Question : Arrival of Foreign Tourists on e-Visa

(a) whether the number of foreign tourists visiting the country is on steep rise after launching of e-tourist visa scheme;
(b) if so, the number and status of tourist inflow in the country along with their nationality and the revenue earned therefrom, during the last three years and the current year, country-wise including dignitaries visited India on official business;
(c) whether the Government is going to capitalise this advantage and attract more tourists by extending e-visa facility to more countries in the world;
(d) whether the Government is taking any steps to simplify rules for foreign tourist and to provide them better services and security in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the measures taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India for various purposes including official business during 2014, 2015 and 2016 were 7.68 million, 8.03 million and 8.90 million (Provisional), respectively. Nationality-wise break-up of FTAs during 2014 and 2015 are given in Annexure-I. FTAs for the current year is not available. Nationality-wise break-up of FTAs during 2016 is not available.

The number of FTAs on e-Visa during 2014, 2015 and 2016 were 0.39 lakhs, 4.45 lakhs and 10.80 lakhs, respectively. Nationality-wise break-up of FTAs on e-Visa during 2014, 2015 and 2016 is given in Annexure-II. This information is not available for the current year.

The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during 2014, 2015 and 2016 were Rs.1,23,320 crore, Rs.1,35,193 crore and Rs.1,55,650 crore, respectively. Nationality-wise break-up of FEEs from tourism in India is not available. This information is not available for the current year.

(c) to (e): Liberalization of visa regime is an ongoing process. At present, the e-Visa facility is available for citizens of 161 countries. Government has also approved further simplification and rationalization of visa regime in India.

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