Indian Embassy likely to have a say in giving e-tourist visa to Chinese

NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in China is also expected to have a say in issuance of E-Tourist Visas (ETV) to any Chinese national, an additional safeguard that India is planning to incorporate for China on the lines of the ETV procedure for Sri Lankan nationals. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has recommended this safeguard. Top government sources told ET that ETV for China will be operationalised along with 31 other countries by mid-July, nearly two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement in Beijing on May 15 notwithstanding stiff objection from the Intelligence agencies.

However, a security rider is proposed that there will be an “additional check” by the Indian Embassy in China regarding every person applying for an ETV. Sources said this arrangement is also in place for Sri Lanka as well as a group of countries who are proposed to be added to the ETV list in the future, in contrast to the totally online ETV procedure for a majority of 74 countries at present. “The local embassy will be having some inputs due to their local knowledge.

The embassy’s comments will be asked for and will have a role in determining if the ETV is to be granted,” the official said.