tue, Aug 11 2026
Ladakh to launch India's first high-altitude wildlife safari; spot snow leopards like never before
Fri, Aug 07 2026
Nearly one in two Kolkata travellers now plan holidays around culture, Durga Puja leads the way: Report
Thu, Aug 06 2026
Air India boosts Canada operations with new Mumbai–Toronto flights, deploys B787-9 on Delhi route
Wed, Aug 05 2026