In a move expected to give a boost to tourism, the government has allowed collective landing permits for foreign tourists arriving in groups.
As per the latest notification issued by the Home Ministry, the facility of collective landing permit for group tourists will be available at major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvanathapuram, Goa and Kochi.
Seaports in Marmagoa (Goa), Kochi, Calicut, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Nhava Sheva, Chennai and Kolkata will also have the facility.
"This is a tourist-friendly move and will help in increasing the number of foreign tourists coming to the country," Indian Association of Tour Operators president Subhash Goyal told PTI.
However, Goyal said the government should now allow e-visa system to facilitate tourists visiting the country.
Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi welcomed the Home Ministry notification.
The facility of collective landing permits would be available to nationals of all countries except Afghanistan, China, Ethiopia, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin.
