India will introduce a flexible e-tourist visa regime based on tourist footfall, with higher fee for July to March peak season and a considerably lower fee during April to June lean period, Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration of a meeting with state government representatives on tourism, Patel said the move was to encourage tourists to visit India, report agenceis.
"India to offer 30-day e-tourist visa with $10 fee during lean period April to June and $25 fee during peak tourism period from July to March," he said.
While the Home Ministry has approved the new visa regime, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is soon expected to give its approval on the fee aspect, officials said.
A new five-year e-tourist visa will be introduced with $80 fee and a one year e-tourist visa with $40 fee, Patel said.
"For Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, lean period visa fees is $10 and for e-visa of 30 days, 1 year and 5 years is $25," he said.
