Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said India has started implementing the liberalised visa regime with effect from April 1, a move that will help boost tourism and services trade. In a series of tweets, she said the Cabinet on November 30 last year approved various measures for such relaxation of rules which are being implemented from April 1 this year.

“Multiple entry tourist and business visas for a period of five years will now be available to nationals of most of the countries. With effect from April 1, e-visa is sub-divided into 3 categories — e-tourist visa, e-business visa and e-medical visa,” she said.

The e-visa facility has now been extended to nationals of 161 countries for entry through 24 airports.