The Centre on Thursday said it would begin granting fresh tourist visas to foreigners coming to India through chartered flights from October 15.

Foreign tourists travelling by flights other than chartered aircraft would have to wait till November 15.

Tourist visas have been suspended by India since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic last year.

The Union home ministry on Thursday said it received representations from several state governments and various stakeholders in the tourism sector to start tourist visas. The ministry consulted all major stakeholders like the ministries of health, external affairs, civil aviation, tourism and several state governments where foreign tourists are expected to arrive.

“After considering various inputs, the MHA has decided to begin granting of fresh tourist visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021. Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15 on fresh tourist visas,” the ministry said in a statement.

All due protocols and norms relating to Covid-19 as notified by the ministry of health and family welfare from time to time will have be followed by foreign tourists, carriers bringing them into India and all other stakeholders at landing stations.

“With this, the restrictions placed on visa and international travel stand further eased given the present overall Covid-19 situation,” it said.