E-Visa may make visa-on-arrival redundant: Tourism Minister

PANAJI: Union Tourism Ministry said that the visa-on-arrival facility, which is being mulled for large number of countries might become redundant once e-visa facility is introduced.

"Visa on arrival (VoA) for six airports would be extended within a month. But moreover we are working for e-visa facility which will help tourists to get their travel document by applying online. Once e-visa facility is introduced, VoA is likely to become redundant," Union Tourism Minister Sripad Naik, told PTI today.

The minister, however, said it is always better if the traveller have both, visa-on-arrival and e-visa, facilities which will aid airports to increase number of footfalls in the country.

Naik said that the Union Home Ministry is working out on the possibility of e-visa, considering the security point of view.

"The procedures are going on (for e-visa). Union Home Ministry is checking the security of airport and other aspects," he said.

Naik stated that the entire procedure for e-visa facility will be in place by June next year.

Home ministry in the past had raised concern over security issues while implementing the facility.

Naik said that the help of Interpol can also be taken while scrutinising the applications of the tourists for visa in the country.

"The worry is that the criminal should not enter the state taking advantage of e-visa facility," he added.