The government is set to launch a visa on arrival scheme for Japanese visitors on March 1, as part of its efforts to make immigration procedures easier for foreigners coming to India. The Times of India reported that the earlier visa on arrival scheme, which 12 countries could avail of, included a long wait at one of eight designated airports before visitors could get their visas stamped. A home ministry officer said the government is now trying to cut the process shorter. The government might also allow tourists to pay the visa fee by credit card, so that the paperwork and fee payment is done before the tourist reaches immigration.

As part of a plan to bring more tourists to India, the Tourism Ministry proposed giving foreigners a mobile SIM card as soon as they arrive in India. PTI reported that the Home Ministry had approved the move. Along with the SIM card, foreigners will also get a kit including emergency numbers, tips on travelling in the country, information about tourist destinations and so on.

An e-visa is currently being given to nationals of 113 countries, who are allowed to arrive at 16 designated airports. The government plans to introduce the e-visa scheme to more countries. The current budget covers extending the e-visa to cover 150 countries by the end of this financial year.