The much-sought-after e-visa facility at the Biju Patnaik International Airport will become a reality soon with the authorities finalising the infrastructure and other requirements for introducing the facility at the airport for foreign visitors.
With the introduction of the facility, foreign tourists arriving here with e-visa will be able to stay for various reasons including for tour, business or medical treatment.
At present, the facility is there at 26 Indian airports with Madurai joining the group on October 17.
“The state government has formed a committee to look after infrastructure and other things required for introduction of the e-visa facility. The team has visited the airport and suggested different measures and we have already incorporated those. Another visit of the team is scheduled,” said airport director Suresh Chandra Hota.
Hota, though didn’t confirm the exact date for introduction of the facility, hinted of the upcoming hockey world cup to be the deadline for the project. “The committee will visit the airport to confirm on the infrastructure we have added for e-visa facility. The service will be introduced very soon,” said the director.
Bhubaneswar is expecting arrival of more than 15,000 foreigners during the upcoming men’s hockey world cup to be held here between November 28 and December 16. Officials said that the e-visa was the much-needed facility needed for such a grand sports event.
“The hockey world cup is going to put the city on the international map. The city will be one of the attraction points if the administration is able to satisfy the visitors mainly those who are coming from other countries. It is going to be the greatest opportunity for the city,” said Unit-III resident Anjana Mallik.
A traveller to the country requires a valid passport and visa to stay here. The Indian government offers two options for travelers – a traditional visa and an e-visa, which is issued electronically. The e-visa is issued for a double entry visit with duration of stay up to 60 days from date of first entry to India.
