Question : GROUP TOURISM BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN



(a) whether there is any proposal to permit group tourism between India and Pakistan, increasing the number of religious shrines that pilgrims from either country can visit on the other side ;

(b) if so, the details of scheme prepared therefor ;

(c) whether any consensus has been reached between the two countries on the proposal; and

(d) if so, the details thereof ?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)

(a), (b) (c) & (d): As per the existing provision, Pakistani nationals consisting a group of not less than ten persons are entitled for fourteen days non- extendable group tourist visa. However, in the proposed revised draft visa agreement between India and Pakistan, which is yet to be finalized by Ministry of Home Affairs, there is a provision that Group Tourist Visa can be used by the tourists as well as pilgrims of the two countries.