Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 28 announced that first 5 lakh tourists who’ll visit India once international travel resumes, will not have to pay visa fees. However, one tourist can avail benefit only once.

Sitharaman said, “To revive tourism, the new loan guarantee scheme will support 10,700 regional level tourist guides and Travel and Tourism stakeholders (TTS) recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and the State governments.” She further said, “Once international travel resumes, first 5 lakh tourists who come to India will not have to pay visa fees.

Scheme applicable till March 31, 2022, or will be closed after distribution of first 5 lakh visas. One tourist can avail benefit only once.”